LaunchPad Talent Joins ITV America's Prestigious ORBIT Program
From left: David George, George Norfleet, Dorian Robinson, Sahil Laul, Brea Thomas-Young, Jon Winkel
Dorian Robinson and Sahil Laul join ITV America’s ORBIT Program, showcasing Connecticut’s rising creative talent and the power of cross-sector collaboration
LaunchPad is proud to announce that two of our outstanding participants—Dorian Robinson and Sahil Laul—have been selected for the highly competitive ORBIT Program at ITV America, one of the nation's largest producers of unscripted television. This is not only a milestone moment for Dorian and Sahil, but a powerful validation of LaunchPad’s mission: creating and sharing life-changing career opportunities for young adults facing barriers.
This placement represents something larger than two individuals—it’s a collaborative win for Connecticut’s creative economy and a real-world example of workforce development, talent retention, and cross-sector impact. Through the combined efforts of LaunchPad, ITV America, Digital Media Connecticut (DMCT), the University of Connecticut, and the Connecticut Office of Film, Television and Digital Media, doors are opening for the next generation of creatives—and the results are taking off.
Meet the Orbiters: Dorian Robinson and Sahil Laul
Dorian Robinson, who recently graduated from UConn, has been part of LaunchPad since its very first Career Discovery session in May 2023. Since then, he has emerged as a standout creative voice, blending technical skill with strong narrative instincts. His short documentary IMMERSION—which captures the political journey of students during the 2024 New Hampshire primaries—has won multiple awards, including Best Documentary and Audience Choice at the Bridgeport Film Festival and a Silver Award at the Connecticut Art Director’s Club. Dorian’s last three short documentaries, Pauline & Me, Sketching the Dream and Red, White & Untrue, have all been picked up by PBS.org.
Dorian has also worked as a director and cinematographer on civic campaigns, branded content, and documentary shorts, producing video content for institutions including NBC Sports and Block Party. His work is marked by curiosity, care, and a desire to elevate real stories from the communities around him. You can explore more of his work at dorian-robinson.com.
Sahil Laul is an emerging filmmaker & creative producer-editor with experience at Netflix, Cpics TV, Block Party, and the UConn Human Rights Institute. Sahil has worked across branded content, documentary, and narrative formats—often in roles that span creative direction, post-production, and strategic planning. His campaigns have driven millions of views, scaled social engagement exponentially, and raised over $15 million for human rights initiatives.
In addition to his professional achievements, Sahil is the co-founder of Social Labs, a media innovation incubator focused on civic storytelling. His portfolio reflects not only a mastery of craft, but a deep commitment to purpose-driven storytelling. See his creative work at sahillaul.com.
ITV America’s Leadership and the ORBIT Program
ITV America, a powerhouse in unscripted content behind hit shows like Queer Eye, Love Island, and Hell’s Kitchen, is led by LaunchPad Board Member David George, who serves as CEO. Under his leadership, ITV America launched the ORBIT Program, a curated, career-launching fellowship that introduces emerging creatives to all aspects of nonfiction television.
Participants in ORBIT gain immersive exposure to development, casting, post-production, and creative strategy. The program combines mentorship, training, and real industry access—helping build the skills and networks necessary to succeed in the entertainment world.
LaunchPad’s relationship with ITV America has been instrumental in creating opportunities like this. Past fireside speakers Danielle Gervais, EVP of Casting & Talent, and Val Laleuf, EVP of Post Production, have shared their expertise directly with LaunchPad participants, offering insider advice and authentic encouragement. Dorian and Sahil’s selection is a perfect example of how those early touchpoints lead to real-world results.
A Win for Connecticut’s Creative Economy
This announcement also marks a significant moment for Connecticut’s growing entertainment industry. LaunchPad, Digital Media CT, UConn, and the Connecticut Office of Film, Television and Digital Media—led by LaunchPad Board Member George Norfleet—have each played a key role in creating pipelines that prepare and retain creative talent in-state.
The success of Dorian and Sahil shows what’s possible when public, private, and nonprofit organizations align around a shared goal: building inclusive access to meaningful careers. From classrooms and workshops to major production companies, these pathways are helping to shape a more dynamic, more equitable entertainment workforce.
LaunchPad in Action
Dorian and Sahil’s placements are not one-off victories—they are exactly the kind of outcomes LaunchPad was designed to create. This is access turning into impact. Preparation meeting opportunity. Talent rising through support, mentorship, and a powerful network of collaborators.
Their journeys demonstrate the potential that exists in every LaunchPad participant—and the transformative impact of opening the right doors at the right time.
What’s Next
We couldn’t be more excited for Dorian and Sahil as they begin their ORBIT journey. They carry with them the energy, creativity, and spirit of the LaunchPad community, and they represent what’s possible when vision and investment come together.
We invite you to learn more about the ORBIT Program and follow their progress:
