CAPE NEW WRITERS FELLOWSHIP
Diversity starts on the page
The CAPE New Writers Fellowship (CNWF) discovers and nurtures emerging writers launching their careers in television and film. Founded and co-chaired by Emmy Award-winning creator and Showrunner Leo Chu and veteran film and TV executive Steve Tao, CNWF is one of few programs created by a creative and an executive. This immersive Fellowship arms each writer with the practical and business knowledge they need to succeed as a professional writer in the entertainment industry.
Over several weeks, CAPE brings in top television and film writers, producers, agents, managers, and executives for a series of intimate panels, workshops, and discussions. The Fellowship also features a Writing Lab where each Fellow is matched with a high-level industry mentor to help them revise their original script into professional level writing samples to get them noticed and land that all-important first staff job.
The Fellowship typically runs each year in early spring. Each Fellowship session and Writing Lab meeting takes place on weekday evenings - Pacific Time - for approximately 3 hours, twice a week.
“Being part of CAPE made the industry take me seriously as a writer.””
Alumni of the CAPE New Writers Fellowship have been staffed on every major broadcast network and streaming platform.
Thank you to our 2021 Partners!
Thank you for your interest in the 2021 CAPE New Writers Fellowship! Submissions for 2021 are now closed.
Each application consists of:
Complete, original script with all identifying information removed.
General Release Form (one release for each script submitted)
Resume
$65 non-refundable application processing fee paid via PayPal HERE
(Please save receipt as PDF for proof of payment. PDFs of email receipts or confirmations are also accepted.)
CLICK HERE for to review a sample application form
Eligibility Terms and Requirements:
You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
You or your script should be consistent with CAPE’s mission to champion diversity by educating, empowering, and connecting Asian American and Pacific Islander artists and leaders in entertainment.
You must have the ability to accept paid work in the United States. CAPE does not sponsor or assist with visas.
Your script must be in English. Additional languages are accepted with subtitles.
You must not have been employed as a staff writer (or higher level), regardless if you are submitting for film or TV.
You must not have had a film/script over $1 million budget produced, regardless if you are submitting for film or TV.
We accept original, feature film screenplays and half-hour or hour long pilots only. All genres accepted.
Your script must be in PDF format and in industry format.
Your script must not contain any identifying information (name, email, rep information) on any pages. You may include WGA or copyright registration numbers if you wish, but it is not necessary.
Your script must be original and you must own all rights to the script free and clear.
Your script must not be under an option and you must have sole authority over changes to the script.
We accept writing teams of up to 2 writers. You must be committed to pursuing a career as a writing team.
You must workshop and edit the script you submitted to the Fellowship, if accepted.
We do not accept revised or replacement scripts - no exceptions.
You may submit more than one entry in either film or TV, but they must be submitted separately with their own application and fee.
You must be available to attend every virtual session via Zoom which will be held on weekday evenings Pacific Time.
All entries are non-refundable.
Any applicant or writing team failing to meet the above requirements will be disqualified.
Both members of any writing team must meet all requirements.
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For any additional questions, please email info@capeusa.org.
Previous Mentors and Speakers include:
Adele Lim | Screenwriter, CRAZY RICH ASIANS
Aditya Sood | Head of Film, Lord Miller
Albert Kim | Showrunner, Sleepy Hollow
Alex Tse | Co-Creator & Showrunner, Wu-Tang: An American Saga
Chantal Nong | Vice President of Production, DC Films
Cherry Cheva | Co-Executive Producer, The Orville
Daniel Chun | Showrunner, Grandfathered
Daniel Chong | Showrunner, We Bare Bears
Dave Kalstein | Co-Executive Producer, Quantico
Eric Kim | SVP of Current Programming, CBS Entertainment
Franklin Leonard | Founder of The Black List
Glen Mazzara | Showrunner, The Walking Dead
James Wong | Executive Producer, X-Files
Jorge Gutierrez | Director & Co-Writer, BOOK OF LIFE
Lana Cho | Co-Executive Producer, Four Weddings and a Funeral
Monica Macer | Showrunner, Queen Sugar
Reena Singh | SVP of Current Programming, Walt Disney Television
Yahlin Chang | Co-Executive Producer, Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale