FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do I have to be of Asian American or Pacific Islander heritage to apply?
A: No. The CAPE New Writers Fellowship is open to writers over 18 years old of any race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Q: Does my script have to have Asian American and/or Pacific Islander characters or themes?
A: No, scripts do not explicitly have to feature Asian American and/or Pacific Islander characters or themes. We recommend submitting your strongest work regardless of theme.

Q: What kind of scripts do you accept?
A: Applicants must submit an original episodic pilot script. Episodic scripts should be in either half-hour or one-hour formats. Anthology and limited-series scripts are accepted. Animation scripts are also accepted as long as they are in the half-hour or one-hour format (e.g., in the vein of BOJACK HORSEMAN, SOLAR OPPOSITES). At this time, we do not accept feature scripts or scripts for short-form digital series/animation formats.

Q: May I submit a spec script for a pre-existing show?
A: No, all scripts must be for an original episodic pilot or an original feature. We do not accept spec scripts of existing shows.

Q: Is there a cost to apply?
A: Yes, there is a non-refundable application processing fee of $65.00 per submission. Fee is subject to change.

Q: Do you offer any fee waivers?
A: Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to offer any fee waivers or discounts.

Q: Am I allowed to submit more than one script?
A: Yes, writers are allowed to submit multiple scripts. Each script requires a separate application and separate non-refundable application processing fee.

Q: May I submit the same script I submitted in a previous year?
A: It is up to you, but we do not recommend it.

Q: Will I receive feedback on my script if I am not selected?
A: Due to the high volume of submissions, we are unable to provide feedback on individual scripts or applications.

Q: I am not a citizen of the United States of America. May I still apply?
A: Yes, however, all writers must be eligible for employment in the United States. CAPE is unable to provide any type of Visa or work permit sponsorship or assistance – no exceptions.

Q: What is the timeline of the Fellowship?
A: Finalists will be notified by February 2023. Sessions are expected to begin in March 2023 and run through April 2023. All dates are subject to change.

Q: When does the Fellowship meet?
A: Fellowship sessions are typically held twice a week, on Monday and Wednesday evenings for 3 hours each session. All sessions are held in Pacific Time. Schedule is subject to change.

Q: Who will own the rights to my script after the Fellowship?
A: Writers retain all rights to their scripts. CAPE makes no ownership claim to any submitted script (whether or not the applicant is selected for the Fellowship).