Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment Unveils 2026 New Writers Fellowship Participants

The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) recently announced the cohort selected for its esteemed 2026 New Writers Fellowship, a significant initiative aimed at fostering emerging talent within the screenwriting community. According to Variety, this program is recognized for its dedication to preparing new writers for successful careers in Hollywood. Now in its fourteenth iteration, the fellowship serves as a crucial professional development platform. It offers participants invaluable mentorship, industry exposure, and a structured curriculum designed to hone their craft and navigate the complexities of the entertainment sector. The selection process is highly competitive, identifying individuals with exceptional potential to contribute fresh perspectives and compelling narratives to film and television. The 2026 class features a diverse array of promising writers, each poised to benefit from the program's comprehensive support system. Among them is Haley Chung, who will receive guidance from Vicky Luu, an executive producer known for her work on "St. Denis Medical." Luu's involvement highlights the caliber of industry professionals who lend their expertise to the fellowship, providing participants with direct access to experienced mentors. Other notable members of this year's class include Daniel Ha, whose mentor is slated to be Gloria Fan, a supervising producer on "Family Guy." The inclusion of such established figures as mentors underscores CAPE's commitment to connecting rising writers with seasoned veterans who can offer practical insights and career advice. This mentorship component is a cornerstone of the fellowship's design, facilitating a direct transfer of knowledge and experience. Additionally, Aaron Jin, a co-producer on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart, will guide emerging writer Christina Lee. The variety of mentors spanning different genres and production roles reflects the broad scope of storytelling within the entertainment landscape and the diverse career paths available to screenwriters. This strategic pairing aims to align fellows with mentors whose expertise best matches their individual writing aspirations and styles. Sam Laybourne, an executive producer for "CSI: Vegas," will mentor Peter Liu. The fellowship also welcomes Maggie Shen, who will be mentored by Mike Gauyo, the co-executive producer of "The Chair." These mentorships are designed to be intensive, offering personalized feedback and strategic direction to help fellows refine their scripts and develop their professional networks. Lastly, emerging writers Nicole Zhou and Tiffany Zehnal are also part of the 2026 group. This comprehensive program, as reported by Variety, continues to play a vital role in addressing representation in Hollywood by actively promoting Asian and Pacific Islander voices, ensuring that a wider range of stories and perspectives reaches global audiences.