CAPE - Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment

CAPE, the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment, is a nonprofit organization that champions Asian American and Pacific Islander stories and talent in the entertainment industry. CAPE provides fellowships, mentoring, and networking opportunities for AAPI creatives at every career stage.

The organization has been a driving force behind increased AAPI visibility in film and television, supporting projects and artists who have gone on to achieve mainstream success. CAPE's programs address the pipeline problem by nurturing emerging talent and connecting them with industry decision-makers.

CAPE also conducts research and publishes reports on AAPI representation in media, providing data that informs advocacy efforts and helps hold the industry accountable. Their work benefits not only AAPI professionals but the broader push for diverse storytelling.

Many of CAPE's programs and events are free or low-cost, supported by donations and sponsorships. The organization's website provides information on upcoming events, fellowship applications, and volunteer opportunities.

AAPI actors and creatives should explore CAPE's fellowship and mentoring programs as valuable career accelerators. The community and industry connections built through CAPE can be transformative for emerging professionals. The organization has been particularly effective at connecting emerging AAPI talent with established industry figures who can provide guidance, introductions, and career opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible. CAPE's annual gala and showcase events have become important networking venues where relationships formed often lead to concrete professional collaborations.

Many of CAPE's programs and events are free or heavily subsidized, making them accessible to AAPI creatives at all career stages and income levels. Fellowship programs, which are among the most competitive offerings, are typically free to accepted participants and may include stipends or production grants. The organization's general events and screenings are often offered at no cost or for nominal fees ranging from ten to thirty dollars. CAPE's annual gala is a premium ticketed event with prices reflecting its high-profile guest list and networking opportunities, but scholarships and discounted tickets are sometimes available for emerging professionals. The organization is funded through corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and partnerships with studios and networks, which allows it to keep participant costs low. Compared to general industry networking events and conferences that can cost hundreds of dollars, CAPE's focused programming offers exceptional value for AAPI professionals specifically.

CAPE is an essential organization for any AAPI actor, writer, director, or producer who wants to build a career in the entertainment industry with the support of a community that understands their specific experiences and challenges. The fellowship programs should be a priority application for emerging AAPI creatives, as the combination of mentorship, industry access, and peer community is difficult to replicate through any other single resource. AAPI actors who are just starting out should attend CAPE events and screenings as a first step, even before applying to competitive programs, to build familiarity with the organization and its community. Non-AAPI industry professionals who want to support AAPI representation should engage with CAPE's research and attend their public events to build understanding and relationships. If you are an AAPI creative based outside of Los Angeles, follow CAPE's work online and attend virtual events while also seeking out local AAPI creative organizations that can provide in-person community. For maximum career impact, combine CAPE involvement with participation in broader industry organizations to ensure your professional network is both deep within the AAPI community and wide across the entertainment industry as a whole.

Apply to CAPE's fellowship programs as soon as you are eligible, and if you are not accepted on your first attempt, apply again in subsequent cycles, as the selection committee looks favorably on persistence and growth. Attend CAPE's public events and screenings even if you are not enrolled in a formal program, as these gatherings are where informal networking and relationship-building happen organically. Follow CAPE's social media channels and email newsletters closely to stay informed about new program announcements, submission deadlines, and industry opportunities shared within the community. When you attend a CAPE event, approach conversations with genuine curiosity about others' work rather than leading with what you need, as authentic relationship-building is valued far more than transactional networking. Volunteer for CAPE events if possible, as this gives you behind-the-scenes access and demonstrates your commitment to the community in a way that is noticed by organizers and attendees. Use CAPE's published research in your own advocacy efforts, citing specific data points when making the case for AAPI representation in meetings, pitches, or industry conversations.