The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) and Starz have officially announced the highly anticipated class of their 2025 Showrunners Incubator, marking a significant stride in promoting diversity within the television industry. This collaborative initiative is designed to cultivate the next generation of leadership among Asian Pacific Islander TV writers, providing them with essential tools and guidance to ascend to showrunning positions.
Now in its second year, the #TakeTheLead diversity initiative continues to serve as a critical pipeline for emerging talent. At the helm of this impactful program is Melinda Hsu, an acclaimed executive producer and showrunner known for her work on series like “Nancy Drew” and “Tom Swift,” whose leadership promises to enrich the experience for all participants.
The Showrunners Incubator is meticulously structured to provide unparalleled support to writers poised for showrunning careers. Participants benefit from exclusive mentorship opportunities with established industry professionals, alongside rigorous real-world training and comprehensive education designed to hone their creative and executive skills, fostering their Television Development.
This year’s incubator class arrives at a crucial juncture for the industry, particularly in light of recent challenges highlighted by the WGA. Statistics reveal a sharp decline in TV writing jobs, especially at the critical co-executive producer to showrunner levels, underscoring the urgent need for programs that equip writers with leadership experience and reinforce TV Industry Diversity.
According to Rhian Moore, CAPE’s head of programs, this decline creates fewer opportunities for writers to gain vital leadership experience both in the writers’ room and on set. However, CAPE’s program is already demonstrating success, with alumni from its inaugural year successfully transitioning into showrunning roles, validating the program’s effectiveness in providing crucial Entertainment Mentorship.
Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming at Starz, emphasized the importance of the CAPE Starz Partnership, stating that the Showrunner Incubator is a vital channel for elevating new voices and connecting them with seasoned TV executives and producers. This collaboration empowers established writers to advance their careers while allowing Starz to champion inclusive storytelling.
The 2025 cohort comprises an exceptional group of experienced drama, comedy, and animation writers, each with imminent shows in various stages of development. Their collective talent and diverse perspectives are set to inject fresh narratives and innovative approaches into the television landscape, reinforcing the impact of the Showrunners Incubator.
Among the distinguished individuals selected are Freddie Gutierrez, a Chamorro storyteller renowned for bringing Pacific Island perspectives to Hollywood, and Kathryn Lyn, a two-time Hugo-nominated Filipino American writer focusing on working-class narratives. The class also includes Melissa Rundle, a Canadian American screenwriter with a diverse heritage, and Yamara Taylor, a Peabody Award-winning writer and executive producer with over two decades of experience, all contributing as exemplary Asian Pacific Islander Writers.
The ongoing success of this program underscores its critical role in nurturing creative leaders and ensuring a more representative future for television. By investing in these talented individuals, CAPE and Starz are not only addressing industry gaps but actively shaping the direction of storytelling for global audiences, fostering long-term Television Development within the industry.
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