About Prelude

Prelude was co-founded by Abbi Jacobson and Mieka Tennant with a clear vision: to level the playing field for entry into the film and TV industry.

Through years of experience, Abbi and Mieka saw firsthand the unwritten rules of success, how access to networks, events, and insider knowledge often dictates opportunity. They understood what it takes to thrive, and more importantly, who often gets left behind, and how difficult it can be to gain the confidence to create.

Rooted in play, experimentation, and the belief that creativity flourishes before credentials, Prelude lives up to its name: a beginning, a spark, a moment of preparation for what’s next.

Prelude launched in 2025. Learn about our inaugural cohort.

The film and TV industry presents a range of challenges, from securing project funding to building networks and economic viability. Many careers in this industry are often inaccessible to those without the necessary funds, resources, and connections, making it essential to address these disparities with a priority on underrepresented communities.

Prelude has responded to these systemic barriers by creating moments of access and opportunities that directly challenge the industry's exclusivity. Through targeted programming and strategic partnerships, Prelude opens doors for emerging storytellers.

In the first year of the program, our applications showed that: