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About Prelude

Our Story

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 and 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 is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.


Our Impact

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.

Statistics

  • 100%of our 2026 cohort identify as female-identifying and non-binary100%of our 2026 cohort identify as female-identifying and non-binary
  • 90%of our 2026 cohort identify as BIPOC90%of our 2026 cohort identify as BIPOC
  • 80%of our 2026 cohort identify as LGBTQIA+80%of our 2026 cohort identify as LGBTQIA+

Testimonial

“This is the opportunity that I have been wanting and waiting for. I have to remind myself that I deserve to be curious about this world and explore opportunistic pathways that can shape a life for me that I never thought I could achieve before.”

In their words, a Prelude applicant

Team

  • Abbi Jacobson
    Founder of Tender Pictures. Writer, Actor, Director
  • Mieka Tennant
    Head of Strategy and Impact at Tender Pictures
  • Lisa Escudero
    Brand and Program Advisor
  • Jenna Allchin
    Facilitator
  • Giovanna Fischer
    Facilitator
  • Davida Koren
    Facilitator

Advisory Board

  • Jenna Allchin
    Producer ex. YouTube, Spotify, Vogue
  • Paul Bernon
    Co-Founder and Partner, Burn Later Productions; Peabody Award-winning producer
  • Scotty Crowe
    Filmmaker, and VP of Audio WABE
  • Giovanna Fischer
    Chief Equity Officer, Los Angeles LGBT Center
  • Erika Flynn
    Head of Partnerships, Letterboxd, ex. TED, Sundance Institute
  • Abbi Jacobson
    Founder of Tender Pictures. Writer, Actor, Director
  • Davida Koren
    Legislative Deputy, City of Los Angeles & Youth Advocate
  • Candice Lu
    EVP, Qvest.US
  • Mieka Tennant
    Head of Strategy and Impact at Tender Pictures
  • Kim Yutani
    Director of Programming, Sundance Film Festival

Partners