FAQ

Applications are now closed for the 2026 Prelude Program.

Tender Pictures’ fellowship program, Prelude, was co-founded by Abbi Jacobson and Mieka Tennant with the vision of leveling the playing field for entry into the 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 piece together all of the pieces to gain the confidence to create.

In the fall of 2023, they realized what was missing: a space that comes before everything else, a space where emerging storytellers can meet their people, find their voice, and be given the space to play. A year later, Prelude was launched, opening applications for its inaugural 8-month fellowship, offering just ten spots for its first cohort.

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 space of exploration and play, where storytellers can discover their unique voices, experiment with new ideas, and collaborate with others. It’s a supportive environment designed to foster creativity and growth, where fellows push the boundaries of their storytelling and connect with a community of fellow creatives.

This work is accomplished through a monthly curriculum that includes:

• Hands-on workshops
• Panels with industry experts
• Six one-on-one career strategy sessions with a designated mentor
• Group discussions and exercises with the cohort
• Monthly assignments
• Weekend overnight retreat

While we expect our fellows’ full engagement, the program is built to accommodate both life, school, and work commitments.

Prelude invites all early-career, aspiring storytellers to apply to the program.

Applicants must:

• Be able to participate in regular programming in the Greater Los Angeles area. Prelude is unable to subsidize any travel, lodging and/or visa expenses for any participants attending from outside of the Greater Los Angeles area. Prelude will not accept applications from people residing outside the Greater Los Angeles area.
• Be at least 18 years of age at the start of the program
• Not be a member of any union or guild that represents film and television professionals
• Not have any major professional credits on feature films or television
• Ideally, has limited education and working experience in film and TV
• Has limited-to-no experience working in any capacity in the industry

Our program curriculum is designed for individuals who have not yet had experience working on features, TV series, or in previous fellowship, mentorship, or accelerator programs.

We welcome applications from individuals who have previously applied.

Yes! Prelude is intended to support early-career, aspiring storytellers.

Applicants will be evaluated by a wide range of traits, including creative vision, passion, and curiosity represented in their application, creative asset, references, and interview.

Applications are reviewed by a selection committee composed of film and TV professionals.

We will select 10 fellows for our 2026 cohort.

Prelude helps fellows build fundamental frameworks around collaboration, industry foundations, and refining their creative process through play and exploration.

Through small-group conversations, hands-on workshops with industry experts, and thoughtfully designed opportunities for connection and skill-building, you’ll gain creative clarity, career guidance, and practical insight while advancing your work.

Beyond technical skills, we focus on cultivating essential collaborative abilities: giving and receiving feedback, recognizing the power of your unique voice, and refining your creative process. A cornerstone of our approach is helping fellows understand their value, both to themselves and to one another, emphasizing the incredible asset of having your people to dream and create with.

Prelude balances introspection and self-discovery with expansive thinking, creating moments of awe and wonder with industry panelists and facilitators who can shift your perspective and reveal new paths forward.

No, Prelude is a tuition-free program.

Prelude is committed to the communities we serve by building key partnerships that expand our resources, enhance outreach, connect with our target applicants, and deepen our understanding of their needs. This ensures that our programming aligns with the voices and priorities of those we support.

Our impact partners include: Girls Write Now, Reparations Club, Los Angeles LGBT Center, InsideOut Writers, A Place Called Home, Young Storytellers, and Youth Cinema Project.

Our industry partners include: A24, Motion Picture Association, Final Draft, The Criterion Collection, and Shot Deck.

Yes! Prelude is intended to support early-career, aspiring storytellers.

No. Prelude cannot subsidize any travel, lodging, and/or visa expenses for any participants attending from outside the Greater Los Angeles area.

Subject to change

Applications Open: September 22, 2025
Applications Close: October 26, 2025
Interviews: November 20 to December 10, 2025
Fellows Notified: December 19, 2025
Program Starts: January 17, 2026
Program Ends: August 2026

If you require special accommodations, please share specific details and expectations in advance. The Prelude team will do our best to support your needs and assess what is possible within the scope of the program. Please note that participation involves a series of in-person events and workshops that require your full engagement.

The Prelude team will communicate via email with all recipients regarding the status of their application.

Fellows will need to have access to an internet connection and hardware to support Zoom video conference calling and other programming throughout the fellowship. The fellows are also required to attend all in-person program events and community events, ranging from small gatherings to groups of up to 60 people.