Program
About Prelude
Prelude is an eight-month fellowship program that provides a generative space for a group of ten emerging film and TV creatives.
The program is intended to be a space for discovery and play, where storytellers can experiment with new ideas, develop their unique voices, and build meaningful connections within a small cohort supported by dedicated mentors and facilitators.
Applications for the 2027 Cohort are now open and will be accepted until October 28, 2026, at 11:59 pm PT.
About the Program
Prelude offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including hands-on workshops, panels with filmmakers, one-on-one career strategy sessions with a mentor, monthly in-person gatherings, group discussions and exercises, and an overnight weekend retreat.
Fellows will receive the guidance and support needed to navigate the challenges of building a creative career while actively working toward completing a project — such as a script, short film, or other narrative work — by the end of the program.
Please note, as an early storyteller, we encourage you to come in with the seed of an idea — a project you’re excited to develop and bring to life through the program. You don’t need to have a script yet or even the answers on how to complete one. Fellows will commit to the creation of something over the course of the program, with the support of using the program’s tools and resources to support creative growth and development.
Eligibility and Requirements
Prelude invites all early-career, aspiring storytellers to apply to the program.
Applicants must:
- Reside full-time in the Greater Los Angeles area and be able to participate in regular programming.
- Have limited-to-no experience working in any capacity in film and TV
- Ideally, have limited education in the industry
- 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
Fellows are required to attend all in-person and online programming throughout the duration of the eight-month program.
Fellows will need to have access to an internet connection and hardware to support Zoom video conference calling and other programming throughout the fellowship.
Fellows will take part in a series of one-to-one sessions with their designated mentor, an in-person premiere event in February 2027, virtual and in-person programming throughout the eight months, along with a weekend retreat. We also require the completion of monthly assignments.
Key Dates
Subject to change
Application Open: September 30 to October 28, 2026
Interviews: November 23 to December 14, 2026
Fellows Notified: December 16, 2026
Program Starts: February 2027
Program Ends: October 2027
Program Components
Prelude is intended to be 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, letting you push the boundaries of your storytelling and connect with a community of fellow creatives. This work will be accomplished through a curriculum that includes:
- Workshops, panels and group discussions
- One-on-one career strategy sessions with a mentor
- A weekend retreat
- Resources, tools, and more
What We're Looking For
Prelude seeks emerging storytellers with distinctive creative voices who are ready to take the next step in their film and TV careers but haven’t yet had the access or support to do so. You may still be figuring out your exact path, but you’re eager to grow and ready to commit.
Prelude aims to eliminate barriers to entry that are common requirements in fellowship programs, such as film and TV credits or professional experience.
Our fellows:
- Are storytellers
- Have a desire to have their voice represented
- Envision themselves working in film and TV
- Are looking to transfer their skills into the industry
We welcome applications from all communities to apply.
Prelude does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community.