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.
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 8-month program, with the support of using the program’s tools and resources to support creative growth and development.
What We're Looking For
We’re seeking 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.
Apply now if you:
- Are a storyteller
- Have a desire to have your voice represented
- Envision yourself working in film and TV
- Are looking to transfer your 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.
Program Eligibility and Requirements
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
Fellows are required to attend all in-person and online programming throughout the duration of the 8-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 January 2026, virtual and in-person programming throughout the 8 months, along with a weekend retreat in Spring 2026. We also require the completion of monthly assignments.
Learn more about the program in the FAQ
Key Dates
Subject to change
Applications Open: September 22, 2025
Applications Close: November 3, 2025
Interviews: November 20 to December 10, 2025
Fellows Notified: December 15, 2025
Program Starts: January 17, 2026
Program Ends: August 2026
Time Commitment
All events will happen both in-person and virtually on weekends and/or the evenings to accommodate work and/or school schedules as best we can. Participants are expected to attend all in-person sessions. Prelude will make special accommodations as needed to support our fellows.
Apart from our Premiere Half-Day Event and Weekend Retreat, expect approximately 3-6 hours for monthly cohort gatherings, mentorship sessions, and programming events throughout the eight months.
Read more in our FAQProgram 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