FAQ

Applications are now closed.

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. Abbi and Mieka have witnessed the essential elements for success and the exclusive networks that often dictate opportunities - they’ve seen the type of events, resources, and connections that are needed to succeed. Together, their shared vision is to unite their unique experiences rooted in found family, elevate unheard voices, and foster creative growth.

The program is intended to be a foundational bridge program that will enable fellows to access the next level of film and tv programs, fellowships, and grants. Prelude, true to its name, celebrates the event that precedes and prepares you for something significant.

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

Apart from the regular programming and mentorship, fellows will be provided with networking opportunities, a stipend, and tools to support them in their careers. Prelude will provide ​Cohort meals, local transportation to fellows, and childcare support at events when needed.

Applicants must:

• Be available from January 2025 to August 2025 to participate in the program
• Be able to participate in regular programming in 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

Be prepared to discuss your creative vision, past experiences, and future aspirations in detail. We recommend drafting your responses in a working document before submitting them via the online application form to avoid any potential loss of information.

• 5 Short Answers
• Resume/CV - If you're needing support with resume structure, you're not limited to use this but here's a great resource.
• 2x Reference Letters and Reference Contact Information
• Creative Asset(s)

This Personal Creative Asset can take many forms. Its purpose is to showcase who you are and help us better understand your unique identity. We ask that this asset be created specifically for your Prelude application. Feel free to take it in any direction you choose and express yourself in whatever way inspires you. This can include something written, a mood board that represents you or your storytelling style, visual references for a film or TV show idea, a personal video sharing something about you, or a sound recording describing a day in your life. Ultimately, it can be whatever you feel best represents you and your point of view. Please be sure to read the fine print outlining the parameters for the asset on the application form.

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

No. Prelude is unable to subsidize any travel, lodging and/or visa expenses for any participants attending from outside of the Greater Los Angeles area.

Fellows must be available to participate in regular in-person programming.

Subject to change

Application Open: October 15, 2024
Application Close: November 15, 2024
Fellows Notified: December 11, 2024
Program Starts: January 11, 2025
Program Ends: August 16, 2025

The program will run from January 2025 to August 2025. Below is an overview of the calendar of events, please note it is subject to change and the total time is approximate. All in-person events will be on the weekends and/or the evenings to accommodate work and/or school schedules as best we can. The Prelude team will work with fellows to understand special accommodations. Total hours do not include additional time for reflection, self-guided assignments, or additional opportunities that may arise.

Cohort Council is a monthly 1.5-2 hour gathering of the 10 fellows and Prelude’s facilitators. It will vary from in-person to virtual.

Mentorship Sessions will occur 6 times in the 8 months for 1 hour. It will be up to the fellow and their mentor to decide the best day and time to meet. All fellows and mentors will sign agreements to hold each other accountable for these sessions.

January: Premiere Half-day Event and Cohort Council - 8 hours

February: Mentorship Session and Cohort Council - 3 hours

March: Mentorship Session, Panel, and Cohort Council - 5 hours

April: Mentorship Session and Cohort Council - 3 hours

May: Mentorship Session, Workshop, and Cohort Council - 5 hours

June: Weekend Retreat and Cohort Council - 2 full days and 2 hours

July: Mentorship Session, Film Club, and Cohort Council - 6 hours

August: Mentorship Session, Cohort Council, and Finale Event - 7 hours

Prelude will work with fellows to understand and accommodate their needs.

Applicants will be evaluated by a wide range of traits including creative vision, passion, and curiosity represented in their application, creative asset(s), references, and interview. See Prelude’s evaluation guiding values below:

Guiding Values:

Storyteller – Demonstrates the ability to fully immerse others in a narrative, whether through creating or supporting storytelling. Shows a deep belief in the power of storytelling and a desire to connect with people through this art.

Passionate – Exhibits a strong drive or enthusiasm for finding their path or pursuing a particular interest. They may be actively seeking to uncover and harness their passion, even if they feel uncertain about how to access it.

Creative Vision – Displays a unique vision or aesthetic, showcasing originality and a distinctive approach to storytelling or artistic expression.

Curious – Demonstrates a willingness to explore and be guided through new experiences. They are inquisitive about the "why" and "how" of things and approach life with a sense of curiosity. They are open to new experiences and perspectives.

Purposeful – Demonstrates grit and determination, driven by a clear and meaningful mission. Their motivation is fueled by a sense of direction and a deep commitment to their objectives

From an equity-seeking group / Under-represented voice – This may be someone from a systematically-excluded group or someone who has a special story to tell.

Candidates will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of professionals from film and TV, as well as impact professionals.

We will select 10 fellows for our inaugural year.

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.

Prelude is a tuition-free program.

Email us at prelude@tenderpictures.com.