FAQ

Applications for the 2025 cohort are now closed. The inaugural program commenced in January 2025 and runs until August 2025.

Please watch this space for upcoming iterations of Prelude.

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 them 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 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, for fellows push the boundaries of their storytelling and connect with a community of fellow creatives. This work is 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 are provided with networking opportunities, a stipend, and tools to support them in their careers. Prelude will provide Cohort meals and support local transportation for fellows when attending events as well as childcare, as needed.

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.
• 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

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

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.

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

Prelude selected 10 fellows for its inaugural year.

Prelude helps fellows build fundamental frameworks around collaboration, industry foundations, and refining their creative process. Through workshops, panels, and group discussions led by the Prelude team and industry leaders, they will strengthen their essential skills.

Months 1 + 2

Ground – In this phase, we will focus on softening and arriving. Our curriculum will center around one’s dreams, intentions, memories and story. Facilitation will be focused on establishing norms and a culture that supports vulnerability and trust.

Months 3 + 4

Root – In this phase, we will focus on developing a practice to integrate our creative work into our daily lives. We will also begin to touch on the industry at large, discussing the fundamentals of film and TV careers and establishing pathways for our fellows to envision their future.

Months 5 + 6

Build – In this phase, we will continue our work on collaboration and our creative practice as it relates to the collective. We will discuss themes such as personal agency, establishing boundaries in collaboration, and how to give and receive feedback.

Months 3 + 4

Ascend – In this phase, our work will focus on the actionable tools needed to enter the industry and the various points of entry. We will also focus on the internal tools required, such as courage, communication style, and self-confidence.

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