PRS Foundation and Amazon MGM Studios reveal 4 talented composers receiving targeted Prelude support in 2026

15 January 2026 - Press release

 

• Carrie Penn, Fernando Gimeno, Jolene Khor and Rebekah Fitch selected to receive up to £3,750 each in grant support and mentoring
  
  
• Grantees were announced at a special event at BAFTA

PRS Foundation, the UK's leading charitable funder of new music and talent development, together with Amazon MGM Studios reveal the second round of talented UK-based composers to receive Prelude support which addresses under-representation within the world of media composition.

The four composers each receiving talent development bursaries of up to £3,750 and mentoring are:

• Carrie Penn – Support will enable Carrie to attend industry events and upgrade recording software and equipment
• Fernando Gimeno – Support will enable dedicated time to compose and attend training workshops seminars and industry networking events
• Jolene Khor – Support will enable the mixing, mastering, promotion and manufacturing of a new album for table top RPGs and sync licensing
• Rebekah Fitch – Support will enable time to compose for a live ensemble, record, mix, master, release and promote the work and also to purchase new software.

 

Prelude was launched in 2024 as a pilot initiative designed to support composers from under-represented backgrounds working in original music for film and television productions, by developing the skills and networks and with the ultimate aim of boosting their creativity and careers.

In the pilot, four composers, Lucy Hackett, MIRARI, Rebekah Reid and Ruth Lyon, were selected from a nomination process for support enabling time and space to create, update creative tools such as software, attend development events and receive mentoring.

This year, the four composers receiving Prelude support were selected via an open call and were announced at a special event at BAFTA on Monday this week (see press images).

Elizabeth Sills, Grants & Programmes Manager at PRS Foundation said, "Huge congratulations to all four talented composers receiving this year's Prelude support. We're delighted that through this targeted initiative we can support exciting under-represented composers to develop their practice, opportunities and experience and build their careers in media composition. We're looking forward, together with their mentors, to following their journey and the positive impact of this opportunity on their careers."

Louisa Rainbird Head of Music, Europe Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios at Amazon MGM Studios said. ""We're delighted to welcome Carrie, Fernando, Jolene, and Rebekah to Prelude 2026. This initiative represents our commitment to building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for film and television music. In collaboration with PRS Foundation and our composer ambassadors, we're creating a meaningful educational and mentorship framework that will open doors and expand opportunities for emerging composers who deserve a place at the table. We're excited to support these talented creators as they develop their craft and contribute fresh perspectives to our industry."