In preparation for our upcoming 2026 Apprentice Program, we’ve decided to take a look back. Tongal’s apprenticeship program has always been about more than simply observing from the sidelines; it’s about stepping directly into the creative process, learning on real sets, and building confidence through hands-on experience. As the program continues to shape emerging talent, it’s worth taking a moment to look back at former apprentices and hear how their time with Tongal helped influence the paths they’re on today.
Two past participants, Lionel R. Jeffires and Drake Stokes, recently reflected on their experiences in the program, offering insight into how those early opportunities translated into long-term growth within the industry.
For Lionel R. Jeffries, the Tongal apprenticeship provided something that can be difficult to access early in a creative career: real-world experience on professional commercial sets. While working on a project for Chime, Lionel was able to engage directly with the pace, expectations, and collaborative environment of a working production.
“I had a great time, it was a great way to gain experience on real commercial sets,” Lionel shared. “The hands-on experience I received through the program was something that helped inform the way I worked on sets afterwards.”
That hands-on exposure proved invaluable. Rather than learning through theory alone, Lionel gained practical knowledge that carried forward into his later work. Being embedded in a live production environment allowed him to observe workflows, understand set etiquette, and develop instincts that only come from experience. The apprenticeship didn’t just teach skills; it helped shape how he approached future opportunities with confidence and professionalism. Lionel has gone on to work on a multitude of commercial sets.
Drake Stokes’ reflection highlights another core strength of the Tongal apprenticeship program: its people. For Drake, the experience of getting hands on expereince with a Hasbro set extended beyond technical learning into something more personal and expansive.
“The time spent as a Tongal apprentice was nothing short of extraordinary, from the people I got to meet to the places I got to see,” Drake said. “Everyone I came in contact with felt so welcoming and knowledgeable about their craft that I had every opportunity to soak up as much as I could.”
That sense of openness and mentorship created an environment where learning felt natural and encouraged. Being surrounded by experienced professionals who were willing to share their knowledge allowed Drake to absorb lessons not just about filmmaking but about collaboration, adaptability, and creative confidence.
Today, Drake continues to build on that foundation. He is currently working as a freelance Assistant Camera while also directing his own projects. His path speaks to the flexibility and momentum the apprenticeship helped foster, allowing him to move fluidly between roles while continuing to grow as a filmmaker.
The reflections from Lionel and Drake underscore a common theme: the Tongal apprenticeship program doesn’t end when the project wraps. The lessons learned, whether through hands-on production work or meaningful connections with fellow creatives, continue to inform how apprentices navigate the industry long after their time in the program.
By offering real-world experience, access to professional sets, and a welcoming creative community, Tongal’s apprenticeship program helps emerging talent take meaningful steps forward. As former apprentices continue to carve out their own paths, their stories serve as a reminder of the lasting impact that early opportunities, mentorship, and trust can have on creative careers.
Looking back, it’s clear that the program’s influence reaches far beyond a single project, shaping how participants see their craft, their collaborators, and their place within the creative industry. If you are looking to gain valuable on-set experience, apply for the upcoming 2026 Tongal Apprenticeship Program today!
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