Thriller Lab

With Thriller Lab, the OKRE Fund has shifted to a more focused programme, designed to invite applications to a specific creative brief. Successful applications will be part of a cohort, with access to a support scheme in the development of their work.

Thriller Lab is currently the only scheme available to access support from the OKRE Fund.

• A gripping, original idea with clear thriller potential  
• A duo that can demonstrate creative ambition and commitment  
• A project that would genuinely benefit from working with external expertise  
• Evidence of how the collaboration could enhance your story’s impact  

You will retain all copyright and other intellectual property rights of your work; we do not and will not claim ownership or rights over any part of it. 

• A gripping, original idea with clear thriller potential  
• A duo that can demonstrate creative ambition and commitment  
• A project that would genuinely benefit from working with external expertise  
• Evidence of how the collaboration could enhance your story’s impact  

Projects must be original works of fiction – we can’t accept applications based on existing IP or real-life stories. 

If you’re thinking about using AI, we ask that you consider what value it adds. We’re looking to understand your unique ideas and perspectives and find that comes through best in your own voice.  

Yes. The Lab is open to writers and producers working across film, TV, video games, and social-first platforms. If you’re a games writer with agent representation and partnered with a producer, you’re eligible to apply. We’re excited to see thriller ideas that push the boundaries of storytelling in interactive formats. 

Yes, we are excited to receive submissions for vertical dramas. 

No. You don’t need to have someone in place when applying. OKRE will help you find the right collaborator(s) once you’re in the programme, but you must identify what area the expert will help you with i.e. For our project our main character will experience psychosis, so we would want a collaborator to help us with this subject. 

We are using the term ‘collaborators’ in this context to mean subject experts such as academics, or relevant charities who will help you find people with lived experience. Their insights will help you add authenticity and depth to your thriller.  

The Lab runs for three months, starting January 2026. It includes:  

• Two in-person workshop days (dates TBC)  

• Regular online check-ins and coaching  

• Independent collaborative development with your chosen expert(s)  

• An evaluation session at the end of the programme 

• You’ll need to commit to the full programme 

10 writer–producer duos will be selected. 

Thriller LAB is designed just for UK-based creatives. Since it’s a funded programme with both online and in-person events, we’re only able to welcome participants based in the UK. To take part, successful applicants will also need to have a UK-registered company.

Funding decisions are made by a committee made up of the OKRE team and expert external assessors. All committee recommendations are then reviewed by the OKRE Board of Trustees. 

Should you have any personal relationships with any members of the committee, they will not assess your project to avoid any conflicts of interest. 

The committee will consider the following when reviewing applications:  

• Freshness of the idea and potential to impact 

• Potential for creative collaboration to shape the project 

• Ability to deliver on the ambition of the project 

• Relevance to one of our themes (mental health, inequality and infectious disease) 

• Strength of story and entertainment factor 

Selected applicants will be required to provide information to our due diligence partner for financial checks before funding is awarded. These include: 

• Confirmation of company incorporation 

• ID check on main project/finance lead 

• Confirmation of company bank account 

• Reputational Check  

The programme concludes with a pitch and feedback session with OKRE and partners. This is a chance to showcase your project and get constructive notes. 

If you would like us to make adjustments during the application process, please contact us by emailing funding@okre.org with the subject line ‘Application Process’.     

We will be hosting two online Q&A sessions to answer your questions on the following dates: 

Wednesday 15th October at 1pm 

Monday 3rd November at 1pm  

Please be aware that we cannot comment or advise on the content of your project. Any queries that are sent to us of this sort may not receive a response.

If you have a specific question that is not covered by the information as provided in the FAQs, please email funding@okre.org. This inbox will be monitored during office hours only, and we ask for your patience as we work through any queries.

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