OKRE connects the film, TV, and gaming industries with researchers and lived experience to create entertainment that sparks real social change

About Us

OKRE is a catalyst for entertainment content challenging misleading perceptions.
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Our Work

Find out more about our current programmes:

OKRE Fund

The OKRE Fund provides financial support to early-stage imaginative, meaningful and collaborative entertainment projects. OKRE funded projects currently in development include dramas, comedies and videogames.

OKRE Fund: Thriller Lab

Fuelling bold new thrillers, powered by real-world expertise.

Thriller Lab will bring together creative talent and world-class experts from academia and the charity sector. Over three months, selected participants will develop early-stage ideas into powerful stories for film, TV, video games, and social platforms (including vertical dramas). Successful applicants will gain support in accessing world class research to support the development of new ideas.

We’re backing thrillers that dig deep into the human condition – stories that combine edge-of-your-seat suspense with authentic insights.

Find out more and how to apply below:

Thriller Lab

Thriller Lab is a funded three-month development programme for writers and producers.
It will support duos to create bold, gripping thrillers grounded in real-world science, research and expertise. 

Who can apply?

The Lab is open to:

  • Writers with agent representation or demonstrable writing credits for TV, film, games or digital first content (links to IMDB, MobyGames or personal website).
  • Producers attached to a production company
  • You must apply as a duo (writer + producer).
  • You must be UK based.

What's on offer?

If selected, each writer–producer duo will receive:

  • £7,500 award to cover time, travel, and collaborator fees
  • A place in the three-month hybrid programme (mix of in-person and online)
  • Two workshop days, plus collaborator matchmaking and coaching
  • Development support with chosen experts
  • A dynamic peer-to-peer learning community within the cohort
  • The opportunity to pitch projects to OKRE and partners

What kind of projects are we looking for?

We’re backing thrillers that explore the human condition – psychological dramas, horrors, political thrillers, crime, legal or medical dramas – with fresh perspectives.

Projects must benefit from collaboration with experts in at least one of these areas:  

  • Mental health (e.g. depression, anxiety, psychosis)  
  • Inequality & injustice (poverty, corruption, systemic bias)  
  • Infectious disease (outbreaks, viruses, antibiotic resistance)  

 

We will be hosting two online Q&A sessions to answer your questions on Wed 15th October, 1pm and Mon 3rd Nov, 1pm - links to join:
Wed 15th October Mon 3rd Nov

FAQ's

We strongly recommend you read our FAQ section before moving on to the application portal below.

Does Thriller Lab replace the previous OKRE Fund?

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.

What makes a strong application?

  • 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  

Do I have to give up my rights to the idea if selected?

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. 

Can I use existing IP?

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

Can I use AI in my application?

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.  

I'm a games creative, can I still apply?

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. 

I’d like to submit a vertical drama – does that count as social first?

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

Do I need to already have an academic or charity collaborator attached? 

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. 

What do you mean by ‘collaborators’? 

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.  

What’s the time commitment?

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 

How many awards are available?

10 writer–producer duos will be selected. 

How long is the application window open for?

Applications open Friday 26th September and close Friday 7th November.

I'm not in the UK, why can't I apply?

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.

How will applications be assessed?

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 

 

What happens if we are awarded funding?

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  

What happens at the end of the Lab? 

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. 

Will there be further funding available? 

Possibly. OKRE may explore further development opportunities for projects that show strong potential. 

Access during application process

If you would like us to make adjustments during the application process, please contact us by emailing [email protected] with the subject line ‘Application Process’.     

I have questions about my application - who can I contact?

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 [email protected]. This inbox will be monitored during office hours only, and we ask for your patience as we work through any queries.

For technical queries with the Zealous platform, please contact a member of the Zealous team via the live chat or at [email protected].

 

Click here to apply to Thriller LAB
APPLICATION PORTAL WILL OPEN IN A NEW WINDOW

Check out there projects previously supported by The OKRE Fund:

VIDEOGAME: WINDRUSH TALES

A unique game focusing upon the trials and tribulations of the Windrush generation
Read more here...

FILM: BLACK DOG

Two teenage boys from very different London backgrounds embark on a road trip up North together.
Read more here...

FILM: MY BLONDE GF

A powerful documentary short exploring the impact of deepfake pornography.
Read more here....

FILM: The Ceremony

Two migrant workers find themselves thrown together in a quest to bury a body in this hypnotic and visually stunning drama.
Read more here....