OKRE has launched ‘Thriller Lab’ – a £75,000 funded development programme for writers and producers. The programme will run over 3 months, commencing in January 2026.
It will back 10 writer/producer duos with £7500 in funding, workshops and expert insight to craft bold thrillers grounded in real-world science, research and lived experience.
OKRE is looking to back thrillers that go beyond just shock and suspense to tell stories that resonate with authenticity and depth. From unsettling psychological dramas, chilling horrors, black comedies, and high-stakes political thrillers, OKRE is seeking stories that shake up what audiences think they know. The strongest projects will challenge existing ideas and open fresh perspectives on the world.
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.
How to Apply:
Please apply via the application portal on the OKRE web page here.
Details of Payment to Writers:
£7,500 award to cover time, travel, and collaborator fees.
Deadline Date & Time:
Submissions close on Friday 7 November 2025, 23:59.
Source: BBC Writers