The Reel Collective Script Development Scholarship
Open to all accredited Kentucky college and university students. Submit a 20–30 page short film script and compete for a contingent scholarship awarded when your script is selected for production.
Our Dreammakers
We call our emerging talent Dreammakers™ — and every Reel Collective production belongs entirely to them.
What winners receive
More than a scholarship.
The scholarship is contingent — it is only awarded when your script is selected for production. When it is, here's what you receive:
Tuition scholarship
A scholarship applied toward your tuition at your enrolled Kentucky college or university.
Full production
Your script is produced as a short film by Reel Collective — fully crewed, mentored, and completed.
IMDb credit
You receive a professional IMDb credit as the screenwriter of record on the produced film.
Copy of the finished film
You receive a copy of the completed film for your portfolio and personal archive.
Premiere invitation
You are invited to the official film premiere as a guest of honor to see your story on screen.
Eligibility
Who can apply
The scholarship is open to currently enrolled students at any accredited Kentucky college or university. There is no GPA requirement — all majors and all backgrounds are welcome.
Script requirements
- 20–30 pages in standard screenplay format
- Short film format (no feature-length submissions)
- Original work — no adaptations without rights
- Must include a logline and synopsis
- PDF upload required for scholarship consideration
- Must select the scholarship checkbox when submitting
Participating universities
Kentucky schools
Students from any accredited Kentucky institution are eligible, including but not limited to:
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- Western Kentucky University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Northern Kentucky University
- Morehead State University
- Murray State University
- Kentucky State University
Selection process
How we choose
Scripts are reviewed by the Reel Collective production team. Scholarship applicants are evaluated on the same criteria as all submissions, with additional consideration given to the writer's academic enrollment and the script's potential as a vehicle for emerging talent.
Story & structure
Does the script have a clear beginning, middle, and end? Is the story compelling and focused?
Character
Are the characters distinct, motivated, and interesting to watch? Do they drive the story forward?
Dialogue
Does the dialogue feel natural and reveal character? Does it serve the story without being on the nose?
Originality
Does the script offer a fresh perspective, unique voice, or an unexpected take on its subject?
Production feasibility
Can the script be produced as a short film with our resources? Is the scope appropriate for 20–30 pages?
Emerging talent potential
Does the script provide strong roles for emerging actors and meaningful crew challenges?
Important: Contingent award
The Reel Collective Script Development Scholarship is a contingent award. It is only disbursed when a scholarship applicant's script is selected for production. Submitting does not guarantee production selection or scholarship disbursement. All scripts — scholarship and non-scholarship — are reviewed together under the same criteria.
Ready to submit your script?
Head to the script submission portal and check the scholarship box to apply.