Collegiate Fellows

SeriesFest invites undergraduate and graduate students from across the country to attend the festival as a Collegiate Fellow. With the Collegiate Fellows Badge, students gain access to a behind-the-scenes look at the TV industry through a guided festival schedule and student-exclusive programming. Engage with other undergrads & grad students from around the country who are interested in creating, producing, or distributing episodic television.

Eligibility: Currently enrolled college students and student groups are encouraged to apply.
Questions? Contact Education & Programming Manager Nicole Barker at nicolebarker@seriesfest.com.

SeriesFest: Season 12
May 6–10, 2026, in Denver, CO

Applications for SeriesFest: Season 12 are now open. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For questions, contact Education & Programming Manager Nicole Barker, at nicolebarker@seriesfest.com.

About SeriesFest’s Annual TV Festival

Talent Discovery Platform

SeriesFest offers independent episodic artists the unique opportunity to screen their pilots in competition at the festival in front of an audience of major industry players, network executives, and fans. Independent pilots that premiered at SeriesFest have been picked up by major networks including MAX, AppleTV+, AMC, BBC, Hulu, Netflix, Showtime and more!

Network Premieres & Events

SeriesFest has premiered acclaimed series like Yellowstone, Mr. Robot, Dr. Death, and New Amsterdam, while celebrating iconic moments like the 20th anniversary panel of Grey’s Anatomy, honoring groundbreaking television and storytelling.

Featuring Diverse, Global Series

Our vision is to ensure everyone sees themselves in television—both onscreen and behind-the-camera. We evaluate every production on their commitment to hiring and casting, focusing on those that fight for progress.

TV Industry Thought Leaders

From our signature State of the Industry panel, to artist-focused discussions, to TV series reunions, we host 40+ thought leaders on 10+ exclusive in-person panels.

Industry Professional Audience

SeriesFest attendees are 95% TV industry professionals, offering a networking experience like nowhere else. Find your future collaborators, access funding, and join a supportive, resilient community at SeriesFest.

Inside the Mind of Dr. Death: A Deep Dive with the Creative Powerhouse Behind the Series

Panel with Ashley Michel Hoban (Showrunner / Executive Producer, Dr. Death), Patrick Mcmanus (Creator / Executive Producer, Dr. Death), and Kelly Funke (President, Littleton Road Productions)

Breaking Into the Industry

Panel with Tara Westwood (Director / Executive Producer / Actress), Chiké Okwonko (Co-Founder, Mansa), and Elias Plagianos (Writer / Director, ESP Films Ltd.)

Discussing the Innovative Ways SAG-AFTRA is Covering Content

Conversation with Matt McDonald (Global Head of Connected TV and Streaming at Google)

Behind the Scenes with Universal Television Group Showrunners

Panel with Eric Ledgin (Co-Creator / EP / Showrunner) and Justin Spitzer (EP / Co-Creator)

Collegiate Fellows Badge access includes:

• Emerging and established content creators from across the globe
• Sneak peeks of independent episodic content and network premieres
• Exclusive one-on-ones with industry professionals
• Panel conversations with major industry players
• Festival lounges & networking
• Select Parties & Special Events

…and more! Exact schedule is subject to change depending on the festival lineup.

Previously represented schools:

SeriesFest is proud to partner with the Television Academy Foundation to showcase the annual College Television Award Winners

TV ACADEMY FOUNDATION

The Television Academy Foundation is bridging the gap between the classroom and the entertainment industry by providing direct access to the industry, nurturing careers, and offering professional development to support artists, artisans, and executives.

Last year, we were proud to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of preserving television history through The Interviews, which offer students, scholars, journalists, and fans the opportunity to learn from the leaders in our medium from yesterday and today.

Our programs are changing the entertainment industry for the better and enabling us to create a pipeline for our future while seeding the stories that will connect, entertain, inform, and inspire.