Luis Garcia has been announced as the inaugural winner of the Robert McKee International Screenwriting Scholarship at Regent’s University London.
The award is worth £7,000 per year, and will be given each year to one student on the BA (Hons) Screenwriting & Producing programme.
Luis told Regent’s that he had studied McKee’s classic text Story at home in Los Angeles and that it had been instrumental in his development.
He said: "Being the recipient of the Robert McKee International Screenwriting Scholarship is an unbelievable honour. Having my name attached to a true titan of the industry shows the world that I have the necessary tools to take the next steps in my writing career with Regent’s.”
Robert McKee is a Fulbright Scholar and the world’s most sought-after screenwriting lecturer. For the last 30 years, he has educated and mentored screenwriters, novelists, playwrights, poets, documentary makers, producers and directors.
McKee commented: “I’m proud and excited; proud to welcome Luis as the first Robert McKee International Screenwriting Scholar, and excited to see where his writing talent and education lead him.”
As well as reduced tuition fees, Luis will be given a complimentary place on Robert’s legendary ‘Story’ seminar, as well as free attendance at the London Screenwriters’ Festival, which has been hosted at Regent’s for the last few years.
William Harris, Regent’s Head of Programmes, Film, Media & Performance, said: "We’re thrilled to have Luis as the Robert McKee International Screenwriting Scholar this year. Our association with Robert is based on a strong commitment to the art of story and we’re sure that Luis will have a fantastic journey developing his screenwriting with us."
Neil Herrington, Head of Student Recruitment, added: “Luis was a really impressive applicant and is very deserving of the scholarship. We’re all really excited to watch what happens when you combine Luis’s talent with our degree in Screenwriting & Producing and Robert McKee’s considerable insights and influence. We have great expectations for Luis’s future!”