Award-winning UK based screenwriter and producer, currently developing low budget feature scripts and producing narrative and docu shorts.
I’m available as a screenwriter for hire and as a script consultant, co-writer and script polisher.
Paul Harker
Screenwriter
Winner of fourteen international screenwriting competitions.
A visiting lecturer in screenwriting at the University of Leeds and volunteering as a script mentor at the Oakwood Film Academy.
A graphic designer, art director and creative director in marketing for 26 years, I have earned a living utilising the written word throughout my working life. I have previously written scripts for corporate films, commercial radio and TV in roles at McCann-Erickson, WWAV North and Outsmart, as well as music videos and short films. In 2018 I co-edited the bid for Leeds to become the European Capital of Culture in 2023.
In 2015, my burgeoning interest in scriptwriting led me to leave the marketing business I owned and ran, set up as a sole trader and focus on developing my craft and career as a scriptwriter.
In summer 2019 I completed the MA TV & Radio Scriptwriting at Salford University, based at MediaCity. I was awarded a distinction, and won the award for Best Student on the course and also Best Postgraduate Student in the School of Art & Media.
I define myself as a Northern, working-class scriptwriter. Many of the projects I develop are set in the city where I live and tackle themes of isolation, education, social politics, economic deprivation and class structures in contemporary society.
In 2020 I worked at the University of Leeds as a Script Supervisor on the BA (Hons) Film, Photography and Media course. I supported the development of second year student scripts during the Creative Practice module.
I currently volunteer as the Screenwriting Mentor at the Oakwood Film Academy. The not-for-profit Academy helps members of the community develop short films. I work with the students on their short film scripts as well as deliver presentations on screenwriting theory and practice.
Produced and Performed Works:
The Blade (2022)
Short film. Directed by Bob Jordan
Written and co-produced by Paul Harker.
Official Selection for the Spirit of Independence Film Festival, Sheffield, and the Indie Nuts Film Festival, Germany.
The Old Turk (2019)
Short film. Directed by Jay Robey.
Written and co-produced by Paul Harker. The Old Turk was an Official Official Selection for the Lift Off Global Network Manchester Online Festival.
Avocado Hand (2018)
Short Radio Play. Produced by Bamalam Productions.
Avocado Hand (2018)
Short stage play. Performed at Script Yorkshire’s Page2Stage Event.
Test Match Battle Field Special (2017)
Short stage play, performed at Two Bit Theatre’s Salon Showcase.
Scriptwriting Competition Success:
Daisy Daisy
4 wins, 1 finalist, 1 semi finalist, 1 quarter finalist
Winner 13Horror.com Film & Screenplay Contest, Horror Feature 2022
Winner Paris Play Film Festival 2021
Festival, Best Feature Script 2021
Winner Horrors4you Best Screenplay 2022
Winner Hollywood Blood Horror Best Original Screenplay 2022
Finalist Multi Dimensional Film Festival 2022
Semi Finalist Los Angeles Crime and Horror Film Festival 2022
Quarter Finalist Scriptwriters & Co International Festival 2022
Red Mist
3 wins, 1 runner up, 1 honourable mention, 2 finalists, 1 semi finalist, 2 official selections
Winner Bloodstained Indie Film Festival, Best Feature Script 2021
Winner Hollywood Blood Horror Best Original Screenplay 2021
Winner Grim North Screenplay Festival, Horror Feature 2020
Runner Up The Things in the Basement Fest, Horror Feature 2020
Honourable Mention / Included in the Blood List British Horror Film Festival 2020
Finalist 13Horror.com Film & Screenplay Contest, Horror Feature 2020
Finalist Los Angeles Crime and Horror Film Festival 2020
Headshot
2 wins, 2 semi finals, 1 quarter final
Winner Paris Play Film Festival 2020
Winner London Screenwriting Contest 2021
Semi Finalist Eurasia Internation Film Festival 2021
Semi Finalist Finish Line Script Competition, 2017
Quarter Finalist Shore Scripts, 2016
Rat
4 wins, 1 finalist, 1 nomination, 1 quarter final
Winner 13Horror.com Best International Screenplay 2021
Winner The Thing in the Basement Horror Fest 2021
Winner Underground Horror Film & Screenplay Contest 2021
Winner Hollywood Blood Horror Best Original Screenplay 2021
Finalist Eurasia Internation Film Festival 2021
Nominated Horrors4You, 2021
Quarter Finalist Finish Line Script Competition, 2018
Murderabilia
1 win, 1 Finalist
Winner Hollywood Blood Horror Best Original Screenplay 2021
Finalist 13Horror.com Film & Screenplay Contest, Horror Feature 2021
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