the scripts
Paul D. Hart has been writing for the screen since 1999, with work spanning feature films, television pilots, short films and episodic comedy. His stories are visually driven and emotionally grounded, often centered on people navigating trauma, fractured families, adolescence, identity, and the consequences of what goes unspoken.
His writing moves between drama and comedy, but remains rooted in behavior, performance and lived-in detail. The award-winning short Three Fingers reflects that approach, using restraint and visual storytelling to explore the aftermath of war and unaddressed trauma. His current television project, Mosh, was named a Finalist in the 2026 Scriptation Showcase Script Competition.
On the day of their high school graduation, a tight-knit mid-90s grunge band on the verge of their first tour sees the most promising night of their young career violently unravel - forcing them to confront fractured families, personal failure, and an adulthood they crave but aren’t ready to face.
Defect -v. - {di-'fekt}
Feature Film | Suspense
Raised in an isolated cult where all women are mysteriously barren, a young woman escapes, and becomes miraculously pregnant. Hunted by those who want her back, she must navigate a fractured, authoritarian America with the help of a smuggler promising freedom in the seceded “Blue” states.
D. All of the Above
Short Film | Surreal/Thriller
A surreal, fragmented descent through the psyche of three high school outcasts—each confronting identity, trauma, and mortality—as their interwoven paths edge toward an irreversible breaking point. A dark meditation on cruelty, regret, and the desperate need to be seen before it’s too late.
I Haven't Laughed in a Year
Feature Film | Comedy
After realizing he hasn’t laughed in more than a year, a chronically unhappy man plans a month-long road trip through comedians, roadside attractions, awkward reunions and increasingly desperate attempts to make himself laugh. If it fails, he’ll give up and move to Gary, Indiana, the only place that makes sense to never laugh again.
Bright Light
1-hour Pilot | War
Based on true events, this Vietnam War pilot follows an elite MACV-SOG recon team as they navigate covert missions, moral ambiguity, and personal trauma deep behind enemy lines—where survival depends on loyalty, instinct, and impossible choices. Vietnam's "Band of Brothers"
86 Manners
1-hour Pilot | Comedy
At a failing upscale chain restaurant, a talented but stalled young artist and his unruly co-workers battle impossible customers, corporate absurdity and a manager desperate to save his job—while trying to keep their friendships, ambitions and dignity from being 86’d along with tonight's special.
Saturday Train
Feature Film | Drama
When a socially isolated gamer caring for his dying grandmother blurs the line between his online fantasy world and real life, a volatile romance with a troubled girl pulls him into a collision course with her abusive stepfather—and his own unraveling sense of reality.
Paul is an immaculate talent in the craft of storytelling. His thoughtful approach toward ensuring the best possible outcome for your script is his primary objective, as he has elevated my work on more than one occasion. His expertise and knowledge in the industry are without question. In short, a definite recommendation!
~ James Welday | Screenwriter