Paul Holbrook is a prolific, multi-award-winning writer and director, renowned for his emotionally charged, character-driven storytelling. A proudly working-class filmmaker, he was born and raised on a rough council estate in South West Bristol, forging a career against the odds. Despite a lack of formal education and a challenging upbringing, he carved his path into the industry through sheer determination, unmatched work ethic, and a deep understanding of human stories that resonate worldwide.
Starting as a screenwriter, Paul gained industry recognition through prestigious competitions such as PAGE, Screencraft, and Shore, before reaching the final 1% of The Academy Nicholl Fellowship—one of the most coveted screenwriting accolades in the world. His talent has been nurtured through career-defining programs by Creative England, BAFTA, BBC, and the BFI, firmly establishing him as an emerging powerhouse of British storytelling.
As a director, Paul has cemented his reputation for crafting intimate yet cinematic films that have captivated audiences and juries alike. His work has been officially selected at top-tier, BAFTA, BIFA, and Oscar-qualifying festivals including Palm Springs, BFI London, Encounters, and Aesthetica, earning him widespread acclaim and an ever-growing collection of awards.
Paul’s horror sensation ‘Hungry Joe’ was not only nominated for a London Critics Circle Award but also hailed by Short of the Week as “One of the UK’s great modern horror shorts.” His gripping follow-up, ‘Hollow’, funded by The Pitch Film Fund, continued his streak of critical and festival success, securing Best Cinematography at Rhode Island International Film Festival. His short ‘Shiney’, backed by BFI Network, amassed over 3 million views online, while ‘Old Windows’, released via Directors Notes, was met with glowing praise.
Paul’s latest short, ‘Boys Like You’, is making waves on the festival circuit, receiving high-profile praise from Shane Meadows, who called it “A short but potent punch in the cinematic guts!”
His talent and impact have been recognized at the highest levels, with Paul being handpicked for the BFI’s flagship career development program Network@LFF, the BBC Voices scheme, and the prestigious 2024 Brit List, celebrating the UK’s most exciting screenwriters.
With multiple film and TV projects in development, Paul is collaborating with leading production companies on bold, socially resonant storytelling. He is represented by United Agents, and is rapidly becoming one of the most in-demand and respected voices in British cinema today.
contact: jjones@unitedagents.co.uk
