Shawn Harwell

Shawn Harwell serves as a Lecturer in Screenwriting at the School of Filmmaking, University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), where he teaches undergraduate screenwriting courses. An alumnus of UNCSA, he maintains an active career as a professional screenwriter while contributing to academic instruction.

His educational background includes:

• M.A. in Creative Writing from Miami University
• B.F.A. in Filmmaking from UNCSA

Harwell's professional practice centers on narrative construction across multiple media formats, with particular expertise in comedy-driven storytelling for film and television. His industry experience directly informs his pedagogical approach to screenwriting fundamentals, character development, and commercial narrative techniques.

Professional recognition includes:

• Top 10 finalist in the American Zoetrope Screenplay Contest (judged by Francis Ford Coppola)

Additional academic engagements encompass guest lectureships at Drexel University and Glendale Community College, plus jury service at the 2019 Nashville Film Festival. His teaching integrates current industry practices with foundational screenwriting principles.