Katt Shea:
"I like every single film I've ever made -- I really do. Some critics called a couple of them exploitation films, but to me what I was doing was never exploitative. I always had a strong point of view about my intention; it was never just to make money or to titillate or to horrify. I always had my purpose and I made those movies for myself. I can't imagine sitting around and trying to piece together elements that I think other people want to see. That would be so boring!"
Katt Shea was born in 1957 in Detroit, Michigan. She started out as a model, then went on to star in various T & A flicks in the early to mid 80's. She graduated to director in 1987 with the Roger Corman produced Stripped to Kill. She followed that up with a sequel in 1989 titled Stripped to Kill II: Live Girls, which was a surprisingly strong sequel. Also released that year was Dance of the Damned, which is about a stripper held hostage by a vampire who forces her to teach him about activities during the day. The two form a bond, despite the fact that she is merely dinner for him. The characters, their actions are what fuel the suspense of the film. In 1999, Katt made her first studio horror film, The Rage: Carrie II, which was meet with mixed criticism. Still, if anything her strong style is clearly evident here and the her trademark of getting strong performances from her cast is too. I had a moment to get Katt to answer a few questions for me about her career.
How did you get your start in the business?
I was fortunate enough to book small roles which was very helpful.
And how did you get started directing?
I started directing when I was 12 in my back yard. I wrote plays, cast neighborhood kids to be in them and then charged their parents to see them. It was a great business.
How would you describe the films that you have made?
I don't actually describe the films I've made, everybody else seems to do a great job of that and I'm very entertained by it. I just get inspired and start.
A common thread in your film's is your realistic characterizations of the lesser known people in society, the rejects if you will, how did this come about?
You write about what you know! I guess that makes me something of a reject, but luckily in our society people like us who are a little different seem cool to some people.
You seem to be able to draw out such strong performances from your cast in every film, sometimes better then anyone thought they had to give, how do you do it?
Actors respond to inspiration. When I believe in them they rise to their highest level. Also, because I am working to my highest level as much as possible, they feel it and get up there too.
What film are you most proud of?
I'm really proud of them all ... even the ones I wish I hadn't done. It's made me who I am now and I'm happy with that. I like it if I can watch part of a film I've done and see something new in it.
So what are you up to these days?
I am casting "The List" which is set to start shooting June 1.
Other noteworthy, non horror films include Poison Ivy which set off a storm at Sundance and introduced Drew Barrymore as a teenage lolita. Streets was another Corman produced film that told the story of a young homeless girl having to run for her life from a psychotic cop. The film expertly mixed elements of thriller, drama and horror to create a haunting film experience. Christina Applegate turned in the performance of her life in this film and the film created a tangible sense of the trails and turbaltions of being young and homeless. Simply put this film is a masterpiece.
The only films of Katt's I had seen up to 2000 were The Rage: Carrie II and Streets. Immediately after seeing Streets, I had to know who this director was and what else had she done. I found myself within the next year renting copies of the Stripped to Kill films, Poison Ivy and Dance of the Damned. Each film brought something new to the table and seemed to set trends for other films to come. I was hooked. I have to say when she said she was directing a film called The List, I was thrilled, because it has been about 9 years since she last directed a film and I can't wait to see her futute projects! If you are going to base weather you give any of her films a chance off of The Rage: Carrie II, you are limiting yourself and missing out on some great work.
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