Kate Shenton is a talented, London-based screenwriter and filmmaker. Her edgy teleplay "Savage" recently won Season 5 of Filmmatic's Horror Screenplay Awards. Kate was kind enough to take time away from her writing efforts to give us some insight into the life and methods of a prolific writer.
1) How long have you been writing?
A few years now… I started out writing because originally I wanted to be a director, and therefore needed some projects to direct. However the more I got into writing the more I realized it was the right path for me. I love getting lost in my imaginary world, inventing characters and then taking them to hell and back. I think it’s one of the most exciting things you can do.
2) What screenwriting training have you received?
I haven’t received any proper screenwriting training. However, I do work part time on a filmmaking BA and MA teaching screenwriting and in many ways this has been my training. Working with students can really help you improve your own work.
Also, I found the biggest learning tool for me has been getting as much feedback as possible. I really feel that if you embrace feedback, particularly blind feedback as friends and family are always going to be a little too gentle, it will help really improve your work. You can learn a lot from it.
3) What genres do you lean towards? Are all of your works thriller/horror?
I do have a massive soft spot for the horror genre, particularly horror comedy. I naturally have a very dark sense of humor, and a lot of my early work has been within this genre. However, I’m now branching out into different genres. My latest script is more of a rom-com, which I’ve been having a lot of fun writing. Really, I want to develop my writing in all genres and be as a versatile writer as possible. But there will always be a special place in my heart for a little bit of gore!
4) Our judges loved "Savage", how would you describe the pilot to our readers?
Savage is the story of two rival serial killers battling it out on a university campus. One is an arty, hotheaded sociopath who suffers from panic disorder, the other is a cold blooded psychopath who desperately wants to feel an emotion. They have a love/hate relationship. One minute they're best friends, the next they are trying to kill each other. It’s been a hugely fun script to write, and I really hope I get the opportunity to further develop the world. I have so many ideas for it…