Katt's work is distinctive for its style, rhythm, the progression of its narrative. Her movies touch something deep in the psyche. They have a consistent and coherent sensibility and I thought it would make sense to show her work as a body.
In 1986, she was on location in the Philippines when she struck up a friendship with Andy Ruben. The two of them started writing scripts together, and succeeded in getting The Patriot (1986) made for Roger Corman. Corman agreed to Finance another Ruben-Shea script with Shea directing, Stripped to Kill. The resulting movie was successful and launched her directorial career.
In a 1990 review of Streets, the Los Angeles Times said Shea "continues to show that she is a first-rate talent, as terrific at handling hard action with style and dispatch as a drawing the best from her casts."
Katt Shea married collaborator Andy Ruben. They divorced in 1992 after 13 years of marriage.
Shea made a number of films for Corman based on scripts by herself and Ruben. Corman later described her as a "”talented Director. She’s particularly good with actors, having been an Actress herself. She’s taught herself about the camera and has gotten better with each picture.”
