Horror Artist Showcase: Writer Patrick Melton

Patrick Melton is a prolific writer known for his significant contributions to the horror genre in Hollywood. With a knack for crafting chilling narratives and compelling characters, Melton has made a name for himself through his work on some of the most iconic horror franchises of the 21st century. He is best known for co-writing several installments of the “Saw” series, which have become staples in the horror film canon, thrilling audiences with their intricate plots and gruesome twists.

Beyond the “Saw” series, Melton has expanded his repertoire to include other notable horror projects, such as “The Collector,” “The Collection,” and “Piranha 3DD,” showcasing his versatility and depth in creating suspenseful and engaging horror experiences. His talent for blending psychological horror with visceral scares has earned him a dedicated following among genre enthusiasts.

As we sit down with Patrick Melton, we delve into his journey, inspirations, and the elements that make horror such a powerful and enduring genre. Get ready for an in-depth conversation with one of Hollywood’s masters of horror.

Reelybored(RB): What initially inspired you to become a screenwriter?

Patrick Melton (PM) The money and fame, of course. No, but seriously, I wanted to do something I enjoyed, so at the age of twenty-two I was too stupid NOT to drive out to L.A. and pursue a career with zero contacts within the industry and a few thousand dollars in my pocket.

RB: Your first break into the business was through HBO, then Bravo’s, Project: GreenLight where your writing partner, Marcus Dunstan, and yourself along with director John Gulager were declared the winners of the competition, hence the birth of Feast. Can you tell us what that whole experience was like?

PM: Life changing. I went from not having a writing career to getting my script made and being put on TV. It was crazy. Marcus and I were terrified. We saw the previous seasons and were very conscious not to look like jerks. So, we tried to keep our mouths shut, which probably made for rather boring TV (perhaps why no more seasons followed ours).

RB: What did it feel like being a newcomer and seeing your script, Feast, come to life on the big screen?

PM: Fantastic! It was totally new and amazing. We did the sound mix at Lucas Sound up near San Francisco. It was surreal being at that place, really not having a clue. 

RB: A quick scenario: You are sitting at home when, Bam! An idea pops into your head that can possibly be a great film. How would you describe your writing process?

PM: Usually pretty frantic. We’re very busy, so if I want to do something on spec like that, I have to do it fast. I’ll outline pretty thoroughly and then write the first draft as quickly as possible, trying to stay in the same mind frame the entire time. 

RB: Did you ever want to break from your role as a screenwriter and take on a different role, such as director?

PM: Not really. Marcus is the director. He has to deal with that constant headache.

RB: Looking at your resume, you seem to have a flare for horror. Is it a particular genre that you enjoy writing for?

PM: Yeah, I like it, of course. I grew up on horror films. But we’ve done a lot of horror. So, we currently are flexing other muscles. We’re doing sci-fi movie with Brad Peyton, a big video adaptation that’s more action-based, an Amblin-vibe type horror/sci-fi piece. We’re branching out a bit from the typical teen running in the woods being chased by a madman with an axe-type thing.

RB: Tell us a little about Piranha 3DD and what fans can expect in this new entry that makes it different from the first.

PM: Well, we worked on the first one. This one is a little more amped up. That’s the studio’s doing. They pushed it more into the absurd, perhaps. I think there’s more nudity. The characters are a bit more out there. And the kills happen more than just in a large body of water, but don’t ask me about the science in all that. 

RB: What was your initial reaction to coming on board to scribe its sequel, having seen the first Piranha (2010)?

PM: We worked on the first film but just didn’t get credit. We’re friendly with Dimension and John Gulager, so it was a pretty natural fit.

RB: Piranha 3DD, much like its predecessor, looks like a fun film and an extremely great time – was it just as fun writing it?

PM: It was fun. But keep in mind, Marcus and I were one of many writers on this. We did the first two drafts. Some things we did I miss from the final cut of the movie.

RB: You were also the writer to fan-favorite The Collector, directed by your writing partner Marcus Dunstan. Can you give us a sneak peek at what’s in store for us in the sequel, The Collection?

PM: The sequel is really good. It just screened a couple of times in Cannes and did very well. We’re supposed to come out in theatres this coming winter. All I can say is that it’s a bigger beast. Just as intense as the first film, if not more, but everything has been elevated. It worked out really well, very proud.  

RB: Being a fan of The Collector myself, two of the things that intrigued me were the use of the booby traps and the mystery of the collector himself. Will we be seeing more booby traps in the sequel and will there be more insight/revelations of The Collector in the sequel?

PM: Yes. The sequel takes place in The Collector’s lair. You learn more about him mainly by venturing through his house of horrors that‘s obviously filled with booby traps at every turn. It’s a wild one.

RB: What kind of mindset are you in when writing the screenplays for Piranha 3DD and The Collector series?

PM: Well, Piranha 3DD was a wild ‘80s Spring Break movie. It was just fun. The Collector, of course, is a bit more serious. That usually means listening to different music to get myself into the right mindset.  

RB: Are there any future plans for The Collector series, a franchise perhaps?

PM: Let’s see how The Collection does first.

RB: You were involved in writing the script for a Hellraiser remake. Any updates?

PM: Dimension can’t seem to get their act together on that one. We’re friends with Clive, so I always thought starting with him would be the only way to go. But the powers that be rarely play nice with others. So, they’re stuck in the mud as far as I know.

RB: What would you say are the key components of writing horror?

PM: Being aware of the genre is important. And always have a strong grasp on pace. Horror movies need to move and escalate or they can feel boring… and there’s no worse crime than making a boring horror film.

RB: What’s next for Patrick Melton? What do you have in the pipeline?

PM: I can’t be too exact on a few things right now. But I can say we’re working on a sci-fi story at Warner Brothers titled RISE. 

RB: Being a screenwriter, moviegoers rarely get the opportunity to “get to know” the person behind the imaginative work that is portrayed on screen. Anything you’d like to say to other writers out there waiting for that big break? Any words of wisdom?

PM: Be persistent. A lot of people try, but most of them give up too soon. It took me seven years of being in L.A. before I got my break.