Hyten Davidson
I try to write in a variety of mediums and a variety of genres, just to keep things fresh and interesting
1. Tell us about yourself and your most current project/s?
I’m Hyten, a writer/actor/producer living in the NYC area. In 2023, I cofounded the production company Maternity Leave Films, under which we produced our first feature that I co-wrote titled “Something of a Monster”. It was acquired this year by the distributor Persimmons, debuted as part of their new slate of films, and just dropped online December 4th.
Something of a Monster is a psychological thriller about a woman diagnosed with a phantom pregnancy. Exiled by her in-laws to a remote Catskills inn until she can come to terms, things only become more complicated when she finds herself stalked by a mysterious figure in the woods. To prove her sanity, Amelia works to uncover the mystery behind this stranger and begins to unearth the truth behind a lost woman and a small-town conspiracy—one that threatens to target her next.
2. Where did the inspiration/idea come for this project?
I co-wrote Something of a Monster with my husband, playwright Christian Missonak, while pregnant with our first son and channeled into the script what was my biggest fear at the time-- losing the baby and suddenly being told I wasn’t a mom anymore. Thankfully everything turned out great with the baby, but the movie really preserved a lot of my anxiety at the time of both becoming a mother and the threat of not being a mother.
3. What does the writing process look like for you?
I don’t have endless hours each week to devote to writing, so it’s a constant scramble to finish pages whenever I find pockets of time, often in the early mornings, late at night, or on my train commute. It’s a lot of frantic typing of ideas into the notes app on my phone and then trying to decipher what I meant later on when I can sit down in front of my computer. It’s neither a calm nor calculated process.
4. How do you feed your creativity when feeling drained?
If I have the chance, I like to go to a late night movie. I also work in Broadway sales so I have the privilege of seeing a lot of excellent theater. Going to a show to see other writers/creatives operating at the top of their game is a great way to wash out your own brain and reset.
5. How do you keep your voice or ideas fresh over time?
I try to write in a variety of mediums and a variety of genres, just to keep things fresh and interesting. Though the things I write that get seen/read are mainly thriller/horror screenplays, I’ll also juggle some dramatic short fiction or lighthearted playwriting-- anything to stay versatile. My hope is that it makes whatever I’m writing less bland or predictable.
6. What is the most honest thing you’ve ever written - and did it scare you?
I had a short fiction piece published last year titled “Side Saddle” that I’m working to produce as a short film in 2026. It’s a little odd and very vulnerable, so I do have that fear because it feels so risky. Will others audiences connect with and understand the topic I’m tackling in the film or will they recoil against it? Thoughts like that.
Where can my audience find you and your work?
You can find me at www.hyten-davidson.com and on Instagram at @hytendavidson.
You can also follow the movie on Instagram at @soam_film. Thanks!