Today's Special: TV shows

 For this research post, I decided to analyze Thirteen Reasons Why. I know it’s technically a TV series and not a short film, and it’s not labeled strictly as a psychological thriller, butttt it has so many elements that connect to the genre, especially in terms of emotion, mental state, and perspective.

What makes Thirteen Reasons Why so powerful is how deeply it focuses on characters and their internal struggles. The story centers around Hannah Baker and Clay Jensen, but instead of just showing events, it shows how those events affect them mentally and emotionally. That psychological focus is something I really want to incorporate into my own short film, focusing on my main characters emotion's instead of what is actually happening. On a side note I am between 2 ideas right now and it is so hard to pick one I just know there is a lot of emotions present!

One of the strongest techniques the show uses is point of view. A lot of the story unfolds through Hannah’s tapes, which means we experience events through her perspective. That automatically creates bias and emotional intensity. We aren’t seeing a neutral version of events, we’re seeing how she felt. That idea of  reality is very common in psychological thrillers, where the audience questions whether what they’re seeing is fully reliable. 

The show also uses editing and transitions in interesting ways, it often blends past and present together, cutting between timelines to show how memories and current emotions connect. Something I definitely know I will be using in my film. That layering makes the story feel heavier because the past constantly influences the present, I think that technique could work really well in a short film if done carefully.

Sound design is another important element in the show, It uses music to build emotion rather than action. In emotional scenes, the music is soft and slow, making the moment feel intimate and raw. In more intense scenes, the sound becomes sharper and more tense. It’s not about jump scares, it’s about making the audience feel uncomfortable or emotional. That’s something I want to focus on heavily in my own project, so finding the right music is key. 

The most important part, though, is how the characters are portrayed internally. Hannah isn’t shown as just “sad.” We see her different emotions, especially her vulnerability. Clay’s reactions show guilt, frustration, and helplessness. The show spends time inside their heads, showing how small moments build into larger emotional consequences. Even though Thirteen Reasons Why isn’t a traditional psychological thriller, it deals with psychological tension constantly. The suspense doesn’t come from physical danger, it comes from emotional weight and that intensity is what I connect to most.

For my short film, I want to focus heavily on one main character and their internal state, similar to how this show does. I want the audience to feel what the character feels, not just observe it. If I can portray emotion in a way that feels raw and real, like this show does, then I know I’m heading in the right direction!

Show numero 2 - Baby Reindeer

The second TV show I’m analyzing is Baby Reindeer.... (Those who know) And honestly… I don’t even know how I feel about this show. I binge watched the entire thing in one day, and the only word I can confidently use to describe it is peculiar.

It’s not a traditional psychological thriller, but it absolutely lives in that psychological sphere. The tension doesn’t come from physical danger the way action does, it comes from discomfort and emotional instability the show portrays, that for sureee got me.

What makes Baby Reindeer so strong is how deeply it puts you inside the main character’s mind. We’re not just watching events happen to him, we’re watching how he processes them. His internal conflict,  confusion, and self-destructive tendencies are constantly present. The show doesn’t try to make him perfect or heroic, It makes him human, with complicated emotions and feelings he does not know how to deal with.

The editing style in Baby Reindeer also stands out, It uses voiceovers to let us hear the main character’s thoughts, which adds a psychological layer to every scene. It makes audiences not just guess his thoughts but also hear them. But at the same time, the way events unfold makes you question reliability, you start wondering what’s reality and what’s shaped by his perception.

Sound and tone are subtle but effective, they aren’t loud or dramatic every five minutes. Instead, there’s a constant subtle discomfort. Sometimes it’s in the pauses during conversations or it’s in the silence after something awkward happens. 

Emotionally, this show is heavy, It deals with trauma, shame, and obsession in a way that feels raw and almost invasive. Watching it feels personal, like you’re not supposed to be there, but you are. I like this for my film. 

Short films need to be included as well

 For this research post, I focused on a short psychological thriller film linked below!

Short film

Since I’ve chosen to create a psychological thriller, I wanted to study examples of the genre in action. This short film was perfect because it shows how suspense can be created with simple filmmaking choices, without big sets, loud explosions, or heavy dialogue.

One of the first techniques that stood out was the film’s use of tight close-up shots, especially during key moments. For example, there’s a scene where the main character sits still and stares forward with nothing happening around them. The camera stays focused on their eyes and facial tension, and you feel the unease even though there is no action. This works because psychological thrillers often rely on internal conflict and subtle emotional cues. Instead of showing violence scenes, the audience is made to sit inside the character’s head, and that helps creates tension.

The lighting throughout the film is dim and shadowed, creating a mood that feels unsettling. One scene shows the character in a dark room, the light only illuminating part of their face while the rest fades into shadow. This technique makes the environment feel mysterious and unknown, a major convention of psychological thrillers. 

The editing style was a huge part of what kept me engaged. The film doesn’t rush but instead it alternates between long, lingering shots and quick cuts. For example, a shot may start on an empty hallway for several seconds, longer than expected, creating a feeling that something bad is about to happen. Then it quickly cuts to a close-up of the character’s face, making the viewer jump slightly because the quiet tension suddenly changes. This is seen across the whole film which was my favorite thing getting mini jump scares.

The sound design is subtle but plays an important role, there’s minimal dialogue, which means every sound choice matters. Background noises and moments of silence all contribute to the tension. In one scene, the character sits alone with only quiet room noise. The silence feels almost too quiet, and it makes the audience expect something to happen even though nothing does. Silence is a major tool in psychological thrillers because it forces the viewer to listen hard, and when they listen, they get uneasy. That anticipation creates anxiety, and anxiety builds tension without any loud music or dramatic sound effects.

Watching this short film actually made me excited because I realized I kind of want to do something similar. Not copy it obviously, but use the same idea of tension through atmosphere instead of action. I already have a rough idea forming in my head, something focused on one main character, internal conflict, and a slow build that makes the audience question what’s real. The simplicity of this film proved that I don’t need ten locations or huge production value, I just need good pacing and a strong social cues!!

Text #2- Delivery

For my second short film, I chose this because it creates suspense and uneasiness through very intentional filmmaking choices, without relying on a big budget, loud action, or dramatic dialogue. Since I’m planning on doing the same, I wanted to look closely at how this film does it.

One of the first things you notice in this film is the way the camera moves and frames the character. The shots are often close and tight, especially on the character’s face or upper body. This makes every small expression or movement feel important, and it forces the audience to focus on the character’s emotions. 

The lighting is also very intentional. There are lots of shadows and darker tones, which makes the environment feel mysterious and slightly off. For example, in one scene the character is lit mostly from one side, leaving the rest of the frame in darkness. That kind of lighting makes it feel like there’s something hidden, both visually and psychologically.

The editing in this film is subtle but very effective, there are moments where the film holds on a shot longer than expected,  like a still hallway or a lingering close-up, and that creates tension just by itself. Holding a shot instead of cutting immediately makes the audience wait. There are also quick cuts when something slightly unsettling happens. That contrast between slow, lingering shots and sudden quick cuts keeps you slightly off-balance , exactly what a psychological thriller wants. I specifically liked the note scene, where it shows pieces of the note on the screen with tense music and it accelerates. 

Joseph's ghost wants to run it back

After going back and forth between comedy, action, and everything in between… I’ve officially decided my genre. I’m doing a psychological thriller for my short film. Key word right there, "short film", I decided on the Short Film Package!! It was going to be easier for me to think of a solid idea compared to thinking of a movie idea, then think about key elements for the two DIFFERENT trailers, so overall, it was easier, anddd I have an idea on what I want to do, (stay tuned for that!).

Shocking? Not really.

I tried to brainstorm comedy ideas, they were ok I guess. I tried action. Cool in theory, stressful in actual developing. But every time I sat down to actually think, the ideas that came naturally were deeper, more emotional, and slightly concerning. So instead of fighting it, I’m embracing it!!

Psychological thrillers focus less on physical action and more on what’s happening inside the character’s mind. It’s about tension, paranoia, and identity, so basically making the audience question what’s real. That’s what I love, I love when a story makes you uncomfortable without even showing anything extreme and you want to know what's coming next.

I watched a YouTube video breaking down psychological thriller techniques, and it really emphasized how important mood, sound, and pacing are. It’s about cutting at the right moment and making the audience feel like something is off, even if they can’t explain why.

I also read an Article explaining what defines a psychological thriller, and here are some key characteristics that stood out to me:

1. Complex characters with internal struggles

2. Twists or unreliable perspectives

3. Emotional intensity

4. Suspense built through psychology rather than action

And that’s when it clicked.

This genre actually works perfectly for a short film. I don’t need crazy locations or big action scenes, I need strong storytelling, and good dialogue. Also, if we’re being honest, I connect to this genre the most. I like writing stories that are considered "different" and make people really start thinking, I want my story to have real emotions and make audiences connect with it. So instead of forcing myself into a genre that is cool but hard to execute, I’m choosing the genre that naturally sparks creativity for me. And since I’m doing the short film option, I can really dive into the character’s mind and build something serious and thought provoking.

Operation: Survive A Level Planning

 Now that I’m (almost) done choosing between the film promotion or the short film, it’s time to be realistic. This is not AS anymore, this is A Level. Which means more detailed planning and more pressure... So here’s my planned timeline for the next eight weeks and what I wish to accomplish each week. (Manifesting organization.)

Week One (2/17–2/22)

Goal: Lock in with what I want to do

- Finalize my project choice

- Pick my genre.

- Start thinking about target audience.

- Create a rough concept idea.

-  Establish the overall direction and tone of the project.

This week is about clarity, no filming yet. Just making sure my idea is strong enough to survive the next two months.

Week Two (2/23–3/1)

Goal: Research everything

- Deep genre research.

- Analyze at least 6 real media texts in my chosen genre.

- Break down conventions (camera work, editing, narrative structure, sound, pacing).

- See what I want to keep and what I want to challenge.

This week is basically me becoming a film critic, I want to really grasp how professionals structure trailers or short films so I’m not just guessing when I start creating.

Week Three (3/2–3/8)

Goal: Turn research into planning

- Research social media pages similar to my genre.

- Start drafting story outlines.

-  Create rough storyboards.

- Plan shooting schedule.

By the end of this week, I want a clear visual plan of what I’m filming and when.

Week Four (3/9–3/15)

Goal: Finalize pre-production

-  Complete detailed storyboards.

- Finalize scripts (if needed).

- Confirm locations.

- Confirm cast (if needed).

- Plan costume, props, and other technical needs.

This week is about planning everything correctly, I don’t want to go into filming unprepared like last time.

Week Five (3/16–3/22) – Spring Break

Goal: Start production, even though it’s spring break, I need to use it wisely.

- Begin filming major scenes (or trailer content).

-  Capture as much footage as possible.

-  Reflect on what’s working and what isn’t.

- Research print components (poster, postcard, digipak depending on final choice).

This week will set the tone for how stressful the rest of the project will be.

Week Six (3/23–3/29)

Goal: Continue production + start editing

- Finish filming.

- Start rough cut editing.

-  Make adjustments if scenes don’t work.

-  Begin brainstorming Critical Reflection 

Editing always takes longer than expected, so I want to start early.

Week Seven (3/30–4/5)

Goal: Refine everything

- Final editing.

- Add music and sound design.

- Adjust pacing.

- Work on social media page.

- Continue planning Critical Reflection.

This is polishing week, which means fix what needs to be fixed and improve quality. 

Week Eight (4/6–4/10)

Goal: Finish strong

- Final export of project.

- Complete print component.

- Finalize social media page.

- Write Critical Reflection.

- Reflect on the entire process.

This week is about presentation, for instance, how I'm portraying my entire project and no need for rushing. 

If I follow this timeline, I should stay on track and avoid last-minute panic editing at 2 a.m. (We’ll see if that actually happens.) Right now, the main priority is choosing my option and genre. Once that’s locked in, everything else will start falling into place.

We have officially began!

Which one of these choices is getting me my own Oscar?

For this year, our portfolio project consisted of 4 options we could choose from. That sounds easy right? Always pick the easiest one, well... there is no easy way out in this class, if you thought so, then have you learned nothing from last year???  I have to decide what my main production route is going to be, and I’ve officially entered my indecisive phase. I’m stuck between Option 2 (Film Promotion Package) and Option 4 (Short Film Package). In a way, they both feel like me by their own different characteristics and the ideas I have in mind.

When going down the Film Production Package lane, it sounds very fun and very tempting, making two trailers, plus a poster and social media page. That sounds so fun (I'm saying this because I have Canva Pro and I need to put it to USE!!). I’m not even exaggerating when I say I heavily judge movies based on their trailers. When I’m at the movie theater, the trailers beforehand literally determine if I’m booking my next movie date or If i'm going back to just watching Youtube videos for my source of entertainment. Trailers create the entire vibe of a movie, they set the tone, build suspense, and make you need to watch it. The idea of being the person who gets to make them now sounds very cool. I promise i'm going to make it to the big leagues. 

The only thing stressing me out is making two trailers for the same film. Like… how do you make them different enough but still cohesive? That’s something I’d have to figure out soon if I go with this option.

MEANWHILEEEEEE..

There’s Option 4, the short film package.

Complete. Creative. Freedom.

Writing stories has always been one of my favorite things to do, like even just imagining fun scenarios in my head is cool enough, but the opportunity to actually bring it to life and add characters and faces and share my ideas with other people feels like a reward. And if you know… you know… maybe Joseph finally discovers why he’s a ghost and we turn this into a full cinematic masterpiece. (Niche reference. If you’re new here, welcome!)

But here’s the thing, a five-minute short film sounds short. It is not short. If it took me forever to develop a film opening before, imagine a fully structured five-minute piece with rising action, climax, resolution, cinematography, sound design, everything. It’s giving stress for the next month, but it is also giving challenge accepted ONCE AGAIN. 

Right now, I think my final decision depends on genre. If I choose trailers, I would love to do something action packed or comedy driven. But if I choose the short film, I would probably take the opportunity to go deeper, something more serious and emotional. I recently saw the movie Wuthering Heights, and it inspired me to do like a tragic ending if I do the mini film. To help myself decide, I’ve been watching different action and comedy trailers, analyzing pacing and editing style. I’ve also been watching short films on YouTube to see how directors build complete stories in just a few minutes. 

For the trailers, I looked into my favorite movie which I watched recently to inspire me, it was "We're The Millers", when analyzing the Trailer, I looked into it's comedy film conventions which I liked, but it didn't compare to the Anaconda Movie Trailer, although I personally didn't like the film it's trailer perfectly highlighted and found a way to draw audiences in- AKA me.... As my last movie trailer I watched, I saw the Crime 101 Movie Trailer which I saw in theaters and it looked so goood, I added it to movies to watch because of it. 

 

In regards to the short films, doing a trailer seems 10x more fun based from what I have seen but I am going to keep comparing the two. I used this link to find some inspiration: 

YouTube: Five Minute Movies

This is just the beginning, I don’t have the final answer yet, but I know whatever I choose, it’s going to push me creatively in a way that feels bigger than last year. So for now we wait till next blog where I make a decision!