Discover how to create the kind of addictive, suspense-driven television that keeps viewers obsessing until the very last frame.
Date: Friday, 25 April
Time: 16:40
Room: TBC
Filmed: TBC
In today’s peak TV era, a good thriller isn’t just watched – it’s binged, dissected, and debated. Join an expert panel, including “Prime Target” creator Steve Thompson, as they crack open the DNA of television’s most gripping thrillers and reveal how to craft series that keep audiences sleepless and streaming.
This dynamic session delves deep into the psychology of suspense, exploring how modern thrillers have evolved beyond simple whodunits into complex, character-driven narratives that dominate the cultural conversation. Our panel of creators will share their battle-tested techniques for building and sustaining tension across multiple episodes, crafting memorable villains, and deploying plot twists that viewers never see coming – but can’t stop talking about.
You’ll learn how to:
- Engineer suspense that builds organically across an entire season
- Create isolated protagonists whose vulnerability amplifies the tension
- Design villains who transcend typical antagonist tropes
- Master the art of the perfect cliffhanger
- Balance mystery with character development to keep audiences emotionally invested
Equip yourself with the tools to create television that doesn’t just entertain – it enthralls.
Speakers In This Session
Steve Thompson // Screenwriter and Playwright
Currently, Steve is working on the Apple TV thriller “Prime Target” starring Leo Woodhall and developing the Guy Ritchie series “Young Sherlock” for Amazon.
