Trigger Point: Writer, Director, and the Evolving Landscape of TV Making (2025)
The landscape of television drama is constantly evolving, driven by creative visionaries and demanding audiences. Shows like ITV’s hit drama Trigger Point, starring Vicky McClure, exemplify this evolution. As the series heads into its third season and prepares for a fourth, the writer-director dynamic and the push for a more cinematic experience are reshaping the way television is made. This article explores the key trends influencing the making of Trigger Point and projects how these trends will impact television production in 2025 and beyond.
Table of contents
The Writer’s Vision: Grounding Action in Human Emotion
At the heart of any compelling drama lies a strong narrative foundation. Chris Brandon, the lead writer for Trigger Point Season 3 (known for his work on Bloodlands), emphasizes the importance of grounding the high-stakes action in authentic human emotion. The series delves into the psychological complexities of its characters, both the bomb disposal experts and the antagonists they face. This focus on character-driven narratives is a growing trend in television, moving beyond simple plot mechanics to explore the motivations and inner lives of individuals caught in extraordinary circumstances.
Brandon highlights the unique opportunity that long-form drama provides: the ability to take audiences on a “muddy journey” with characters, exploring the nuances and complexities that drive their actions. This depth of exploration is particularly relevant in a world accustomed to short, easily digestible content. By creating complex antagonists, the writing team challenges the protagonist, Lana Washington (Vicky McClure), forcing her to confront moral ambiguities and question her own beliefs. This layered storytelling is key to keeping audiences engaged and invested in the characters’ fates.
Crafting Compelling Antagonists
One of the key elements of a successful thriller is a compelling antagonist. For season 3, Jason Flemyng joins the cast as the primary adversary, and the writers aim to make him more than just a one-dimensional villain. The goal is to create an antagonist that audiences can, on some level, understand or even empathize with, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative and challenging the audience’s perceptions of good and evil.
The Director’s Lens: Elevating the Visual Experience
While the writing provides the emotional core of Trigger Point, the director’s vision brings the story to life visually. Jamie Donoughue, who joined the team for Season 3 (known for his work on Doctor Who and A Discovery of Witches), spearheaded the effort to give the series a more cinematic look and feel. This push for cinematic quality is a major trend in television production, as networks and streaming services compete for viewers’ attention in an increasingly crowded market. High-quality visuals, dynamic camera work, and meticulous attention to detail are now essential for creating a truly immersive viewing experience.
Donoughue emphasized a conscious effort to “elevate and evolve” the show visually, working closely with Director of Photography Chas Bain to achieve a more cinematic aesthetic. This involved experimenting with lighting, camera angles, and set design to create a more visually arresting experience for the audience. McClure herself noted that the new season feels like it has a “much bigger budget than it does,” a testament to the creative team’s success in enhancing the show’s production value.
The Challenges of Non-Chronological Shooting
Shooting television series, particularly action-packed dramas like Trigger Point, often involves shooting scenes out of chronological order. Donoughue explains the complex “jigsaw” of filming multiple episodes simultaneously, which requires careful planning and meticulous attention to detail. Script supervisors, like Hannah Kenneally-Muir, play a crucial role in maintaining continuity and ensuring that the actors and crew are all on the same page.
Making Trends in 2025: The Future of TV Drama
Based on the creative decisions driving Trigger Point, several key trends are shaping the future of TV drama. First, the emphasis on character-driven narratives and emotional depth will continue to grow. Audiences are increasingly seeking stories that resonate with them on a personal level, exploring complex themes and challenging their perspectives. Second, the push for cinematic quality will become even more pronounced, with networks and streaming services investing heavily in visual effects, production design, and experienced filmmaking talent. This will blur the lines between television and film, creating a more seamless viewing experience across platforms.
Finally, the collaborative relationship between writers and directors will become even more crucial. As television production becomes more complex and demanding, the ability to effectively communicate and share a unified vision will be essential for creating high-quality drama. Shows like Trigger Point, where the writer and director work closely to balance action and emotion, represent the future of television making – a future where creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence are paramount.
Conclusion
Trigger Point exemplifies the evolving landscape of television drama, demonstrating the importance of strong writing, compelling characters, and a cinematic visual style. As the series moves forward, it reflects broader trends in the industry, including a focus on emotional depth, high production values, and collaborative creative partnerships. These trends will continue to shape the future of television production, ensuring that audiences are treated to increasingly immersive and engaging viewing experiences in 2025 and beyond.
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