A true-crime podcast can feel safely removed from your own life—until the story starts describing what is happening around you. That unsettling possibility drives Hide and Seek, the Spirit Productions horror short directed by Izabella Rivera.
The Puerto Rican filmmaker from Yonkers developed the film through a dialogue assignment at the New York Film Academy. Its suspense grows from the relationship between Naomi, the podcast she is listening to and a camera that makes ordinary surroundings feel increasingly uncertain. For Rivera, the premise also comes from personal experience as a woman who listens to true crime and understands the habit of watching your surroundings.
As Hide and Seek joins the selections for JCIFF Presents: Nightmares, Rivera spoke with WAJ Magazine about her influences, her cast and crew, and the confidence that comes from finding an audience while still learning the craft.
The Interview
Where did the idea for a podcast that seemingly predicts events come from?
The idea of having the podcast be what predicts everything that happens to Naomi came from being a woman who listens to true crime podcasts. A lot of people listen to those podcasts thinking that nothing will happen to them. So I wanted to turn that into a what if. Because it can happen.
Which horror filmmakers most shaped your style?
I don't have a specific filmmaker that has shaped my style. My style ranges from many different filmmakers and movies. But if I had to choose. It would be Tim Burton. His dark and mysterious genres and settings have been a huge influence.
How did your New York Film Academy experience influence the production?
My experience at the New York Film Academy is exactly the reason why this production came to fruition. Hide and Seek was a dialogue assignment that we needed to do. I am still an active student in the academy today.
Why center true-crime podcast culture?
I wanted to center True-Crime podcast culture because people listen to these podcasts as if they were just storytimes. I wanted to remind people that these kinds of things could happen to anyone. Even you or me.
How did you establish tension in just over five minutes?
I established tension by using wide shots, making the main character feel small in a bigger world, Using close ups to really feel how the main character feels; slow movements; and using the podcast continuously to keep the audience aligned with the story.
Of writing, producing, editing and scoring, which role challenged you most?
I feel as if scoring definitely was the most challenging because finding music on YouTube that was free of copyright gets really complicated, especially with making sure that the music wasn't created by someone famous.
How did Juliana Suárez and the cast help create the suspense?
Juliana Suarez truly helped with creating the suspense by using long held shots to make it feel like anything can happen, and using slow camera movements to make it feel like anything can pop out of any corner. The cast really brought the characters to life, emerging themselves into the character and also understanding why the film is being created. But the rest of my crew was a huge help as well! My gaffers and sound crew did an amazing job with the ambience!
How do your background and experiences influence your storytelling goals?
My background and experiences as a New Yorkican, and growing up with my family always watching horror movies but also always making sure I’m capable of protecting myself and watching my surroundings. Has influenced my storytelling by being able to use real life experiences with living in a city where you have to watch your every corner. And watching horror movies since young created films that feel real and meaningful while also being fun and enjoyable.
What does JCIFF selection mean at this point in your career?
The JCIFF selection means alot at this point in my career. As an active student who still has a lot to learn. This selection proves that my stories can be heard and enjoyed. And also gives me the confidence that if I just keep going and doing what I love. That millions will one day see and enjoy my films just as much as I do.
What advice would you give emerging student filmmakers, and what’s next?
Advice I would give emerging student filmmakers is the same advice my parents give me as I continue to grow in school. If you love the dream, and you want it bad enough? Then working hard for it can make it come true and it won’t feel like a chore. But just another step on the staircase to your biggest accomplishments. What’s next for me is to continue to go to New York Film Academy, continue to learn more about the art of filmmaking, and have my films be shown to audiences of all kinds while also making sure that I continue to enjoy and love what I do.
Follow Izabella Rivera and Spirit Productions on Instagram.
An official selection of JCIFF Presents: Nightmares. Explore the festival and viewing details.
Official poster courtesy of Spirit Productions and Izabella Rivera.
