Inside the Award-Winning Short Film: “The Resonance”: Sashia Dumont & Paul Robinson on moving beyond Cookie-Cutter Horror Films, Hollywood’s Formulaic “Shock Factor” and focusing on Story.
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Filmmakers Sashia Dumont (actress, filmmaker, writer, & director) and Paul Robinson (filmmaker, cinematographer, editor, & animator), together, as self-taught filmmakers, wear many hats including producing, shooting, and everything in between. In their recent film, THE RESONANCE , FiB had the opportunity to step into their world and experience the work of a dynamic partnership. Central to their filmmaking process is a deep respect for every role on set, from the lead actor to the last PA. Central to their storytelling is a commitment to narrative over spectacle, particularly within the HORROR genre.
“I feel like a lot of times we’ve lost the storyline… it’s become about the shock factor.” SASHIA DUMONT
For Dumont, stepping into horror wasn’t about following the genre’s current trends; rather, it was about returning to something she felt had been lost and drawing inspiration from 1970s horror. With their short film, THE RESONANCE , Dumont shares that they wanted to avoid relying too heavily on props and excessive gore. Working within the realities of micro-budget filmmaking, their approach was rooted in creating something that was financially responsible.
"We didn’t want to create another cookie-cutter horror movie." SASHIA DUMONT
For Robinson, cinematography plays a critical role in shaping the audience’s experience, particularly within a film that unfolds in a contained space. With THE RESONANCE, building slowly, the camera becomes essential in drawing the viewer into the world and sustaining that tension. His role extends beyond cinematography into editing and visual effects, where the film’s most striking moments are carefully constructed. For example: his extraordinary levitation effect.
The "levitation effect" in THE RESONANCE, stands as one of the film’s most striking moments! FiB Live
Robinson approached the levitation effect with restraint. He explains that while the effect could have been pushed further, the intention was to maintain a sense of unease rather than excess.
“That one was all practical actually… we just kept it simple." PAUL ROBINSON
In developing her character for The Resonance, Dumont approached the role with a authenticity and heavily focused on her physical performance. To avoid relying on post-production effects, Dumont spent months training in diaphragmatic breathing to sustain the intensity of the role.
On her use of diaphragmatic breathing, Dumont notes, “I didn’t want anything in post… I wanted everything to be practical.”
The preparation involved learning how to control her breathing under strain, drawing from techniques used by metal vocalists, so that the hyperventilation, physical tension and visible strain could be performed safely and convincingly on camera.
Navigating the film festival circuit, Dumont and Robinson approach submissions with both strategy and realism. With rising fees and limited resources, each decision carries weight, making research a key part of the process.
“Don’t just kind of spray and pray on those film festivals… you want to see if the festival is worth your money, worth your time.” PAUL ROBINSON
Production Design was extremely crucial for the world building. Dumont began collecting props months before finalizing the script, understanding that with a period piece, timing and instinct are essential.
“When you kind of see something, you have to get it because you don’t know if you’re going to find that again.” SASHIA DUMONT
The set and props were sourced through Etsy, eBay, Facebook Marketplace and personal collections, alongside modern pieces designed to reflect the era.
For Dumont, being a filmmaker is not defined by a single project, but by continuous growth over time. Working within micro-budgets has shaped that perspective, even as the industry often views smaller-scale work as a limitation rather than a strength.
“If you’re making films and you’re creating something, and you’re growing, then you’re a filmmaker.” SASHIA DUMONT
After nearly two decades of experience, Dumont reflects on how long it took to fully embrace that identity. “I didn’t feel comfortable calling myself a filmmaker until probably like six years ago,” she notes, underscoring the difference between making a film and developing as an artist. That evolution, she suggests, comes from reflection being able to look back on past work and recognize what could have been done differently. Whether in lighting, performance or execution, those moments of critique become markers of progress, reinforcing the idea that filmmaking is not a fixed title, but an ongoing process of learning, refining and growing.
For Dumont, the issue with much of modern horror lies in its shift away from story. She explains how formula has begun to define the genre from predictable trailers to repeated jump scares. What she advocates for instead is a return to character development, performance and overall narrative. "It’s all about the storyline,” she says, emphasizing that story should remain at the center of the work.
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Sashia Dumont is an award-winning actor, writer, and filmmaker with over 15 years of experience in independent filmmaking and production. Her work spans a range of genres, from intimate character driven dramas to bold, experimental projects, always rooted in authentic storytelling and emotional honesty.
As the co-owner of Sen3 Productions, which she runs alongside her husband and creative partner, Sashia has been deeply involved in every stage of the filmmaking process including writing, directing, producing, and performing. Together, they have built a body of work that reflects their shared passion for crafting meaningful stories that connect with audiences on both a personal and universal level.
Based in New York’s Hudson Valley, Sashia continues to develop original projects while collaborating with fellow artists across disciplines. Whether in front of the camera or behind it, she brings dedication, versatility, and a deep respect for the craft, always striving to elevate the voices and stories that deserve to be heard.
Paul Robinson is a seasoned motion designer with over 15 years of experience creating dynamic, high-impact visuals for top-tier clients including WWE, NBC, Lucasfilm, Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, New Jersey Devils, and the PFL. His work blends creative storytelling with technical precision, delivering compelling content across broadcast, digital, and live event platforms. He thrives in fast-paced environments and takes pride in his collaborative approach to the creative process. He's passionate about visual communication and is driven by innovation, he consistently aims to elevate brand experiences through thoughtful, engaging motion design.
Thank you to Sashia Dumont and Paul Robinson for allowing us the privilege to experience the many fascinating worlds they have created. We’re grateful for the opportunity to speak with them and to share the insights from this FiB Live conversation to other filmmaker's.
We enjoyed all the laughs exchanged and will forever remember Paul Robinson’s advice: “Don’t just kind of spray and pray on those film festivals.” LOL!!!
Keep us posted on your feature film. The very best to you both!!!
— Julissa Scopino, on behalf of Filmmakers in Boardrooms
