Theodore Shapiro, composer renowned for his work with Ben Stiller, discusses the captivating main title theme for the acclaimed series Severance. He reveals how the initial concept evolved through experimentation with unique sound palettes and organic motifs, fitting the show's intricate themes. Shapiro shares intriguing stories about his creative process, including avoiding typical temp tracks to maintain originality. Listeners will also discover how the music's emotional dynamics resonate deeply with the show's narrative, making it an unforgettable auditory experience.
Theodore Shapiro crafted the theme music for Severance by contrasting cold electronic sounds with organic tones to reflect narrative duality.
Shapiro's collaboration with director Ben Stiller focused on original compositions, enhancing creative synergy and aligning music with the show's emotional depth.
Deep dives
Thematic Development of Severance
The development of the theme music for Severance involved finding a sound that encapsulated the show's unique narrative. Composer Theodore Shapiro initially conceptualized two distinct sound palettes to represent the contrasting worlds within the narrative: a cold, electronic sound for the Lumen Industries setting and a more organic sound for the outside world. This duality not only mirrored the theme of memory separation but also catered to the emotional depth of the main character, Mark, who had undergone a severance procedure to compartmentalize grief. The decision to use falsetto male voices in the organic sound palette was rooted in the desire to evoke Mark's internal struggles, adding an emotional resonance to the music.
Collaboration and Creative Process
Shapiro's collaborative relationship with director Ben Stiller was fundamental in shaping the final version of the show's theme. They engaged in extensive discussions about the musical tone, with Shapiro pitching ideas to establish a library of music specifically composed for the series rather than relying on a temporary track from other sources. This approach ensured the music remained original and fresh during production, allowing for a more authentic creative process. By focusing on early collaboration and communication, Shapiro believed it would ultimately prevent creative stagnation and ensure the music aligned perfectly with the unfolding narrative.
Finalizing the Theme and Visual Integration
The completion of the theme music for Severance included several iterations that were closely tied to the show's visual elements. Shapiro emphasized the importance of repetition and dissonance within the musical structure to create an inexorable feel that reflected the show's themes of entrapment and identity crisis. The process involved careful crafting of sounds that blended in harmony with the visuals created by designer Oliver Latta, ultimately solidifying the connection between the music and the overarching narrative of the show. This synergy between the music and visual design not only enhanced the viewing experience but also contributed to the show's critical acclaim and recognition in various award circuits.
The TV show Severance debuted on Apple TV+ in February 2022. It was created by writer Dan Erickson, and developed into a series by director and executive producer Ben Stiller. He directed the pilot and most of the episodes. After the first season came out, Severance was nominated for 14 Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series, and it won two Emmys: for Main Title Design and for Musical Composition. I love this show, and the main title sequence is incredible. I was so excited to get to talk to the composer, Theodore Shapiro, about how he made the main title theme music. In this episode, you’ll hear how that theme first came into existence in a totally different form, and then, how Teddy re-imagined it to become the final version.