Dolby Creator Talks 248 - The Cinematography of Severance
Jun 3, 2025
Jessica Lee Gagné, a talented cinematographer and director known for her work on the series Severance, dives into the artistry behind the show's eerie aesthetic. She reveals her collaborative process with the creative team and how she used film to amplify the emotional depth of pivotal flashbacks. Gagné shares insights on innovative techniques for filming elevator scenes and the impact of color choices, particularly red, on character emotions. Her unique perspective as a director adds a fresh layer to the narrative exploration of this surreal world.
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Rental House Became Set
- Jessica Lee Gagné used her rental house as a filming set to capture authentic light and atmosphere.
- She shot additional film time lapses there to convey the emotional depth of the characters' life moments.
Flashbacks Looked Different on Film
- Shooting flashbacks on film visually signals to viewers that the scenes are from the past.
- Film adds emotional texture that deepens connection to the characters' histories.
Shooting the Cable Tracking Shot
- Jessica Lee Gagné describes the difficult practical shot moving through cables using custom rigs and fiber optics.
- The complex shot was achieved through creative problem-solving and hands-on teamwork.