The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott S1E1: Good News About Hell (with Dan Erickson and Jackie Cohn)
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Jan 7, 2025 Dan Erickson, the creator of Severance, joins forces with executive producer Jackie Cohn to share the behind-the-scenes magic of the show. They discuss the origin of the iconic pilot and the creative journey from odd jobs to a surreal narrative. Hear about the whimsical challenges faced during production, especially amid the pandemic. They dive deep into character dynamics, emotional tensions, and the unique storytelling techniques that define the series, all while blending humor with heartfelt insights into identity and workplace culture.
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Door Factory Inspiration
- Dan Erickson worked at a door factory before Severance.
- This mundane job inspired the show's core concept.
Original Script
- The original Severance script was whimsical, featuring Mark's birth from a ceiling sphincter.
- It also had a rat torture scene used to explain the severance procedure.
Finding the Tone
- The initial whimsical tone of Severance helped define the show's eventual grounded tone.
- Focusing on the emotional core refined the concept.