The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott

S2E4: Woe's Hollow (with Theodore Shapiro)

Feb 7, 2025

Theodore Shapiro, an Emmy-winning composer known for his work on films like Dodgeball and Tropic Thunder, joins the conversation. He reveals the intriguing process behind creating Severance's catchy score, including the four chords that sparked its main theme. The discussion delves into his collaborative journey with Ben Stiller since 2004 and the unique Kier folk tunes he discovered while scoring. Together, they engage in a lively exchange about the challenges and triumphs of weaving music into storytelling.

01:06:30

Episode guests

Theodore Shapiro

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The podcast reveals Theodore Shapiro’s influential role in crafting the eerie soundtrack that deepens the emotional impact of the show's storytelling.

Discussing the characters' retreat outside their office highlights their internal struggles while emphasizing the significant thematic contrast of solitude and vulnerability.

Tension escalates among the characters as hidden identities and past interactions come to light, driving confrontations that alter group dynamics.

Deep dives

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Intro

2min

Spontaneous Serenades at Grand Central

7min

Musical Memories and Creative Collaborations

16min

Comedy and Controversy: From Muzak to College Scandals

5min

Musical Collaborations and Unique Instruments

20min

Costumes and Conflicts in the Snow

7min

Revelations and Reflections

8min

Aging in the Spotlight: Reflections on Fame and Perspective

3min

For Season 2 Episode 4, Ben and Adam are joined by Severance’s Emmy-winning composer, Theodore Shapiro — or, Teddy Shaps, as his friends call him. He pulls back the curtain on his long-standing collaboration with Ben Stiller, going all the way back to 2004’s Dodgeball; the four chords that unlocked Severance’s ear-worm of a main theme; and the world of Kier folk tunes he discovered while scoring this episode. Then, Ben and Adam talk about filming this monumental episode where the Outties go out-f***ing-side.

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