“Severance,” an original series for Apple TV+, is a must-watch, particularly if you have a love-hate connection with your job. Dan Erickson is the brains behind the workplace thriller, which is helmed by Ben Stiller and Aoife McArdle. Stiller and Erickson are also executive producers.
The dystopian psychological thriller is receiving a second season, which is hardly surprising given its 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and the abundance of favorable reviews it has received from critics. The popular series’ second season, which premieres on January 17, promises more horrors and work-life conflict.
You’re in the perfect place if you want to get “innie” with the “outies.” Our guide includes all you need to know about the new season, including insight into the casting process and audition advice from the show’s greatest talent.
What does “severance” mean?
The drama series on Apple TV+ centers on Mark (played by Adam Scott) and his group of office workers who have had a treatment that literally divides their personal and professional lives. They are unable to recall their external identities when they enter Lumon Industries’ office each day, and vice versa. However, this extreme example of work-life balance starts to fall apart as the coworkers collaborate to figure out who they are outside of work hours.
Who makes up the “Severance” cast?
Season 1 of “Severance” included:
- Mark Scout, played by Adam Scott
- Dylan, played by Zach Cherry George
- Helly Riggs, played by Britt Lower
- Turturro, John, as Irving Bailiff
- Harmony Cobel, played by Patricia Arquette
- Burt Goodman, played by Christopher Walken
- Seth Milchick, played by Tramell Tillman
- Devon Scout-Hale, played by Jen Tullock
- Dichen Lachman in the role of Ms. Casey
- Ricken Hale, played by Michael Chernus
- Kier Eagan, played by Marc Geller
- Judd, played by Mark Kenneth Smaltz
Gwendoline Christie, Alia Shawkat, Bob Balaban, Merritt Wever, Robby Benson, Stefano Carannante, John Noble, and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson are among the eight new cast members for Season 2. But their characters’ specifics are still unknown.
Who is the “Severance” casting director?
“Severance” is mostly a CD by Rachel Tenner and Bess Fifer. Tenner is well recognized for her work on the Emmy-winning film “Fargo” from FX, “The Tender Bar” from Prime Video, and “Maid” from Netflix. In the past, Fifer and Tenner collaborated on the films “Escape at Dannemora” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” both of which were helmed by Stiller, their “Severance” co-director.
Tenner values actors that have a unique perspective. “When people enter with a genuine, particular point of view, that’s what makes it exciting to watch,” she remarked. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the correct viewpoint; that’s why we’re there, isn’t it?”
She also told Daily Actor that one method to stand out at auditions is to make a bold decision and follow through on it. “You know, I always say that it’s fantastic when an actor just shows up with a choice. Just something very particular,” Tenner said.
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And we can certainly make adjustments even if it’s not the proper decision. I simply value people’s specifics, and I believe that’s what can make an audition more than just seeing a bunch of actors.
Stiller is the kind of person who knows precisely what he wants and likes to be involved in the casting process, Tenner said. As filmmakers, they have faith in themselves. They simply are ready to go, and they recognize it when they see it,” she informed us. “The entire event doesn’t involve many steps or a lot of fanfare. And definitely for Ben, in my opinion. Ben adores actors. Being in the same room as them makes him very happy.
How does “Severance”‘s casting process operate?
Tenner and Fifer had to make certain changes to accommodate lockdowns, even though casting started prior to the COVID-19 epidemic. However, the majority of the “Severance” auditions were conducted in person. “After a table read for our first block of episodes, everything in-person in New York ceased two days later,” Fifer told Awards Radar.
“We began the process by performing a single type of task and then fundamentally altered the way we perform our duties. It became more about establishing a cast early on and then adjusting to a daily shifting schedule. As a result, the back-end logistics were completely different.
We will typically receive scripts, cast for one or two episodes, and then receive new screenplays and cast for another one or two episodes. Furthermore, we never really knew ahead of time who would be needed or when, so we ended up doing a cross-board in nine episodes.
The casting crew held auditions for nearly every position in spite of the reorganization. Tenner stated, “I believe we anticipated that John Turturro would play Irving.” Patricia [Arquette], of course; she was already at the forefront of our minds because we had just completed [‘Escape at Dannemora’] with her.
For all the other positions, however, there was full-on auditions. Ben [Stiller] probably adores that. We’re not finding anyone, as far as Ben is concerned. All of these performers have worked and held jobs over the years.
However, it’s possible that the general population is unaware of that. Finding these incredible actors and, you know, getting them in here was a fantastic chance. And to us, everyone still seemed new and interesting.
In addition, series creator Erickson told IGN that he decided to pair Turturro with Christopher Walken because he thought the two would click on screen. “So then [Stiller] brings up Christopher Walken and I was just like: OK, this is a prank,” reveals Stiller, who was on the same wavelength.
However, he arrived and is really beautiful. He’s just so professional and personable and kind. [Walken and Turturro] just had it right away. Whatever rapport you observe, they already had it. We didn’t need to persuade them to do it.
Tenner pointed out that Stiller was just as enmeshed in the casting process as the CDs. “From soup to nuts.” From start to finish, he is really involved. He sees everyone and everything. When he can, he attends sessions.
We chat about everything all the time. It’s enjoyable. “It’s really safe to be really creative with him, and it’s very collaborative,” she said. “I can think of the most outrageous idea and say, ‘Okay, I have an idea for you.'” And he will say, “That is absurd.” We have the opportunity to discuss issues or he may have ideas, which we will also discuss. He is really involved and we have a good cooperative working relationship.
Interestingly, Tenner also disclosed that the duality of mentioned characters was not emphasized throughout the audition process for the core Lumon workers. She remarked, “I’ll just leave it at that we only auditioned people with their innie stuff.” Nothing from their out-of-the-ordinary things.
We weren’t required to play that duality, unless they were simply outie characters, of course. I believe we simply believed that Ben, Bess, and I could all jump to the conclusion that if they’re doing well in one area, we’re very certain they can do the other. Everyone constantly asks, “Did they all test together?” I know. And I said, “No.” We simply thought it would be fantastic if everyone performed one task effectively.
When does “Severance” Season 3 filming begin?
According to People, “Severance” Season 2 was shot from January to April 2024 in response to delays in the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. However, many are wondering if there will be a third season as the show gets ready for its January 17 premiere.
Stiller and co-executive producer and series writer Mohamad El Masri have some wonderful news! “You have a responsibility to the audience that you’re going somewhere with it,” Stiller told Collider. Apple has been very supportive of it and [has] been sensitive to the story, not saying: Alright, this is something that has to continue as long as it’s successful.
it’s always been a part of it for us, really understanding where it’s leading. It should last as long as the tale does, and as we begin development on Season 3, we have a plan and are working toward that goal.
“There was always a thinking ahead to future seasons,” El Masri said, echoing the notion. We were discussing how this show ends and what the final goal was even in Season 2. Talking about that was a lot of work. I believe that in order to maintain [the momentum], there is a natural overlap that occurs, particularly with a show’s second season.
Thus, assuming everything goes as planned, the Lumon Industries employees will be back at work for Season 3 of “Severance.”
Where are casting calls and auditions for “Severance” held?
Season 2 of “Severance” will premiere in January, and Season 3 is probably in the works. If Season 3 is approved, we should anticipate further casting details at that time.
Which audition techniques are most effective for getting a part on “Severance”?
The job description includes humiliation. “I instantly recognized the common feeling of embarrassment that accompanies attempting to pursue something as absurd as acting in Hollywood. When asked about his experience on Starz’s “Party Down,” Scott remarked, “It’s just kind of an embarrassing endeavor.” “You do receive a lot of rejections.
Although there are undoubtedly more difficult things in the world and the nation to accomplish than being an actor, it’s a very emotionally taxing experience that you don’t really expect when you decide to pursue it. You don’t actually anticipate that it will occasionally be that heartbreaking.
Follow your passion as a guide. “Just do it as best as you can do it, because you can only compete against yourself, really,” Turturro said while discussing auditioning. People might often be put in the role and excel in it as well. And the truth is that. Understanding that can be challenging when you’re attempting to find a role and seeking for job, particularly if you had a strong audition.
During a Lincoln Center Q&A session, Stiller reinforced the notion, saying, “If you love doing it, keep doing it.” It’s a difficult business, therefore you must do it because you love it. I’ve found that there is a lot of initial rejection. You simply must do it because you are persistent and enjoy doing it.
Accept your artistic side. Despite having a lengthy and illustrious career in entertainment, Arquette would never consider herself an authority on the subject. Arquette informed us, “I don’t think there is one way, and I don’t want to tell anyone how to do it.” Being flexible with one’s approach to work is one of the things that makes acting so much pleasure.
I want to keep it alive forever. You have to start someplace, even if you have no idea where the fuck your character is headed. “Your work is one of the many aspects of this life,” she continued. Enjoy the work you do. Be receptive to both the anguish and the delight of the creative spirit’s birth!
Finding a work-life balance is difficult. If, like Tramell Tillman, you enjoy your career, finding a work-life balance might be challenging. Because my work doesn’t feel like work, I find it difficult to put it down. My ministry and passion is acting.
I no longer watch movies, TV shows, or movies without a critical eye,” Tillman said us. “I take note of the language, the clothes, the lighting, the facial expressions, the hair, the vocal intonations, and even the level of liquid in the man’s wine glass who is seated behind the lead. Maintaining continuity is crucial! I have a lot of respect for people who put up a lot of effort to keep it up.
However, he also takes use of this fact. “I need work to maintain a healthy work-life balance,” he said. However, I don’t mind that. I accept my neuroses and see them as a powerful strength. Powerful work is produced by paying close attention to details.
Additionally, passion creates opportunities. I am so deeply rooted in my acting identity. I show up in the world as an artist. It’s my activism, my way of being, and how I express myself. Therefore, in terms of finding balance, I am at ease with the knowledge that I am a work in progress for the time being.
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