Podcast Summary: "Why Ben Stiller Made Severance (and Doesn’t Care about What Elon Says About Him)"

On with Kara Swisher
Host: Kara Swisher
Guest: Ben Stiller
Release Date: February 3, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of On with Kara Swisher, award-winning journalist Kara Swisher sits down with actor, director, and producer Ben Stiller to delve deep into the creation and success of the critically acclaimed series Severance. Stiller, who serves as the show's executive producer and director for several episodes, shares insights into the show's thematic depth, creative decisions, and the evolving landscape of Hollywood influenced by technology and politics.

Exploring "Severance" – Themes and Creative Choices

Severance is an Apple TV+ series that blends dystopian elements with workplace comedy and thriller genres. The premise revolves around employees at Lumen Corporation who undergo a procedure to sever their work and personal lives, creating two distinct personas: the "innie" (work self) and the "outie" (personal self).

Ben Stiller discusses the show's exploration of identity and the unconscious mind, highlighting its relevance to contemporary societal issues. He remarks, “It's about who you are and the unconscious” (07:53) and emphasizes the humor intertwined with profound themes, stating, “It's also very, very funny, which is the best part of it” (02:22).

The conversation delves into character development, particularly the evolution of the severed personas. Stiller explains how the "innies" start as innocent and childlike but gradually exhibit adolescent traits and cynicism, reflecting a maturation process (05:07). This duality is visually represented through the show's retro aesthetic and the contrasting behavior of characters in their two distinct worlds.

Production, Success, and Apple TV+

Stiller provides an inside look into the production of Severance, highlighting its unique position as Apple TV+'s flagship series post-launch of their streaming service. He mentions the show's unexpected success, noting it has reportedly generated around $200 million for Apple in terms of subscriptions (30:11).

Discussing the challenges faced during the production, Stiller touches upon budget cuts and delays caused by the ongoing stream strike, yet expresses confidence in Apple’s continued support: “I feel like they've been great. I have no complaints” (34:28). He also shares his surprise at Apple’s commitment to the show, describing it as a positive shift in how tech companies approach content creation.

Tech's Impact on Hollywood and the Streaming Landscape

The dialogue shifts to the broader impact of technology on Hollywood. Stiller compares traditional film metrics, such as box office numbers and Nielsen ratings, with the opaque analytics of streaming platforms like Apple TV+ and Netflix. He expresses ambivalence about the streaming giants' dominance, saying, “Netflix has changed everything” (37:53), and discusses the challenges of visibility amidst the vast content libraries these platforms offer.

Stiller appreciates Apple’s release strategy of episodic drops, which allows for sustained audience engagement: “We get a chance for people to chew on it and to think about it” (38:41). This contrasts with Netflix's binge-release model, aligning more with his generational preference for weekly episodes similar to traditional TV schedules.

Personal Influences and Documentary on His Parents

Ben Stiller opens up about the profound influence of his parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, both accomplished actors and comedians. He is currently working on a documentary about their lives, set to premiere on Apple Movies later in the year. Stiller reflects on growing up in a creatively intertwined household, which shaped his understanding of balancing personal life with the creative process.

He shares, “I was able to take those tapes and kind of see something that I hadn't seen in their private life together” (56:11), highlighting how this project deepened his appreciation for his parents' enduring marriage and their collaborative approach to art and life.

The Role of AI in Filmmaking

The conversation explores the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence in the film industry. Stiller expresses cautious optimism, acknowledging AI’s potential to aid creative processes, such as enhancing visual effects or assisting with dialogue replacement. However, he voices concerns about the ethical implications and the potential misuse of AI, particularly in manipulating actors' likenesses: “the idea of somebody taking your image and then being able to do whatever they want with it, it's very concerning” (45:27).

He underscores the importance of maintaining human creativity and connection, asserting that despite technological advancements, “creative human beings are always going to be what people want to connect with and see their stuff” (43:13).

Interactions with Elon Musk and Political Climate's Influence

A significant portion of the discussion addresses Ben Stiller’s interactions with Elon Musk and the broader political climate's impact on Hollywood. Stiller recounts unsolicited negative remarks from Musk regarding his political endorsements and creative projects, expressing frustration over misinformation: “That was a total. Yeah. That was not at all. It was the opposite of what I was saying” (48:53).

He also touches on the concept of a "Trump chill" in Hollywood, where executives may be hesitant to fund politically charged projects. Stiller reflects on the precarious balance artists must maintain in expressing their views amidst a polarized environment: “I think artists are incredibly inspired now to speak out in creative ways about what's going on in our country” (52:55).

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Ben Stiller emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling and remaining true to one’s creative vision despite external pressures. He encourages artists to express themselves meaningfully, saying, “It doesn’t all have to be political. It has to be true to who you are” (53:39). Stiller’s insights offer a nuanced perspective on navigating the intersecting worlds of technology, politics, and creative expression in contemporary Hollywood.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's about who you are and the unconscious." – Ben Stiller [07:53]
• "I don't want to be totally cut off from part of my life experience." – Ben Stiller [06:58]
• "Netflix has changed everything." – Ben Stiller [37:53]
• "Creative human beings are always going to be what people want to connect with and see their stuff." – Ben Stiller [43:13]
• "It doesn’t all have to be political. It has to be true to who you are." – Ben Stiller [53:39]

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Ben Stiller’s conversation with Kara Swisher, highlighting the intricate balance between creative vision, technological advancements, and the socio-political landscape shaping modern Hollywood.