The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott Episode Summary: S1EP6 - "Hide and Seek" (with Geoff Richmond) Release Date: January 13, 2025

Introduction and Context

In episode six, titled "Hide and Seek," of The Severance Podcast, hosts Ben Stiller and Adam Scott delve deep into the intricacies of the Severance Season 1 episode. Joined by Jeff Richmond, the Emmy-nominated editor of the series, the trio explores the episode’s thematic elements, character developments, and the meticulous editing process that brings the show's suspenseful narrative to life.

Behind-the-Scenes with Jeff Richmond

Role and Responsibilities of an Editor

Jeff Richmond provides an insightful overview of his role as the editor for Severance. He explains that editing is the final step in the storytelling process, where various elements like writing, performances, camera work, lighting, sound effects, and music converge to create a cohesive narrative. Richmond emphasizes the creative aspect of editing, highlighting how the arrangement of scenes and shots can evoke specific emotions and immerse the audience in the story.

Jeff Richmond (04:44): "Putting shots together in a certain order with a certain rhythm... creates a feeling that you're invested with the characters and absorbed in the world of the story."

The Director-Editor Relationship

Ben Stiller discusses the unique and sensitive relationship between a director and an editor. He outlines the different phases of filmmaking—preparation, shooting, and editing—and how each phase fosters different interpersonal bonds. Richmond adds that a long-term collaboration builds trust and a shared creative language, allowing for more experimental and impactful editing choices.

Ben Stiller (07:06): "It's a very intimate, safe place... We can try different things and experiment, and it's okay to mess up."

Creative Collaboration and Technical Proficiency

Stiller praises Richmond's technical skills and creative thinking, noting his ability to translate abstract ideas into tangible edits that enhance the show's atmosphere. The collaboration between Richmond and Teddy, the show's composer, is highlighted as a key factor in achieving the show's distinctive soundscape.

Ben Stiller (10:04): "Jeff knows how to translate creative ideas technically into trying these incredibly complicated things... They have a great shorthand."

The Editing Process and Storytelling

Richmond elaborates on the iterative nature of editing, where trial and error play significant roles in shaping the final product. He underscores the importance of context and structure, explaining how each scene must transition seamlessly to maintain the show's deliberate pacing and suspenseful build-up.

Jeff Richmond (14:04): "The process is like discovering what doesn't work and moving forward from there."

Episode Breakdown: "Hide and Seek"

Plot Overview

"Hide and Seek" continues to unravel the mysterious lives of the Severance characters. The episode introduces Mrs. Selvig's austere basement shrine dedicated to Kir, hinting at her deeper motivations and secret missions outside her official duties at Lumen Industries. Concurrently, Mark (Adam Scott) grapples with his conflicting emotions and growing dissent against Lumen's practices.

Key Scenes and Character Development

1. Mrs. Selvig’s Basement Shrine

   • Description: A meticulously arranged space featuring artifacts like a portrait of Kir, a canister of Lumen Industries Topical Sal, and a model building. This shrine symbolizes her devotion and hidden agenda.
   • Significance: Highlights the dichotomy between her public persona and private intentions.

2. Mark’s Radicalization

   • Conflict: After receiving a severe reprimand from Cobell (the stern supervisor), Mark's frustration leads him to lash out at Irving. This moment signifies the beginning of his internal conflict and gradual rejection of Lumen's authoritarian structure.
   • Notable Quote:

     Cobell (32:26): "What is it we actually do here? We serve gear, you child."

3. The Punk Show in Kier

   • Event: Mark attends a punk concert where anti-Lumen sentiments are publicly expressed. This experience serves as a catalyst for his rebellion, culminating in a moment where he openly antagonizes Lumen.
   • Character Interaction: Mark connects with Alexa, indicating a budding relationship that could influence his stance against the company.
   • Notable Quote:

     Alexa (46:34): "Why do you like Lumen so much?"

4. Dylan’s Secret Life

   • Revelation: It’s revealed that Dylan has a child and has been conducting severance procedures outside of the office, indicating a breach in Lumen’s strict protocols.
   • Climactic Scene: Dylan's severance transition occurs at home, leading to a tense confrontation that underscores the show's core theme of separating work and personal lives.

Editing Highlights

Richmond discusses the challenges in editing pivotal scenes, such as maintaining tension during transitions and ensuring that character motivations are seamlessly conveyed through visual storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of reaction shots and the deliberate pacing that allows the audience to fully grasp the emotional weight of each moment.

Ben Stiller (57:24): "Everything is sort of interconnected... it's a spark that goes off."

Notable Quotes and Moments

• Jeff Richmond on Editing Process:

  "It's the last step in the storytelling process where all elements come together to unfold the story in the best way possible." (04:44)

• Ben Stiller on the Director-Editor Bond:

  "Sitting in an editing room with you... it's a very warm space. It's so much fun to put this stuff together." (07:06)

• Adam Scott on Scene Sequencing:

  "We tried different combinations... figuring out a way to enter the story as like this creepy moment with Cobell." (26:45)

• Mark’s Confrontation with Cobell:

  "It's not your job to play nursemaid to every new refiner... Get your little ass back to your desk." (32:53)

• Dylan’s Severance Transition:

  "Dylan, listen, you have no idea how sensitive this information is." (50:37)

Conclusion and Upcoming Teasers

As the episode wraps up, Ben and Adam discuss the implications of the events in "Hide and Seek," particularly focusing on Mark's evolving stance against Lumen and Dylan's breach of protocol. They tease the next episode, "Defiant Jazz," which promises intriguing guest appearances from Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell, adding further depth to the show's expanding universe.

Ben Stiller (60:45): "Next up, very exciting. Episode seven, Defiant Jazz. We have some cool guests."

The hosts also express gratitude to Jeff Richmond for his invaluable contributions and insights, underscoring the collaborative effort that defines Severance's success. They encourage listeners to rate and review the podcast, highlighting the collective endeavor of the production team in delivering a captivating behind-the-scenes experience.

The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller and Adam Scott continues to offer fans an immersive exploration of the Severance series, combining in-depth analysis with exclusive insights from the creators and cast. Episode six, "Hide and Seek," exemplifies the show's blend of suspenseful storytelling and meticulous craftsmanship, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated Season 2 premiere.