The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott
Episode: S2E4: Woe's Hollow (with Theodore Shapiro)
Release Date: February 7, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Severance Podcast, hosts Ben Stiller and Adam Scott delve into Season 2, Episode 4 titled "Woe's Hollow." They are joined by the show's brilliant composer, Theodore Shapiro, who offers an in-depth look into the musical landscape that shapes the eerie and surreal world of Severance. The discussion not only explores behind-the-scenes insights but also examines the intricate relationship between music and narrative in the series.
Interview with Theodore Shapiro
Collaborating on Music
Ben and Adam begin by reminiscing about their longstanding collaboration with Theodore Shapiro, highlighting his pivotal role in creating the show's distinctive soundscape.
Ben Stiller [08:28]: "Teddy writes something brilliant, and I go, that's great."
Thomorrow emphasizes the evolution of their creative process, noting how the music becomes an integral part of the storytelling from the early stages of production.
Theodore Shapiro [12:32]: "With MIDI and then with this, the big difference is just me starting to write earlier in the process and sort of having the music exist during Ben's creative process earlier."
Creation of Specific Themes
The conversation turns to the genesis of the show's main theme, a process deeply influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided Shapiro the time and space to experiment.
Theodore Shapiro [13:19]: "I had this kind of fond memory during the summer of COVID in 2020. We had, like, just discovered the main theme."
Shapiro recounts how a simple four-chord progression transformed into a haunting melody that perfectly encapsulates the show's mysterious ambiance.
Shapiro [15:03]: "It became more of this mystery. And I was like, oh, wait, maybe this is the whole thing... Like, this would be the music if the whole show was just like one kind of puzzle."
Scoring Scenes
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on specific musical cues crafted for pivotal scenes. Shapiro elaborates on the theremin's role in enhancing the supernatural elements of the narrative.
Shapiro [29:13]: "The theremin music Sarah Bach is playing is not the Keir hymn, but it unlocked this whole body of Kier folk music."
Ben passionately praises Shapiro's ability to infuse each scene with the right emotional undercurrent.
Ben Stiller [18:19]: "You can't emphasize enough how important Teddy's music is for the show. It inspires me visually and just, you know, in terms of the tone of the piece."
Shapiro shares his collaborative dynamic with the editing team, underscoring the seamless integration of music and narrative.
Shapiro [20:54]: "We are making the show in post together in a really interactive and creative way."
Production Stories
Grand Central Station Pop-up
Ben and Adam recount the spontaneous severance-themed pop-up event at Grand Central Station, highlighting how it bridged the gap between the show and its fans.
Ben Stiller [03:44]: "Nobody could hear you guys on the inside. And people were literally enthralled. It was mesmerizing."
Adam adds a touch of humor while reflecting on the unexpected nature of the event.
Adam Scott [03:11]: "He’s like an octopus. In what way?"
The hosts emphasize the organic engagement with a global fanbase, sharing interactions with fans from various countries.
Ben Stiller [05:00]: "I talked to people from Brazil, I talked to people from Ireland, from England."
Location Shooting Challenges
The podcast delves into the logistical complexities of filming "Woe's Hollow," especially the decision to shoot on a real snowy location rather than using green screens.
Ben Stiller [42:04]: "We knew snow was really important... we found Awosting Falls, which is near Lake Minnewaska."
Adam describes the physical demands placed on the cast during the shoot.
Adam Scott [48:39]: "We had these boots that also had crampons attached to them... walking through deep snow and or blueberry bushes made lifting our feet up and down exhausting."
The hosts highlight the dedication of the crew in overcoming harsh weather conditions to achieve authentic visuals.
Ben Stiller [44:30]: "The weather was constantly changing when we were filming this episode."
Costume Design
Sarah Edwards, the costume designer, played a crucial role in defining the visual tone of the episode with period-inspired outfits that starkly contrast against the snowy backdrop.
Ben Stiller [49:09]: "Dan had this idea that it would feel like it was from like a hundred years ago."
Adam praises the meticulous attention to detail in the wardrobe choices.
Adam Scott [49:38]: "It felt like Revenant era."
Specific Scenes and Challenges
Theremin in Mrs. Wong's Scene
A standout moment in the episode is the introduction of the theremin used by Mrs. Wong, adding a layer of supernatural eeriness.
Ben Stiller [32:14]: "Sarah Bach learned how to play the theremin for the episode. You can tell she knows what she's doing. It looks perfect."
Shapiro explains the technical aspects and creative decisions behind incorporating the theremin.
Shapiro [30:30]: "That was how I did it. I have to admit that I don't play a theremin, but I used an early electronic instrument that sounds like one."
Dream Sequence and Thematic Elements
The discussion transitions to the dream sequence involving Irving, which required innovative filming techniques to capture the surreal quality desired.
Ben Stiller [57:35]: "It's this strong, dark, incredibly forceful version of Irving that we've never seen before."
Shapiro shares his admiration for John Turturro's performance, which brought profound emotional depth to the scene.
Adam Scott [58:33]: "John is world class. And you see it here. He's a heavyweight."
Episode Plot Discussion
"Woe's Hollow" marks a critical point in the narrative, where Irving becomes increasingly suspicious of Heli's intentions and secrets surrounding her Audi activation.
Ben Stiller [52:56]: "Irving pushes Heli about what really went on. Just tell us about him."
The hosts dissect Irving's emotional turmoil and his confrontation with Heli, highlighting the show's exploration of memory and identity.
Adam Scott [55:40]: "Irving pushes Heli about what really went on... It's like he's extra sensitive to the vibrations of everyone in the group."
They discuss the impactful moment where Irving accuses Heli of being a "mole," leading to a dramatic and emotional fallout.
Ben Stiller [57:09]: "It’s one of my favorite Irving, John Turturro moments in the series."
Fan Interaction
The episode features a voicemail from a fan named Don, inquiring about the inspiration behind the "Praise Cure" anthem featured in Season 1.
Don [35:38]: "What was the influence behind the Praise Cure anthem that was sang to the crew at the end of season one?"
Shapiro provides a thoughtful response, tracing the anthem's roots to a lullaby from Night of the Hunter and its transformation into a haunting hymn.
Shapiro [36:54]: "I wrote the Keira Hymn sort of as a lullaby. And then Patricia performed it as a punishment."
Final Reflections
As the episode wraps up, Ben and Adam reflect on the emotional and technical achievements of "Woe's Hollow," expressing gratitude towards Shapiro's contributions.
Ben Stiller [34:13]: "We're so lucky to have Teddy."
The hosts also share heartfelt acknowledgments of their collaborative journey, emphasizing the seamless blend of acting and musical composition that elevates the series.
Adam Scott [37:40]: "I'm so amazed by everything that you're doing."
The episode concludes with a light-hearted segment featuring Zack Cherry, who humorously predicts future events in the series, adding a playful close to the in-depth analysis.
Conclusion
This episode of The Severance Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of "Woe's Hollow," shedding light on the creative processes behind its production and the critical role of music in shaping the show's enigmatic atmosphere. Through engaging dialogue and insightful anecdotes, Ben Stiller, Adam Scott, and Theodore Shapiro provide fans with a deeper appreciation of the artistry that drives Severance forward.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Stiller [08:28]: "Teddy writes something brilliant, and I go, that's great."
- Shapiro [15:03]: "This would be the music if the whole show was just like one kind of puzzle."
- Ben Stiller [18:19]: "You can't emphasize enough how important Teddy's music is for the show."
- Shapiro [20:54]: "We are making the show in post together in a really interactive and creative way."
- Adam Scott [49:38]: "It felt like Revenant era."
- Ben Stiller [57:35]: "It's this strong, dark, incredibly forceful version of Irving that we've never seen before."
This detailed summary captures the essence of The Severance Podcast episode on "Woe's Hollow," intertwining production insights, musical discussions, and plot analysis to provide a rich and engaging overview for listeners.