The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott Episode: “What’s Your Deal?” (with Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and Cat Miller) Release Date: July 3, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Severance Podcast, hosts Ben Stiller and Adam Scott delve deep into the creative influences and production nuances behind the acclaimed workplace thriller Severance. Joined by longtime collaborators Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, along with the show's exceptional prop master Cat Miller, the trio explores the intersection of comedy, cinematic techniques, and meticulous prop design that breathe life into the enigmatic world of Lumen Industries.

Conversation with Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg

Early Collaboration and Creative Beginnings

Ben and Adam kick off the conversation by tracing the origins of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's partnership, highlighting their shared passion for movies and comedy from a young age. Seth reminisces, “[00:50] ...making home movies together,” setting the stage for their enduring creative synergy.

Influences and Cinematic Style

The discussion shifts to the duo's cinematic inspirations. Seth shares, “[19:11] ...we were big fans of Martin Scorsese, Wes Anderson, and Steven Soderbergh,” emphasizing how these influences shaped the visual and narrative style of Severance. They delve into the challenges of integrating visual effects with comedic elements, noting the balance between maintaining suspense and delivering humorous moments.

Improvisation and Directing Techniques

Seth and Evan discuss their approach to directing, particularly the use of long takes and single-shot scenes. Seth remarks, “[22:32] ...every single frame you have to know exactly what it's gonna be,” highlighting the precision required in balancing improvisation with planned cinematography. They also reflect on their collaboration with seasoned directors like Greg Mottola and Martin Scorsese, illustrating the learning curve and growth in their directing prowess.

Fear and Confidence in Creative Projects

Ben poses a question about the fears associated with creative commitments. Seth responds thoughtfully, “[29:27] ...it really was a gratifying experience,” conveying his trust in the storytelling process and the team’s ability to deliver compelling narratives despite uncertainties.

Insights from Cat Miller, Prop Master

Role and Responsibilities

Cat Miller joins the conversation to shed light on the intricate world of prop management in Severance. She explains, “[53:20] ...anything that's not a piece of furniture would fall under the props realm,” detailing the extensive responsibilities involved in curating authentic and story-driven props that enhance the show's immersive environment.

Designing Functional Props

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the design and functionality of props, particularly the iconic computers used by the characters. Cat describes the meticulous process:

“[58:54] ...we 3D scanned it, we 3D modeled it, we 3D printed it.”

She elaborates on the challenges of integrating vintage technology with modern functionality to create believable and interactive props that actors can engage with naturally during filming.

Collaborative Creativity

Kat emphasizes the collaborative nature of prop design, stating, “[56:55] ...we pushed it against the wall and having it evolve in season two,” showcasing how props like the break room table evolve alongside the narrative, reflecting the show's development and thematic depth.

Fan Questions and Interactive Segment

Intricate Prop Details

Listeners’ questions provide a glimpse into the passionate fanbase’s attention to detail.

Madeline (65:04): “What is the stuff that Mark has to drink in real life?”
Kat responds by revealing the creation of the reintegration elixir, a pina colada-flavored protein shake designed to be both visually appealing and functional within the storyline.

Iconic Props Appreciation

Another fan, Joan Moussa, inquires about the creation of Irving’s watermelon head, one of the show’s standout props. Kat shares the creative struggle and eventual success:

“[68:48] ...he made the rind out of the cap with the little vine coming out and his hair.”

This showcases the dedication to authenticity and fan satisfaction, ensuring that the props resonate deeply with the audience.

Behind-the-Scenes Production Insights

Collaborative Dynamics

Ben and Adam reflect on the collaborative dynamics between directors, cinematographers, and prop masters. Seth praises the cinematographer, Mark Golenicht, emphasizing his artistic genius and ability to seamlessly integrate visual storytelling with comedic timing:

“[42:28] ...he did something that was his and his alone that fixed it.”

Set Design and Visual Consistency

The episode delves into the importance of set design in establishing the show's atmosphere. Kat discusses the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural principles on the set, creating a distinct and memorable environment:

“[46:24] ...how do we make it just hyper specific and hyper different?”

This meticulous attention to design ensures that every visual element supports the show's narrative and thematic undertones.

Concluding Thoughts

Ben Stiller and Adam Scott wrap up the episode by expressing their gratitude towards Seth, Evan, and Cat for their invaluable contributions. They highlight the seamless blend of comedy, mystery, and high-stakes drama facilitated by the collaborative efforts of the entire creative team. The episode closes with encouragement for listeners to engage with the show and participate in future interactive segments.

Notable Quotes

• Seth Rogen: “[22:32] ...every single frame you have to know exactly what it's gonna be.”
• Adam Scott: “[25:40] ...what are the 10 ideas?”
• Kat Miller: “[56:55] ...I pulled down as many as I could fit in the minivan. I think it was like 13 of them.”
• Evan Goldberg: “[34:09] ...they have so many moving parts that.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Severance Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the creative minds behind Severance, unraveling the intricate processes of storytelling, prop design, and collaborative directing that contribute to the show's success. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, the insightful discussions and behind-the-scenes revelations provide a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication that define Severance.

Note: While the episode is set to release on July 3, 2025, the detailed transcript provided allows for an accurate and insightful summary despite the knowledge cutoff.