The significance of property design in the Apple TV series, Severance
In the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series, Severance, the production design has established a reputation as one of the most visually arresting in recent years. At the helm of this meticulous creation is production designer Jeremy Hindle, who drew inspiration from the mid-century quest for the 'perfect workplace' to shape Severance's unique aesthetic.
One of the series' most iconic props is the Lumon WoeMeter, a device that plays a significant role in depicting Lumon Industries, the fictional company where the 'severed' employees work. Make3, a prop-making company, was tasked with creating this prop based on concept renders from the production designers, and they managed to complete it in less than six weeks. The Lumon WoeMeter, which appears in Season 2, is typical of the often anachronistic tech at Lumon, featuring contradictory design elements such as a cathode-ray tube and a touchscreen.
The MDR terminals in Severance, reminiscent of the 1977 Data General 6053, known as the Dasher D2, also reinforce the retro-futurist aesthetic. Interestingly, the Lumon keyboards for the MDR terminals have no escape key, serving as a meta reference to the series' themes. Some of these props, like the Lumon minicassette player, were not created from scratch but sourced from vintage items, given a fresh coat of paint, and the Lumon logo added.
The strange paintings celebrating Lumon's founder Kier Eagan in Severance are pastiches of real-world works from different eras and styles, adding a comical grossness to Lumon's corporate propaganda. Digital artist Hugh Sicotte planned each Kier painting based on references in the script. Actor Marc Geller posed as Kier in different positions for the Kier paintings, bringing the paintings to life.
Artist Danny Aviles shared his iterations for the painting 'Kier Pardons his Betrayers' on Instagram, offering a glimpse into the creative process behind these intriguing pieces.
In the world of Severance, the innie employees receive absurd incentives such as finger traps, carved watermelons, and glass cubes with their own portraits. The vision of the ideal modern workplace in Severance extends to the interiors and the smallest details, including the perfect paperclip, pen, and these peculiar incentives.
As the final episode of Severance Season 2 approaches, fans have been busy remaking Severance props, showing the series' lasting impact. The last episode of Severance Season 2 will be released on Apple TV on March 20/21, with a longer runtime of around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The production design, lighting, and blocking of Severance contribute to making the series look perfect, immersing viewers in the peculiar world of Lumon Industries. It's a testament to the dedication and creativity of the entire production team that Severance has become more than just a series; it's a visual experience that keeps audiences captivated.
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