The Cinematography of Severance TV Series
Limitations don’t easily deter Jessica Lee Gagne. From her early days navigating the endless aisles of her father’s Quebec City video stores to her directorial debut on the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series “Severance,” Gagne has consistently demonstrated a knack for transforming constraints into compelling visual storytelling. This episode of the Finding the Frame Podcast delves into Gagne’s meticulous approach to cinematography. More specifically, examining her collaborative spirit and the unique challenges of crafting a visually arresting narrative within the sterile, windowless world of Lumon Industries.
This episode is proudly lit exclusively by Nanlux-Nanlite Lights and sponsored by B&H and Hollyland.
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JESSICA LEE GAGNÉ CINEMATIC INSPIRATIONS:
Gagne’s journey into filmmaking wasn’t a sudden epiphany but a gradual immersion, fueled by a childhood surrounded by cinematic inspiration.
While American films provided a familiar backdrop, it was the raw energy of Fernando Meirelles’ “City of God” that sparked her initial interest in directing. That’s because it revealed the power of a different cinematic language. Especially compared to popular Hollywood films of the early 2000s. This curiosity was further nurtured by her mother, who introduced her to the diverse world of European cinema.
City of God (2002) | O2 Filmes
Later, her film school experience in Quebec solidified her passion. This led her to deeply admire the gritty realism of 1970s New York films, particularly the work of Alan Pakula and the “Prince of Darkness” himself, Gordon Willis. This early fascination with texture, low-key lighting, and the power of framing continues to inform her aesthetic today.
THE ART OF TEXTURE & COLLABORATION:
Gagne’s work is characterized by a keen eye for texture. This is a quality Ben Stiller specifically recognized in her cinematography on “Sweet Virginia,” a neo-noir thriller that served as their initial connection. Stiller, impressed by her ability to imbue digital footage with a filmic quality, sought out Gagne for “Severance.” Their collaboration proved to be a meeting of minds, with both pushing each other creatively. Gagne, known for her risk-taking and love for dynamic camera movements, found herself challenged by the larger scale and broader audience of “Severance.” Meanwhile, Stiller, in turn, embraced her unique visual sensibilities.
One of the most significant hurdles in “Severance” was the inherently uncinematic setting of the Macrodata Refinement (MDR) floor. This is a windowless office dominated by stark white walls and fluorescent lighting.
Jessica Lee Gagne behind the scenes of Severance | Apple TV+
Rather than being daunted, Gagne approached this challenge with a meticulous eye. She drew inspiration from the stark beauty of office photography by artists like Lars Tunbjörk and Lynne Cohen. Gagne also emphasized the importance of production design, working closely with the art department to layer visual interest into the seemingly monotonous environment.
LIGHTING WORKOUTS & PRECISION:
Jessica Lee Gagne’s dedication to her craft extends to her meticulous pre-production process, including what she terms “lighting workouts.” These sessions involve spending days on set with her gaffer and grips, lighting specific scenes in advance. This collaborative approach allows them to experiment, discover unexpected visual nuances, and establish a shared language. All this ensures a cohesive and efficient workflow once filming begins.
Jessica Lee Gagne behind the scenes of Severance | Apple TV+
Gagne’s preference for lighting the space first, rather than specifically lighting actors, creates a natural and immersive environment that serves the story organically. Her precision is evident in her subtle use of tools. She even carries .15 ND filters to achieve very specific effects.
Severance | Apple TV+
For the distinctive lighting of the MDR, Gagne ingeniously utilized SkyPanels above each ceiling square. The reason behind the SkyPanels is that they allow for precise control over color and intensity.
Behind the scenes of Severance | Apple TV+
The hallway lights were fitted with LiteMat RGB units, minimizing spill and offering further flexibility.
Severance | Apple TV+
This attention to detail ensured that even within a seemingly sterile environment, the lighting played a crucial role. Just note how lighting subtly shifts mood and emphasizes the psychological themes of the show.
Behind the scenes of Severance | Apple TV+
DIRECTORIAL DEBUT: CRAFTING EMOTION IN “CHIKHAI BARDO”
Gagne’s talent extended beyond cinematography in Severance Season 2, as she took the directorial reins for the powerful seventh episode, “Chikhai Bardo.” This deeply personal episode, delving into Mark’s reintegrating memories, showcased her ability to translate complex emotional landscapes into compelling visuals. Drawing inspiration from films like “Bright Star” and “Close,” Gagne crafted a visual style that mirrored Mark’s disorientation through fluid transitions and evocative camerawork.
Jessica Lee Gagne behind the scenes of Severance | Apple TV+
Her background as a cinematographer proved invaluable in her directorial debut, allowing her to conceive and execute intricate camera movements and transitions with a natural understanding of cinematic language.
The episode’s exploration of time and memory was further enhanced by seamless transitions and a deliberate use of sound design, which Gagne actively collaborated on to create a rich and immersive audio experience.
The transition on Gemma’s eyes, moving from the joy of potential motherhood to the devastating realization of loss, illustrates Gagne’s ability to convey profound emotion through purely visual means, utilizing subtle lighting shifts and precise camera work.
THE BOTTOM LINE: THE POWER OF COLLABORATION
Jessica Lee Gagne’s remarkable journey, fueled by keen observation and a deep understanding of collaborative filmmaking, shines through in the intricate, eerie visuals of “Severance.” Her meticulous approach, combined with a willingness to embrace the creative contributions of her team, has elevated the storytelling of this groundbreaking series. As she now steps into the role of director, her years honed behind the camera, built on a foundation of collaboration, promise a unique and compelling voice that we eagerly anticipate.
FINDING THE FRAME PODCAST: A RESOURCE FOR ASPIRING FILMMAKERS
This article is based on an insightful interview with Jessica Lee Gagne on the Finding the Frame Podcast, a vital resource for filmmakers eager to learn from the experiences of industry professionals. Hosted by Chris Haigh, the podcast offers a platform for in-depth conversations with leading cinematographers, directors, production designers, and other key creatives who shape the world of visual storytelling.
For those inspired by Jessica Lee Gagne’s journey and the techniques discussed, Filmmakers Academy provides a comprehensive online learning platform designed for both aspiring and established filmmakers. Offering a wide array of courses that cover every facet of filmmaking, from cinematography and lighting to directing and visual storytelling, Filmmakers Academy equips individuals with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to thrive in this dynamic industry.
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This episode is proudly lit exclusively by Nanlux-Nanlite Lights and sponsored by B&H and Hollyland.
