Unveiling The Secrets Of Filming Locations For Severance

Alanis Gleichner III 20 Jun 2025

Severance, the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series, has captivated audiences worldwide with its intricate storyline and unique visual aesthetics. The show's success lies not only in its writing and performances but also in its meticulously chosen filming locations. These locations play a pivotal role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the series, enhancing the viewer's experience. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Severance's filming locations, exploring their significance and the stories behind them.

As the series continues to garner praise, fans and cinephiles alike are eager to uncover the real-life places that brought the fictional world of Severance to life. From the dimly lit office spaces to the eerie corridors, each location was carefully selected to match the show's dystopian and mysterious theme. Understanding these settings provides deeper insight into the narrative and the creative vision of the show's producers.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the filming locations used in Severance, highlighting their unique features and the reasons behind their selection. By the end, you'll have a clearer picture of how these locations contribute to the show's overall impact and why they are integral to its storytelling.

Introduction
Main Filming Locations
Office Settings
Industrial Spaces
Underground Settings
Urban Backdrops
Natural Landscapes
Interior Design Elements
Production Challenges
Behind the Scenes
Conclusion

Main Filming Locations

The filming locations for Severance span various regions, each chosen for its distinct characteristics that align with the show's themes. These locations serve as the backbone of the series, providing the necessary ambiance to immerse viewers in the world of Lumon Industries.

Key Locations Overview

Among the primary filming locations, New York City stands out as a prominent choice. The city's diverse architecture and versatile settings offer a perfect canvas for the show's requirements. Additionally, other regions such as upstate New York and nearby states were utilized for their unique landscapes and industrial facilities.

New York City - Central hub for urban scenes
Upstate New York - Rural and industrial settings
Surrounding States - Natural and remote locations

Office Settings

One of the most iconic aspects of Severance is its portrayal of office environments. These spaces are designed to reflect the monotony and isolation experienced by the characters, making the choice of filming locations crucial.

Design and Atmosphere

The office settings in Severance are characterized by their minimalist design and dim lighting, creating an oppressive atmosphere. Locations such as abandoned office buildings and warehouses were transformed to fit the show's needs.

According to production designer David Crank, "The challenge was to create spaces that felt both familiar and alien, reflecting the psychological state of the characters."

Industrial Spaces

Industrial spaces play a significant role in Severance, representing the vast and impersonal nature of Lumon Industries. These locations are often used for scenes depicting the inner workings of the company and its facilities.

Characteristics and Significance

The industrial spaces chosen for filming are often large, cavernous structures with a raw, unfinished aesthetic. These settings help emphasize the scale and power of Lumon Industries, reinforcing the themes of control and manipulation.

For example, an old factory in upstate New York was repurposed to serve as the interior of Lumon's manufacturing plant, providing an authentic industrial feel.

Underground Settings

The underground settings in Severance add an element of mystery and intrigue to the series. These locations are used for scenes involving secret facilities and hidden operations within Lumon Industries.

Creation and Adaptation

Underground settings were often created through a combination of real locations and set design. Abandoned tunnels and subway stations in New York City were utilized, while additional elements were added through special effects and CGI.

Producer Dan Erickson noted, "The underground settings were designed to evoke a sense of claustrophobia and secrecy, aligning with the show's darker themes."

Urban Backdrops

The urban backdrops in Severance provide a stark contrast to the isolated settings within Lumon Industries. These locations are used for scenes involving the characters' personal lives and interactions outside of work.

Cityscapes and Diversity

New York City's diverse neighborhoods and architectural styles offer a rich backdrop for the show's urban scenes. Locations such as Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan were used to depict the characters' living environments and social interactions.

Director Ben Stiller commented, "The urban settings were crucial in grounding the characters in reality, offering a counterpoint to the surreal world of Lumon."

Natural Landscapes

In contrast to the urban and industrial settings, natural landscapes are used in Severance to symbolize freedom and escape. These locations provide a refreshing change of scenery and highlight the characters' aspirations beyond their confined lives.

Scenic and Symbolic

Scenes featuring natural landscapes were filmed in areas such as the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson Valley, known for their breathtaking views and serene environments. These locations serve as a visual metaphor for the characters' inner desires and hopes.

Production designer David Crank explained, "The natural landscapes were chosen to contrast with the oppressive environments of Lumon, offering a glimpse of what lies beyond."

Interior Design Elements

The interior design of Severance's filming locations is meticulously crafted to enhance the show's storytelling. Every detail, from furniture to lighting, is carefully considered to create the desired atmosphere.

Design Philosophy

The interior design elements in Severance are characterized by their simplicity and functionality, reflecting the utilitarian nature of Lumon Industries. Neutral colors and uniform designs dominate the spaces, emphasizing the lack of individuality and personal expression.

According to set decorator Nina Saxon, "The interior design was aimed at creating a sterile and impersonal environment, mirroring the psychological impact on the characters."

Production Challenges

Filming a series like Severance comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to securing and transforming filming locations. The production team faced several obstacles in bringing the show's vision to life.

Logistical and Creative Challenges

One of the main challenges was finding locations that could accommodate the show's unique requirements while maintaining authenticity. Additionally, transforming these locations into the desired settings required significant effort and resources.

Producer Casey Konrad shared, "We had to be creative in our approach, often combining multiple locations to achieve the desired effect. It was a complex but rewarding process."

Behind the Scenes

For fans eager to learn more about the making of Severance, behind-the-scenes insights provide valuable information about the production process and the creative decisions involved.

Creative Decisions and Insights

From selecting filming locations to designing sets, every aspect of Severance was carefully planned and executed. Interviews with the production team reveal the thought process behind each decision, offering fans a deeper understanding of the show's creation.

Director Ben Stiller emphasized, "Every location and design choice was made with the story in mind, ensuring that the visual elements complemented the narrative."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the filming locations of Severance play a vital role in shaping the series' atmosphere and enhancing its storytelling. From the dimly lit office spaces to the breathtaking natural landscapes, each location was carefully chosen to contribute to the show's overall impact.

We invite you to explore these locations further and share your thoughts in the comments below. For more insights into the world of Severance and other exciting content, be sure to explore our other articles on the site.

Thank you for reading, and we hope this article has provided valuable information about the filming locations of Severance. Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes content!

Severance Filming Locations 2022

How They Really Feel