According to IndieWire, Severance cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné (Mrs. America, Daddy), who recently directed episode seven of the hit Apple TV+ series, has revealed that the visually striking one-shot sequence was created entirely without CGI. The scene in question follows Adam Scott‘s (Parks & Recreation, Party Down) character Mark as the camera seamlessly moves from his office down to a lower level of Lumon Industries.
Gagné explained that executing the shot was one of the most challenging aspects of the production, IndieWire reports. Rather than relying on digital effects, the team designed an intricate cable rig that physically moved the camera through the set. “There’s no CGI in it. It’s all real,” Gagné shared. The system required precise coordination, as the camera traveled through the structure of a desk using a pulley. “It was the most laborious thing I have ever done as a DP,” she added.
Having previously worked on Mrs. America and Escape at Dannemora, Gagné is known for her attention to detail and commitment to practical filmmaking. Series executive producer Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder, Nutcrackers) praised her dedication, calling her a true artist who “puts everything into it.”
The confirmation that Severance used practical effects instead of CGI comes at a time when audiences often assume that complex shots rely on digital technology. According to IndieWire, a similar situation arose with The Legend of Ochi, a film that premiered at Sundance, where viewers speculated that AI played a role in its visuals, but this turned out to not be the case. Director Isaiah Saxon (DIY) denied those claims and turned eyes instead toward the practical technique of puppetry he used throughout the picture.
With Severance gaining recognition for its innovative cinematography among other critically-acclaimed facets, fans eagerly await the final three episodes of the season which are set to throughout the month of March.