Interview: ‘Severance’ Cinematographer, Producer, and Director Jessica Lee Gagné Breathes New Life Into the Groundbreaking and Record-Breaking Office Drama [VIDEO]
There’s only one motto that encapsulates both the ethos of the most captivating sci-fi show of the year and the artists who create such a rich, complex world of originality: “The work is mysterious and important.” One of these artists that has continued her work on the Apple TV+ drama Severance is the talented cinematographer, producer, and director, Jessica Lee Gagné.
I had the pleasure of chatting with her about her filmmaking career which began as a young girl running around her dad’s video store. Since then, the Quebec City native worked on many international productions, mostly consisting of features, shorts, and music videos: a long, vibrant list that ultimately caught Ben Stiller’s eye. The two then collaborated on the 12-time Emmy nominated Escape at Dannemora (Patricia Arquette thanked Jessica Lee during her Golden Globe speech) before shooting Severance and expanding her influence in season two. This enigmatic, fan-obsessed show is a testament to her craft which is defined by a hands-on approach from the get go. In addition to her impressive show credits, she explains how she assisted location scouts in finding and using Bell Labs in New Jersey as an ominous symbol of Lumon’s overwhelming power.
Hindsight is 20/20, especially as this past season brought in record-breaking numbers and made Severance Apple TV+’s number one show in February, but Jessica Lee speaks candidly about her initial hesitation to work on an office drama. Innovation became key in order to subvert stereotypically restrictive bounds, like stark fluorescent lighting and claustrophobic cubicles, and design an entirely new maze-like universe that continues to expand. Gagné’s directorial debut, episode 207 titled “Chikhai Bardo,” further demonstrates this revitalized look with an enriched color palette and astonishing cinematic techniques that reinvigorates these characters with a life outside the innie-bound world.
Jessica Lee also highlights her experience in a male-dominated industry, the ways she hopes to change that, and the inspiration she wants to be for the next generation of female filmmakers. Watch our delightful, in-depth conversation below and stream both seasons of Severance on Apple TV+.
Jessica Lee Gagné is Emmy-eligible in the categories of Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for the episode “Chikhai Bardo” and Outstanding Cinematography for a Series (One Hour) for episode 201, “Hello Ms. Cobel.”of Severance from AppleTV+.
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