Severance Cinematography & Photography Industry News
The Art of Severance with Jessica Lee Gagne
In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Lee Gagne, the cinematographer, producer, and director behind the critically acclaimed show Severance. We dive deep into:
• The creation of the visual language: Exploring how Gagne and director Ben Stiller crafted the show’s distinct, controlled aesthetic.
• The transition to directing: Gagne shares her emotional experience evolving from a cinematographer to a director, emphasizing her journey of self-discovery and the collaborative nature of the set.
• Technical filmmaking: Discussions on the use of robotic camera movements (remote heads) and lighting techniques that contribute to the show's unique, trapped atmosphere.
• Career journey: How her background in the Canadian film scene and her work on Escape at Dannemora paved the way for her current success.
"I really want to highlight that for me, this transition into directing was an emotional one and it was me understanding emotion kind of for myself. Working for years as a cinematographer was a way of avoiding my own emotional self."
Photography Industry & Tech Updates
We provide a comprehensive update on the current state of the industry, particularly those affected by new economic policies:
• Insta360 X5 Launch: A look at the new flagship 360 camera, featuring a larger sensor, improved low-light performance, and HDR capabilities.
• Tariffs and Pricing: A difficult update regarding how trade policies are impacting costs for Synology storage products, Ilford film, and the availability of major hardware from brands like Sony and Fujifilm.
• Nikon Miniature Gachapons: A fun dive into the growing availability of collectible Nikon camera miniatures in North America.
• Vintage Gear: A discussion on the Light Lens Lab recreation of legendary lens formulas and the search for rare vintage gear like the Sigma Mark I.
Technical Q&A and AI Observations
We round out the episode by answering viewer questions about sensor pixel density, the future of modular film/digital cameras, and why 28mm lenses seem harder to find than 24mm or 35mm options. Finally, we share a hilarious segment on how AI large language models will confidently "hallucinate" meanings for made-up idioms.