While an official, definitive list of filming locations for the entirety of Severance Season 2 remains closely guarded, Episode 4 saw a significant portion of its narrative, specifically involving Lumon’s off-site activities and potential incursions beyond the severed floor, primarily filmed in and around the historical architectural marvel of Bell Works in Holmdel Township, New Jersey. This iconic structure, a former Bell Labs research facility, served as a key backdrop, lending its futuristic yet subtly unsettling atmosphere to the show’s already striking visual identity.
The Allure of Bell Works: More Than Just a Building
Bell Works, a sprawling two-million-square-foot building, isn’t just a pretty façade. It’s a monument to innovation, a testament to mid-century modern design, and, crucially for Severance, a symbol of corporate ambition and control. Its vast open spaces, meticulously designed interiors, and a palpable sense of history made it the perfect canvas for visualizing Lumon Industries’ enigmatic operations.
Echoes of Innovation, Whispers of Intrigue
The choice of Bell Works speaks volumes about the show’s creators’ dedication to creating a believable and unsettling world. The building’s past as a hub for groundbreaking scientific research, where countless inventions were born, subtly mirrors Lumon’s own quest for groundbreaking (and perhaps unethical) advancements. This historical context adds a layer of depth and intrigue that simply couldn’t be replicated on a soundstage.
Beyond the Core: Exploring Exterior Shots
While interior shots undoubtedly dominate, Episode 4 subtly integrated exterior glimpses around the Bell Works complex. These fleeting scenes, often punctuated by the show’s signature sterile aesthetic, create a sense of disconnect and unease, further blurring the lines between the familiar and the unsettling. These outdoor scenes add depth to the overall visual storytelling.
Decoding the Filming Locations: Beyond the Obvious
While Bell Works forms the core of the filming locations for pivotal scenes in Episode 4, other locations likely contributed to the episode’s overall tapestry. Due to the secrecy surrounding the production, confirming these additional sites is challenging, but educated speculation points toward other areas in New Jersey and potentially even extending into other states.
Speculating on Supporting Locations
Given Severance‘s established pattern of using distinct architectural styles to represent different facets of its world, it’s plausible that additional filming took place in locations mimicking corporate environments or residential settings. The sterile, almost clinical aesthetic that defines the show is achieved with strategic choices of locations and set design.
The Role of Studio Sets
It’s crucial to remember that a significant portion of Severance, particularly the inner workings of the severed floor and the various Lumon departments, are meticulously constructed sets. These studio-bound environments allow for precise control over lighting, camera angles, and overall atmosphere, contributing significantly to the show’s distinctive visual language.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Severance Filming
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the filming locations for Severance, especially concerning Season 2 Episode 4, designed to provide deeper insights and address common queries:
1. Is Bell Works actually Lumon Industries’ headquarters in real life?
No, Bell Works is not Lumon Industries’ headquarters. It’s a historical building in Holmdel Township, New Jersey, that once served as Bell Labs, a renowned research facility. Severance uses it as a filming location to depict the imposing and enigmatic atmosphere of Lumon.
2. Were any scenes from Episode 4 filmed outside of New Jersey?
While the bulk of filming, and certainly the most significant scenes from Episode 4 involving Bell Works, took place in New Jersey, it’s possible that supplementary shots were filmed in New York or other nearby states, particularly for establishing shots or external environments representing areas outside the immediate vicinity of Lumon. Confirmation remains elusive.
3. How much of what we see is CGI versus real locations?
Severance masterfully blends real locations with CGI enhancements. While buildings like Bell Works provide a tangible foundation, visual effects are used to extend the scale of the architecture, create impossible spaces within Lumon, and generally enhance the show’s surreal aesthetic.
4. Does the architecture of Bell Works influence the show’s themes?
Absolutely. The architecture of Bell Works, with its vast open spaces, geometric lines, and a sense of controlled order, perfectly complements the show’s themes of corporate control, identity fragmentation, and the dehumanizing aspects of modern work life. The building itself becomes a visual metaphor.
5. Will Season 2 explore more diverse locations than Season 1?
Based on early glimpses and reports, Season 2 appears to be expanding its geographical scope beyond the confines of the severed floor. The presence of off-site locations, potentially including residential areas and public spaces, suggests a broadening exploration of the outside world and the impact of severance on individuals’ lives beyond Lumon.
6. Are there any tours of Bell Works that highlight the Severance filming locations?
While there aren’t currently official tours specifically dedicated to Severance filming locations at Bell Works, the building is open to the public, and you can explore many of the areas featured in the show. Keep an eye out for future themed events or tours that might capitalize on the show’s popularity.
7. What makes Bell Works such a unique filming location?
Bell Works offers a unique combination of historical significance, architectural grandeur, and a sense of quiet eeriness. Its vastness and design lend themselves perfectly to depicting the scale and ambiguity of Lumon Industries.
8. How difficult is it to film at a location like Bell Works?
Filming at a location like Bell Works presents unique logistical challenges. Coordinating access, managing large crews, and ensuring minimal disruption to the building’s regular operations require careful planning and execution. However, the payoff in terms of visual impact is significant.
9. Did the production team alter any of the existing architecture at Bell Works?
While specific details are scarce, it’s likely that the production team made minor alterations and additions to the existing architecture at Bell Works to better suit the show’s aesthetic. These could include temporary set pieces, changes to lighting fixtures, or the addition of props and furniture.
10. Beyond Bell Works, what types of locations might Severance use in future episodes?
Future episodes might explore locations representing the “outie” lives of the severed employees, such as suburban homes, local businesses, and public spaces. Contrast between these mundane settings and the sterile environment of Lumon would further emphasize the show’s central themes.
11. How does the choice of filming locations contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere of Severance?
The carefully chosen filming locations in Severance are crucial in creating the show’s distinctive tone. The sterile, corporate environments juxtaposed with the ordinary outside world contribute to a sense of unease and disorientation, reflecting the psychological effects of severance. The locations practically become characters themselves.
12. Are there any behind-the-scenes documentaries or interviews that discuss the show’s filming locations?
While detailed behind-the-scenes documentaries specifically focusing on filming locations may be limited, keep an eye out for interviews with the show’s production designers, directors, and cast. These interviews often offer insights into the creative process and the challenges of finding and utilizing appropriate filming locations. These are goldmines for details.