Have you ever wished you could split yourself in two—one part for work and one part for life? While that might sound like a dream, for many artists, it’s more of a reality. Ben Stiller, the mind behind Apple TV+’s hit sci-fi series Severance, often reflects on this idea, especially after facing a wave of challenges in the entertainment industry in recent years.
In a recent chat with The New York Times Magazine, Stiller shared how the industry is struggling to keep up. “It’s really tough to get things made these days,” he said. “With the strike, post-Covid, and rising costs, everyone’s trying to stay afloat. Decision-makers are making safer choices because they’re worried about keeping their jobs.”
But it’s not just about budgets and timelines—it’s also about how much control creatives have over their own work. For Stiller, this feeling is captured perfectly in Severance, where the characters, known as Innies, have no clue what they’re doing or why. They don’t even know who they’re working for, which mirrors a common reality in Hollywood.
“There’s always someone pulling the strings behind the scenes,” Stiller explained. “And you might never even meet them. Why decisions are made is a mystery, and if you do find out, it’s often not the full truth. In Hollywood, ‘yes’ often means ‘no’ or ‘let me think about it,’ more than ever.”
Despite all this, Stiller is optimistic about Severance. He views it as a quirky twist on the typical workplace comedy, similar to shows like The Office, but with a much stranger edge—especially as Season 2 unfolds. While the show might feel unpredictable, Stiller and creator Dan Erickson are working toward a clear endgame.
“We know exactly where we’re heading,” Stiller teased. “We’ve always had an end in mind, and we’re taking our time to get there. It’s about Mark, his Innie and Outie, and where both of them will ultimately go.”
Even with all the challenges, Stiller and his team have a clear direction—and that’s what keeps them going. So, even in a world where everything seems uncertain, at least some stories have a plan.
