Severance - How to Write a Mysterious TV Pilot

This video essay breaks down the writing of Severance's pilot episode, written by Dan Erickson and starring Adam Scott. If you are a screenwriter and writing a mystery pilot script and in need of some tips to get the balance right, then this video will help you to structure it properly and learn what what to reveal and what to keep secret to keep the audience engaged. Severance is available to watch on Apple TV.

FAIR USE NOTICE:
This video may contain copyright material; the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This material is made available under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made "fair use" for the purposes such as criticism, comment, review, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that otherwise might be infringing. All rights belong to its owners.

Music used:
Trips by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena
Earth Appears by Brian Bolger
A Fool's Theme by Brian Bolger
Oman Groomer by The Mini Vandals
Music Box by Brian Bolger
&
Mystery by GoSoundtrack
Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0
&
"Broken Piano " composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek"

Timestamps:
0:00 Keys to Writing a Pilot
3:16 Teaser and Prologue
6:51 Conflict and Rising Conflict
9:51 Answering Questions and Raising More

#severance #pilot #adamscott

[jfrancis]

I’m almost ashamed to admit I’ve watched the series all the way through three times already. It’s just so rare to see something so well made. It’s endlessly surprising and delightful. So human and humane. Every character is a treasure. Nice video! 👍

[johnrb]

Helly in particular is a great character to study in regard to nature vs nurture. Who she is at her core...untouched by certain experiences that made her who she actually is on the outside ...is so drastically different. It's fascinating to study

[TheTriangleOffense]

This show is so good and captivating, Ive literally have been trying to show this to whoever I could

[PurpleSun]

I've liked how authors rewarded my observation. Mark's wife candle can be seen in early episodes inside one of the offices (don't wanna spoil where exactly). That's pretty unique looking candle and it immediately caught my sight when it appeared in a place where it shouldn't be.

[simonhughes-king]

Just finished watching this. It was one the best shows I've ever seen. Loved it. The insane premise. The excellent plot. The production design and look. The little details and depth. The wonderful quirkiness. The green tinge....the red and
I haven't been so enthralled for a long time. WELL DONE to everyone involved

[MegaAsante]

Excellent essay. Really love your work.

[richtea]

One of my favourite TV shows in recent memory! Excellent video!

[jetsamperes]

This show is riveting and captivating and suspenseful - all without a single gunshot.

[t]

Ironically when I saw the pilot I was so confused I wasn't that impressed. However when I saw episode 2 then I was hooked. It's a really fascinating thought experiment.

[Ivyzord]

This show is great at so many levels! I can’t help but admite Dan Erickson
It’s great to see something that feels fresh and is so well constructed!

[tedtawk]

Excellent video! Really hope this show takes off

[AlexanderTtl]

Naaaah this man helped me out in a previous breakup and now he making analysis videos on my favorite shows 😭😭😭😭 this man does everything 🙏

[marus_five]

Just watched the whole show in a few day, holly god. This is one of the best shows I have ever seen. My favorite show in just one season. Can’t wait for the next season.

[iainronald]

This show is fantastic. It's the only show in the past 3 years or longer that I've watched all of in 1 nine-hour stretch.

[edgelordofhosts]

This sounds like a 40 hr/week corporate horror. Throw who you are away and be professional and don't talk about work at home. Very apt for the times, i will definitely binge

[howardron]

Another show to add on my list of must watch

[Hankparra]

I love this breakdown of the concept of the series and how the experience interacts with the viewer. I’d love to see the rest of the series broken down like this episode by episode. Good work!! Thank you for the content :)

[ethanhawkins]

Can’t get ever how captivating this show is! Immediately came to your channel to help unpack some of it, so I was delighted to see you had posted a video. Would love more on this series as they release season 2 starting in January 🙏🏽

[alexandra-ruls]

really looks very interesting. I think is time to watch Tv again :))

[starsandmoonsabove]

Love the show! So excited for season 2