Ben Stiller knew he needed to make Severance the moment he read an early version of the show in a writing sample its creator, Dan Erickson, submitted to his production company. Now, years later, Severance is a hit, reportedly generating $200 million for Apple TV, and Stiller is the series’ executive producer and go-to director responsible for some of its most pivotal episodes. Kara talks to Stiller about the most poignant themes of the show, from its commentary on surveillance and technology to its meditations on trauma and identity. Plus, they chat politics — including Stiller’s reaction to an angry post about him by Elon Musk and his view on making political art now. Listen to more from On with Kara Swisher here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Hi, everyone. This is Pivot from New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network. I'm Kara Swisher. We're off for the holiday, but we're bringing you a great episode of my other podcast, On with Kara Swisher, my recent interview with Ben Stiller, whom Scott and I adore. Ben is the executive producer and go-to director of one of my favorite shows, Severance.
We talk about all things innie and outie, and Ben also shares his thoughts about being an Elon Musk target. Enjoy the episode. Scott and I will be back on Friday. The M7 is a little, it picks up noise. It's a much better mic, so.
Okay, how's that?
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