Interview with Grgo Sevo

Flying Monster:  Grgo, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. We’ve got to start with the 'Severance' opening shot—it’s one of the most talked-about moments from Season 2. How did that scene come together from your perspective as the camera operator? 

Grgo Sevo: It was an incredibly intense experience! The scene was designed to be one continuous, uninterrupted shot that follows Adam Scott’s character through the halls of Lumon. The movement had to be very dynamic; we needed to convey a sense of tension, unease, and confusion, which was key to setting the tone for the season. I had to navigate this maze-like hallway while keeping the camera smooth and in constant motion. It’s almost like a dance—sprinting forward, sliding back, twisting and turning at full speed. All while maintaining precise focus and framing. 
The space was tight, and the set was designed to be both disorienting and repetitive, so we wanted the audience to feel as if they were right there, moving with Adam’s character. It was a challenge, but one that I loved taking on. 

FM: You mentioned the movement needed to be dynamic. What were some of the unique physical demands you faced during filming? 

Grgo: It’s a good thing I go to the gym, haha! It was definitely physically challenging. I had to maintain a balance of speed, control, and intense focus while sprinting, making quick turns, and adjusting on the fly in a very confined space. It was like running a 400m sprint while keeping the camera steady the entire time. The most challenging part of the sequence was sprinting at full speed, then smoothly slowing down, coming to a hold, pivoting, and running backward—all while keeping the camera steady

FM: That dedication really shows in the final product. How did you collaborate with the rest of the team, including the director and other crew members, to pull this off? 

Grgo:  The teamwork was crucial. I worked closely with the director, Ben Stiller, and the camera team to ensure we had the right angles and the right rhythm. We rehearsed the shot multiple times, figuring out timing and making sure everything flowed naturally. The entire team had to be synchronized, from the lighting to the actors’ movements. Ben had a very clear vision of how he wanted the shot to feel, and it was about translating that vision into something that felt seamless on screen. 

Effective communication and trust between the team was key—everyone knew their role, and we all supported each other to make sure everything clicked into place. The challenging part was the precision timing; any little hitch would throw the shot off. But that’s what made it so rewarding when it finally came together. 

FM: It’s amazing how the whole team pulled it off. Since the release of 'Severance', critics and viewers have been raving about the cinematography. What’s been your reaction to the feedback? 

Grgo: Honestly, it’s surreal. It’s always a bit nerve-wracking putting your work out there, especially when it's something as high-profile as 'Severance'. But the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see how much people appreciate the work we put in. It’s a team effort, and I’m just proud to have been a part of it. The shot itself became a talking point not just because of the technical aspects, but because it really enhances the storytelling. It’s great to see how the audience has connected with it. 

FM: Absolutely! You’ve worked on a variety of projects, but this shot stands out as one of your most iconic. How did you first get into cinematography, and what was the journey like to get to where you are today? 

Grgo: I’ve always been drawn to the visual arts—there’s something about capturing moments and telling stories through visuals that has always fascinated me. I graduated with a marketing degree, focusing on graphic design, but my true passion has always been behind the camera. I’d take my drone or camera with me everywhere, filming anything that would catch my eye. After college, I started taking on smaller gigs and building my portfolio. It wasn’t always easy, but every project was a valuable learning experience. Over time, I developed a network of people who trusted me with more complex projects. Working with Flying Monster has been a huge part of my growth. The team here is top-notch, and they’ve really helped me push my limits and take on new challenges.

FM: We’re definitely lucky to have you on the team! What’s next for you, Grgo? Do you have any exciting projects on the horizon? 

Grgo: I’m always looking forward to the next challenge. There’s a lot in the works, but I can’t go into too much detail just yet. What I can say is that I love projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible. The technology we’re using in cinematography is evolving so quickly, and it’s exciting to see where that’s taking us. I’m excited to continue exploring new ways to tell stories and capture breathtaking moments on camera. 

FM: Thanks again, Grgo, for sharing your insights with us. Your work on 'Severance' is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what you do next.

Enjoy another great BTS video by Vanity Fair discussing the entire shot.

Watch this behind-the-scenes Vanity Fair interview with Ben Stiller and Adam Scott, where Ben highlights Grgo Sevo’s incredible work on the iconic opening shot of 'Severance' Season 2. Get a glimpse into the challenges and creative vision behind the scene!