Ben Stiller Enforces 'No Phones' Rule on 'Severance' Set to Protect Actors' Focus

The director adopted the policy to maintain a distraction-free environment during the production of the Apple TV+ series' second season.

Ben Stiller implemented a 'no phones' policy on the set of 'Severance' to ensure actors could perform without distractions.
The rule was inspired by Stiller's past experiences with directors like Noah Baumbach, who used unconventional methods to maintain focus on set.
Stiller emphasized the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for actors, describing acting as a 'vulnerable' process.
While the policy restricted phone use near the actors, Stiller acknowledged the crew's need for communication tools and aimed to balance respect for their efforts.
'Severance' Season 2, which premiered on January 17, 2025, faced challenges such as a long production timeline and high expectations due to its significant budget.