Ben Stiller banned mobile phones on ‘Severance’ set: “They drive me crazy”

nme.com:

Ben Stiller has revealed that he implemented a “no phones” policy on the set of Severance, which he directs and executive produces.The actor and filmmaker explained that, while starring in Noah Baumbach’s 2010 rom-com Greenberg, the director’s style had a real effect on him.Stiller explained on Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out podcast that the director didn’t allow chairs on set, something he then took on board when directing The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty a few years later.

And then, when he’s directing Apple TV+ thriller Severance, Stiller has a “no phones” policy.He said of his time working with Baumbach, “I think it was like 10 days into shooting, and I’m like, ‘Where’s the chairs?

Oh my God, there’s no chairs here.’ And that’s his choice because he doesn’t want to have people sitting around.”He explained that, while people were still able to find places to sit down, the lack of chairs helped keep everyone moving and focused on the task at hand.

And, about his “no phones” rule, he said: “Crew have to use phones sometimes to communicate, but, for me, I like no phones anywhere near the eyeshot of the actors.