Ben Stiller's 'Severance' will feature parts of Utica: Where filming took place

The Apple TV+ show "Severance" was in town Monday and Tuesday filming at Utica’s Union Station for an upcoming episode.

The show was the first production brought in by Film Utica, the city’s first ever fully operational film commission, which was fully implemented earlier this year.

Paul Buckley, film commissioner for Film Utica, declined to speak directly to what was filmed, but confirmed its impact on the region.

Buckley believes the filming will open doors and bring more productions to the Utica area.

Where 'Severance' was filmed in Utica

"Severance" crews filmed at Utica’s Union Station Monday and Tuesday.

“It went swimmingly well,” Buckley said of the production, which shutdown portions of Baggs Square to begin the week.

Buckley said the production brought in over 150 people, including actor and "Severance" director and executive producer Ben Stiller.

It was an open secret that Stiller was in upstate New York the last several days, with the actor taking photos with fans that made their way online.

Officials with the production were not able to publicly comment on the filming until its wrap Tuesday evening.

What is 'Severance'

"Severance" first aired on Apple TV+ in February 2022.

The show follows a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between work and their personal lives. The appearance of a mysterious colleague outside of work leads the workers to begin a journey to discover the truth about their jobs.

The show's cast includes Adam Scott, Britt Lower and Patricia Arquette.

About Film Utica

Film Utica received final approval in late March, according to a statement released by the Stanley Theatre, where it will operate.

“It is exciting to start building this business for Utica,” Lisa Wilsey, the theater's executive director, said in the statement. “Film and television production has been missing in the economics of the region and we are excited to spearhead this venture that will contribute to our tax base, create jobs, attract new business and contribute to economic stability in the region.”

Wilsey said Film Utica’s strategic objectives are to attract motion picture and television productions to shoot on location in Utica and throughout the region and offer support so that productions can accomplish their work seamlessly.

Legislation for the commission was introduced by Common Council President Michael Galime and formalized by the common council in June 2021. The board consists of three members: Buckley was appointed by Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri as film commissioner; David DeCola, business agent of the Union Local ITEA 1; and Wilsey. 

Buckley made sure on Wednesday to praise Wilsey and thank her for the work she put in before and during the show's production.

'Severance' filming: Economic impact on Utica

Buckley said the "Severance" production in Utica had a major economic impact on the region.

The cast and crew filled up the Delta Hotel in Utica and others stayed at area Airbnbs, he said.

Local restaurants also experienced a boom, with those associated with the production eating out in the Utica area.

Many of the restaurants took to social media to share photos of the stars Tuesday night after production in Utica had ended.

In particular, Buckley singled out Stiller, who he said was great with fans.

'We'll be a lot busier now'

Severance was the first of hopefully many productions in the Utica area, Buckley said.

“This was a major success,” Buckley said.

Buckley said Film Utica is on the radar of the governor’s film commission and he believes Utica offers a lot for films and television shows.

Utica is a one-stop shop for anything they may want, Buckley said.

Plus, it’s affordable, Buckley said, adding productions can “stretch a dollar into $10.”

“We’ll be a lot busier now that they came here,” Buckley said of the "Severance" production. “This is a great launch to Film Utica.”

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Why Ben Stiller was in Utica: 'Severance' crews film in Baggs Square