# A Cinematic Exploration of the *Silo* Season 2: Insights from Cinematographer Baz Irvine
The second season of *Silo*, Apple TV+’s dystopian science fiction series, has launched with great anticipation, proving to be a visually impressive continuation of the narrative. Inspired by Hugh Howey’s *Wool* trilogy, *Silo* captured the audience’s attention in 2023 through its intriguing mix of political tension, enigma, and post-apocalyptic perseverance. As Season 2 unfolds, the series is broadening its storytelling and visual vision, guiding viewers beyond the limitations of the eponymous silo and into unexplored realms.
In a recent conversation with *Ars Technica*, cinematographer Baz Irvine offered a glimpse into the artistic journey behind the show’s second season, elaborating on his approach to visual narrative, technical hurdles, and the thrilling new aspects that set Season 2 apart.
## Broadening the Universe of *Silo*
Season 1 of *Silo* immersed viewers in a self-sufficient underground metropolis, housing 10,000 inhabitants under strict regulations: anyone voicing the desire to “go out” is granted their wish, only to face a dire outcome in the noxious waste outside. The inaugural season followed Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson), a mechanical engineer turned hesitant sheriff, as she unraveled sinister truths about the silo’s history and the reality beyond.
As Season 2 kicks off, the narrative continues with Juliette realizing that the barren terrain outside the silo is indeed authentic and that their silo is merely one of several. The new season promises a deeper exploration of the enigmas surrounding the silo system, with rebellious tensions rising and new silos becoming significant.
For cinematographer Baz Irvine, this expansion of the show’s universe brought forth both challenges and prospects. “We were about to unveil this new silo, creating an entirely new environment that needed to feel instantly recognizable yet entirely distinct,” Irvine noted. One of his initial choices was to shift the aspect ratio from Season 1’s 2:1 to full widescreen, fostering a more cinematic atmosphere that corresponded to the narrative’s growth.
## Crafting a Physical Experience
One of Irvine’s primary objectives for Season 2 was to render the visuals more “physical.” In Season 1, the cinematography maintained a more deliberate, almost theatrical tone, with slowly building shots that aided in establishing the silo’s environment. However, for Season 2, Irvine aspired to draw the audience closer to the action, immersing them in the experiences alongside the characters.
“We’re attempting to adopt a point of view, almost hand-held,” Irvine explained. “When [Juliette] is sprinting, we’re right there with her. When she’s attempting to smash her helmet, we are fully immersed in that moment.”
This tactic necessitated a shift in camera technique. Rather than treating the silo as a fixed backdrop, Irvine and his crew worked to intertwine the setting with the action more organically. “We wanted to cease worrying about the silo,” he said. “It is remarkable and looms in every shot. We aimed to enhance the visceral experience. There would be a great deal more action.”
## Manipulating Light and Color
A standout feature of *Silo*’s visual aesthetic is its strategic use of lighting and color to distinguish various areas of the silo and the social hierarchies within. During Season 1, the lower levels, inhabited by mechanical workers, were drenched in green and orange tones, while the upper echelons, home to the more privileged residents, showcased a cleaner, more clinical aesthetic.
In Season 2, Irvine intensified these visual contrasts. “The mechanical aspect is the exciting part because it represents the lower levels of the silo,” he indicated. “Down there, we moisten the walls and floors so that the greenish, orangish colors you associate with fluorescent lighting and mechanical fixtures would reflect.”
As the narrative transitions to new silos, the lighting and color schemes adapt to express the distinctive traits of each space. For instance, Silo 17, left abandoned for 35 years, presents a more haunting, overgrown appearance, with malfunctioning lights casting a greenish tint over everything. “Some of the inspirations for that were the visuals from Chernobyl two decades later,” Irvine remarked. “When humanity departs, nature swiftly reclaims its territory.”
## The Struggle with Darkness
A significant challenge for Irvine was finding the right balance between darkness and visibility. Much of Season 2 occurs in poorly illuminated settings, especially in Silo 17, where power outages are prevalent. “We have to embrace the darkness in certain areas because a couple of times this season,