**Exploring the Subterranean Realm of *Silo*: How Apple TV+ Brought Hugh Howey’s Distopian Idea to the Screen**
Apple TV+’s *Silo* has enchanted viewers with its complex narrative, engaging characters, and breathtaking visuals. Derived from Hugh Howey’s acclaimed *Silo* trilogy, the series immerses audiences in a post-apocalyptic setting where the remaining 10,000 humans reside in a vast underground refuge, cut off from a poisonous exterior. The show’s triumph is largely attributed to its rich production design and cinematography, which vividly recreate the silo’s confined, intricate environment. Central to this visual masterpiece is the expansive UK facility where a substantial portion of the series is filmed—a multifaceted set so intricately designed and vast that even the show’s cinematographer, Baz Irvine, confesses to becoming disoriented within its halls.
### A Visual Haven for a Dystopian Story
“This is a dream position for a cinematographer,” Irvine remarked in a recent conversation. The production crew constructed two enormous studios for the series, each featuring approximately 10 stages, with four to five sets on each stage. This setup results in a vast, interconnected space that reflects the silo’s numerous tiers and tunnels. The level of detail is so precise that maneuvering through the set can feel as bewildering as existing within the silo itself—a tribute to the production’s dedication to realism.
The silo’s architecture serves not merely as a backdrop but as a character in its own right. Its stifling, industrial design emphasizes the show’s motifs of seclusion, social hierarchy, and the pursuit of truth. Irvine’s cinematography amplifies this ambiance, applying lighting, camera methods, and color schemes to capture the silo’s distinct mood and texture.
### Visual Narrative in Season One
In the inaugural season, *Silo* presents the underground realm through the perspective of Juliette, portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson. As a mechanic from the lower levels, Juliette ascends to become the silo’s sheriff, delving into its hidden truths. The cinematography during season one often exudes a theatrical quality, reflecting the necessity of establishing this new universe and its conventions. Irvine and his team utilized meticulously controlled illumination and framing to highlight the silo’s verticality and the stark differences between its levels.
The lower levels, from which Juliette originates, are characterized as dirty and industrial, featuring textured walls, subdued lighting, and smoke billowing from vents. In contrast, the upper levels, where the silo’s elite dwell, are brighter and more refined, showcasing the pronounced social divide within the bunker. This visual contrast reinforces the series’ examination of power, disparity, and insurrection.
### A Grimmer, More Immersive Season Two
The second season of *Silo* elevates the stakes, both in terms of narrative and visual impact. Continuing from where the first season concluded, Juliette explores an abandoned silo, revealing fresh enigmas and threats. For Irvine, this new backdrop provided a chance to expand the show’s visual language in daring new ways.
“I wanted to adopt a slightly more retro approach,” Irvine shared. “Season one had moments of theatricality—it needed to, as it was unveiling a new world. But now that we understand the world better, I aimed to make it more immersive, more dynamic, more tangible.” To accomplish this, Irvine utilized handheld cameras, wider lenses, and a darker, more somber aesthetic. The new silo is portrayed with a muted green color scheme and torchlight, provoking feelings of seclusion, intrigue, and deterioration. These stylistic choices not only enhance the show’s mood but also mirror Juliette’s emotional evolution as she contends with solitude and doubt.
The disparity between the two silos serves as a fundamental visual motif in season two. While the original silo is structured and stratified, the deserted one is chaotic and ominous, presenting its own set of challenges and secrets. Irvine’s cinematography accentuates these distinctions, generating a sense of contrast that amplifies the tension and mystery.
### The Craft of Cinematic World-Creation
One of the most remarkable features of *Silo* is its capacity to immerse viewers in its world. The silo’s architecture and cinematography collaborate to establish a feeling of scale and intimacy, inviting audiences into its cramped hallways and expansive chambers. Irvine’s application of full widescreen enriches the show’s grand scope, while his handheld techniques introduce a raw, personal touch to pivotal scenes.
Lighting is pivotal in establishing the atmosphere. In the lower levels, dim, flickering lights and shadows foster a stifling environment, whereas the upper levels are illuminated with an artificial, cold glow. Torchlight and muted hues in the abandoned silo provide a sense of suspense, allowing viewers to feel as though they are traversing its shadowy spaces alongside Juliette.
### A Realm of Layers and Mysteries
Beyond its visual allure, *Silo* conveys a narrative rich in layers—both literal and symbolic. The physical design of the silo reflects its social structure.
