In the world of motion graphics, there are projects that mark a turning point. The new title sequence for Severance the Emmy-winning Apple TV+ series is one of them. Behind this intense and surreal visual piece is Oliver Latta, known as Extraweg, a Berlin-based artist renowned for his 3D animations that blend beauty and unease. With an unconventional background (former physiotherapist, design graduate from Bauhaus University), Latta has developed a unique, recognizable, and powerful style.
After the overwhelming success of Season 1, Latta was called back to reinvent the Season 2 opener—a challenge he tackled in collaboration with Ben Stiller, director and producer of the series. The result? A sequence that dives even deeper into the subconscious of protagonist Mark S., visually portraying his fractured inner identity and the underlying tensions of the storyline.
A Visual Journey Through Mental Architectures and Hidden Symbols
The new intro unfolds as a darker, more surreal, and deeply symbolic experience. Every element—from the architecture of Mark’s mind to the scattered symbols—is meticulously crafted to tie into the main plot and its sub-narratives. Nothing is random: the animations subtly foreshadow some of the season’s major twists.
Severance Season 2 – Intro Title Sequence / BEHIND THE TITLES / MAKING OF
As Latta himself explains, the sequence reflects fragmented memories, anxieties, and the longing to reclaim one’s identity. It goes beyond aesthetics: it tells a story, sparks reflection, and amplifies the emotional impact of the series.
Behind the Scenes: 9 Months of Work and a Solid Pipeline
Rendered in 4K HDR, the sequence is the result of roughly 8–9 months of intermittent work. The team used a combination of top industry software:
- Houdini for complex simulations and effects
- Cinema 4D for modeling and animation
- ZBrush for organic details
- Substance 3D Painter for realistic texturing
- After Effects for final compositing
Art direction, concept, and execution were led by Oliver Latta himself, supported by an international team of artists including Daniel Büttner, Kristina Nedeljkovic, Ignas Blažys, and others.
A project like this is not just a technical feat it’s a true exercise in creative collaboration. Every visual element was developed in close dialogue with the series’ production team, ensuring that every frame matched the emotional and narrative tone of the Severance universe and the mysterious Lumon Industries.
Latta’s work is a perfect example of how digital art can blend with high-end productions while retaining expressive power.
His animations unsettle us, attract us, and make us think. That’s the power of motion graphics done right—not just decoration, but storytelling, provocation, and impact.
What Motion Designers Can Learn
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned motion designer, Oliver Latta’s work on Severance offers a real masterclass in:
- Visual storytelling: every stylistic choice serves the narrative
- Symbolism and conceptual design: symbols are effective because they align with the show’s universe
- Advanced pipeline: a workflow that integrates top-tier tools
- Creative collaboration: alignment with the production team is crucial in high-impact projects
In an era where visual content is consumed at lightning speed, Latta reminds us that animation can (and should) be an experience—an emotional, technical, and artistic journey that speaks the language of the future.