Warning: This article contains spoilers for Silo Season 2, Episode 7.
Apple TV+'s thrilling sci-fi show Silo is in the middle of airing its second season, and season two, episode 7, “The Dive,” includes some exciting diving sequences for Rebecca Ferguson's character, Juliette. Silo The second season received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, although it looks very different from the first season. Still, its post-apocalyptic setting is exciting and the mysteries surrounding the truth of the rebellions and the history of Silo 18 keep the audience waiting with each episode for new evidence.
Silo Season 2 kept its focus on Juliette's activities in Silo 17 along with the ramifications of her leaving and the ongoing power struggle between different groups in Silo 18. After deciding that she needs to return to her old home in Silo 18, Juliette is tasked with fixing the water pump in 17leading to Silo The cliffhanger of episode 7 of season 2 ends when she resurfaces. However, the intensity of the underwater scenes that Rebecca Ferguson had to film left many wondering how exactly the show was able to pull off the scenes safely.
Rebecca Ferguson filmed Juliette's underwater scenes on a special silo set
The set was made especially for these scenes
For Juliette's underwater scenes, the production was able to build a special tank that would allow Rebecca Ferguson to dive safely. Cinematographer Baz Irvine stated that the set was built especially for Silo and which was the second largest filming tank of its type in the UKmaking the scenes an impressive feat from a setting perspective as well as acting. Such stunning sets, like the flooded Silo 17 set, serve as a great reminder to the audience of how much time and effort is spent on scenes that ultimately feel like natural settings for the characters.
On the screen, the flooded Silo set looks perfect and very realistic, but, behind the scenes there are many very important technical aspects that allow you to film in the underwater settinglike waterproof camera equipment, the team diving with Rebecca Ferguson, waterproof communication devices and more that keep Ferguson safe while filming. Although the set required a lot of preparation to build and prepare for the scenes, Rebecca Ferguson also prepared to be able to film underwater for long periods of time.
How long Rebecca Ferguson spent filming underwater
Episode 7's underwater filming lasted four hours a day
When filming in unusual circumstances, it is essential to be prepared and calm, especially considering that Filming these scenes took Rebecca Ferguson four hours a day. Before even starting the dive, Ferguson shared that he prepared himself mentally and physically by staying calm and stretching as much as possible. Ferguson also stated the importance of being able to interact with the environment of the flooded silo setting, meaning she is able to embody the character in that setting while maintaining her own safety through awareness of her surroundings.
Fortunately, the four hours were not followed by the production team would have Rebecca Ferguson film underwater for 15 to 20 minutes and give her breaks throughout the day. In addition to taking regular air breaks, Ferguson was also accompanied by a dive security guard. Having a professional with her during her dives allowed her to focus more on filming her scenes without having to worry too much about her safety underwater.
Juliette's lack of swimming knowledge adds a layer of difficulty
Since Silo had already established that Juliette can't swim, filming scenes where Rebecca Ferguson had to play Juliette's fear and inability to swim added an extra layer of difficulty. To show Juliette's inexperience in moving through water, the team had Rebecca Ferguson move as if she were trying to walk and row, rather than actually swim, in the water. Silo does a great job of showing Juliette's apprehension about being underwater through Ferguson's vagueness but persistence, especially considering the stakes for her locating and fixing the bomb for Solo.
Although the underwater scenes required a lot of work and long hours, the result seen in SiloThe most recent episode was definitely worth it.
THE Silo the crew even added weight belts to Ferguson so she could walk across the bottom of the flooded set. Weight belts helped Ferguson stay at the bottom without floatingand they made walking around the set easy. While swimming normally would certainly have been faster, the intention was to slow Ferguson down with the harnesses to accurately portray her character's abilities, which, while convincing to audiences, would be difficult to film. Although the underwater scenes required a lot of work and long hours, the result seen in SiloThe most recent episode was definitely worth it.