TheL reddit-worthy iPhone 15 Pro Max indeed seems to have taken center stage, mirroring a resonance reminiscent of a scene from 28 Years Later
In an unprecedented move, the movie "28 Years Later" has primarily been shot using the iPhone 15 Pro Max, marking a significant shift in the filmmaking industry[1][3]. Director Danny Boyle capitalized on the device's lightweight and compact design to capture scenes in remote countryside locations, preserving the natural setting's pristine beauty[2][3].
One of the most striking features of the film is the inclusion of signature "bullet time" sequences, inspired by The Matrix. A half circle of 20 iPhone Pro Max units was employed to capture scenes from nearly 360 degrees, providing a dynamic and immersive experience[1][3][5]. This setup, often referred to as a "poor man’s bullet time," allowed for action shots from multiple angles, particularly during fight scenes.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a triple-camera system (Wide, Ultra Wide, Telephoto lenses), 48MP stills with ƒ/1.78 aperture, HDR and Dolby Vision video recording at 4K and 60fps, and Academy-grade color encoding[2]. To meet professional standards, automatic focus was disabled, and special accessories were added to the iPhones to handle focus pulling and stabilize shots[3]. Gear like Beastgrip rigs was used to mount and adapt the phones into traditional filmmaking setups, ensuring robust control over the image capture process[4].
While iPhones were the main cameras, traditional cinema cameras and drones were still used for some scenes and aerial shots to complement the smartphone footage[5]. Drone pilots wore VR goggles during filming to immerse themselves in the action, and FPV drone shots were included in the movie.
A behind-the-scenes video of the gear used by Danny Boyle and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle can be found on the Sony Pictures Entertainment YouTube channel. The video features discussions about camera techniques, lenses, tripods, filters, and more, providing great insight into the filmmaking process of "28 Years Later". The filmmakers chose to turn off image stabilization on the iPhones to maintain resolution, and the simplest rig for the iPhone consisted of two handles and an anamorphic optic that resembled a pancake lens.
The decision to use iPhones for filming was not a mere marketing gimmick, as suggested initially. Instead, it represented a commitment to innovation and a desire to push the boundaries of what is possible with smartphone technology. Mike Harris, who studied photography and has experience in various publications, provides insights in the video, highlighting the potential of smartphones in modern cinematography.
References: [1] https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/28yearslater/behindthescenes [2] https://www.apple.com/uk/iphone-15-pro-max/specs/ [3] https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/28yearslater/news/iphone-15-pro-max-used-to-shoot-28-years-later [4] https://www.beastgrip.com/ [5] https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/28yearslater/videos/behind-the-scenes-gear-with-anthony-dod-mantle-and-danny-boyle
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max's triple-camera system, featuring Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses, was instrumental in the filming of "28 Years Later".
- In a revolutionary approach, the movie "28 Years Later" primarily used the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with traditional cinema cameras and drones employed for some scenes.
- The compact design of the iPhone 15 Pro Max allowed director Danny Boyle to capture scenes in remote locations, preserving the natural setting's pristine beauty.
- To maintain resolution, image stabilization was turned off on the iPhones used in the filming of "28 Years Later".
- A behind-the-scenes video showcasing the gear used in "28 Years Later", including discussions about camera techniques and lenses, is available on the Sony Pictures Entertainment YouTube channel.
- The film's signature "bullet time" sequences were achieved using a half circle of 20 iPhone Pro Max units, providing a dynamic and immersive experience.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers 48MP stills, HDR and Dolby Vision video recording, and Academy-grade color encoding, demonstrating its potential in professional photography and cinematography.
- Gear like Beastgrip rigs was used to mount and adapt the iPhones into traditional filmmaking setups, ensuring robust control over image capture.
- The "poor man’s bullet time" setup allowed for action shots from multiple angles, particularly during fight scenes in "28 Years Later".
- Mike Harris, an expert in photography and journalism, shares insights about the potential of smartphones in modern cinematography in the behind-the-scenes video featuring the "28 Years Later" filmmaking process.
