Making a movie can seem overwhelming, but with the advent of iPhones (or any smartphone), many of the most daunting challenges—like access to gear and the technical know-how—start to dissolve. iPhone filmmaking draws inspiration from independent cinema, the do-it-yourself spirit of the French New Wave, and elements of Dogme 95. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone interested in making a film, whether you're a novice eager to hone your skills or a seasoned pro looking to revisit the basics.
Steven Soderbergh, for instance, used iPhones to capture a perspective in his 2018 horror film, Unsane, that larger cameras couldn't achieve. He explains that the movie required a certain physicality only a small capture device could provide. "This movie needed a kind of physicality that a small capture device can provide. So in my mind, it was a legitimate, creative choice – and I look at the movie now and I don’t think it would be as good if I had to shoot it in a conventional way."
But not every iPhone project has to be a full-length feature like Unsane. Whether you're crafting a simple montage or a short film, iPhones empower filmmakers to take immediate action—just as Damien Chazelle, the Academy Award-winning director of Whiplash, La La Land, and First Man, did when he created The Stunt Double, a vertical film shot entirely on an iPhone.
Chazelle approached the project with creativity, despite the challenges of the vertical aspect ratio. He likened filmmaking to painting, where the canvas could be any shape or orientation. "There’s no reason we can’t be a little more free-thinking with it [filmmaking] the same way painters long ago decided ‘well if I want to paint an image like this I’ll paint it vertically – this will be horizontal, this will be a box, this will be on a wall, this will be on a ceiling, this I want people to look up to, this I want people to look down to.’ I’m just trying to think of any moving image as a little bit more of a blank page."
How to Plan Your iPhone Movie
Before you start shooting, it's crucial to outline your project. Are you creating a sketch, a short film, or a feature-length movie? Will your project be scripted, improvised, or a blend of both? Regardless of your approach, entering the project with a solid game plan is key.
If you're scripting your project, consider using screenwriting software like StudioBinder, which helps organize your story ideas into a professional format. For montage projects, StudioBinder's storyboard creator is an excellent tool to visualize your film before shooting. Additionally, remember basic filmmaking principles such as the 180-degree rule and the over-the-shoulder shot, which can be creatively adapted to an iPhone's smaller lens.
It's also important to capture as much footage as possible, especially in the digital age. Extra footage will give you more options in post-production. Just keep in mind that shooting in 4K on an iPhone can quickly consume storage space. While backing up to a Mac and storing on a RAID machine is an option, it might not be feasible on a tight budget.
Shooting Your iPhone Movie
Before you begin filming, consider investing in a few key pieces of equipment.
Microphone:
Sound recording is critical, and while poor video can often be salvaged in post-production, bad audio is nearly impossible to fix. Lavalier microphones are a practical, budget-friendly option for iPhone productions.
Lighting:
Lighting is often what separates amateur from professional-looking films. Three-point lighting, which includes key light, fill light, and backlight, is the foundation for effective lighting. Adjusting the intensity of these lights can control the visual depth of your subject.
Cinematography:
Cinematography is the art of visual storytelling, and iPhones provide a unique opportunity to explore this craft. All iPhone 12 models, for example, feature wide and ultrawide lenses, offering different perspectives and creative possibilities.
Camera Movement:
While iPhone auto-stabilization is impressive, a gimbal will further enhance your shots and provide better grip, making it easier to execute pans, tilts, and other movements.
Recording Software:
For more advanced control over your footage, consider using an app like Filmic Pro, which offers a range of professional features and costs just $14.99.
Editing Your iPhone Movie
Editing can be done directly on your iPhone, but for greater flexibility and creative control, desktop software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro is recommended.
LUTs:
Look Up Tables (LUTs) are preset color profiles that give your movie its visual style. Using LUTs can make your iPhone footage stand out by adding a cinematic quality.
Sound & Music:
While bad audio is difficult to fix, adding new sounds in post-production is straightforward. Whether you’re sourcing royalty-free music or creating sound effects, sound design is a powerful tool in shaping your film’s atmosphere.
Cuts & Transitions:
Mastering cuts and transitions can elevate your movie, making it feel polished and professional. Experiment with different types of cuts and transitions to see what best suits your film.
Why iPhone Filmmaking is Worth It
iPhone filmmaking offers an accessible, cost-effective way to create movies, empowering filmmakers to bring their stories to life without the need for expensive equipment. If you’re considering making a movie on your iPhone, there’s no better time to start.
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
For independent filmmakers, distribution is a key factor in achieving success, and OPPRIME.tv offers a significant opportunity to showcase their films to a worldwide audience. By teaming up with OPPRIME.tv, independent filmmakers benefit from a dedicated distribution platform that emphasizes the promotion and visibility of their films. This partnership helps them reach a larger audience, earn significant revenue, form vital industry connections, enhance their reputation, and engage in social and cultural discourse. OPPRIME.tv supports independent filmmakers by providing the resources to share their unique stories, foster meaningful discussions, and make a lasting mark on the filmmaking landscape. With OPPRIME.tv as a distribution partner, independent filmmakers can navigate distribution challenges and capitalize on growth and success opportunities in the industry.
Video-on-Demand: www.opprime.tv
Visit our filmmaker resource page: www.opprimetv.co
Comments