IPhones the next step in film making?

It seems everyone nowadays think of themselves as a filmmaker, recording yourself, events, and short projects is getting easier and easier as technology continues to become more advanced, affordable, and available to the public.

I’m not going to argue that amazing footage can’t be captured with a cellphone camera or GoPro, because it can, and people are doing it every day. At the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, the most popular film was shot completely using an IPhone 5s.

Sean Baker fimling a scene with an IPhone 5s

The film in question Tangerine had an overall budget of $100,000 and made $701,837 when it was released. They did also use adapter lenses that attached to the phone, a Steadicam rig customized for the IPhone, and an eight-dollar app called Filmic Pro, to help with light balance, temperature and focusing. Other than those three things, director Sean Baker made the entire film with a device he could fit easily in his pocket.

Unfortunately, not everyone is a creative genius like Mr. Baker so it does help having the proper equipment to get the job done. Getting what you need to start a project is expensive, you’ll first off need a camera capable of handling what you’re planning to film, add on proper lenses, stabilizers, microphones, editing software, and people power, you’re looking at a pretty big startup cost.

That is why using small independent production houses is always a safe bet. They already have the equipment and best of all, they know how to use it to create the best final product for you.

Small production houses are more flexible and give the customer the most for their money. And given they are not under any constrictive guidelines of a large business they can be more creative and work with you to make your project something special, be it a commercial, short film, and even music videos.

So next time you have a project in mind, consider using an independent production house like SEVENTYSIXFILMS, we have everything that’s needed to create beautiful pieces of visual art. From preproduction like scriptwriting, all the way to editing the final project we can work with you every step of the way. Overall it is very impressive what can be done with an IPhone, but when it comes down to it,  traditional film equipment will always give you the best quality work at the end of the day. Unless you have the time and money like Sean Baker, give us a call.