In a groundbreaking move for smartphone cinematography, director Danny Boyle has filmed his latest zombie thriller "28 Years Later" using the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The film, set for release in June 2025, marks the biggest production to date captured on a smartphone, with a budget of $75 million. This is a follow-up to the 2002 cult classic "28 Days Later", and like its predecessor, Boyle continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking technology. Boyle and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle opted for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, adapting it with high-end accessories like lens adapters and protective cages to achieve cinema-quality footage.
The choice of the iPhone 15 Pro Max wasn't just for novelty—its ability to shoot in Apple ProRes at 4K resolution with a log color profile made it a powerful tool for capturing high-quality video. This advanced shooting mode preserves more detail in highlights and shadows, offering greater flexibility in post-production editing. The iPhone setup allowed Boyle’s team to achieve the dynamic shots and mobility needed for a fast-paced, action-packed zombie film, something that would have been far more challenging with traditional bulky cameras. Accessories like Beastgrip’s cages and depth-of-field adapters were critical in transforming the smartphone into a high-end movie camera, allowing the attachment of professional DSLR lenses to enhance the cinematic quality.
The use of the iPhone in such a high-profile production highlights a growing trend in mobile filmmaking, where smartphones are increasingly proving their capabilities in professional settings. While smaller indie films like "Tangerine" and "Unsane" have explored iPhone filmmaking, "28 Years Later" stands out as a major Hollywood production, breaking new ground for what’s possible with mobile devices. The success of this film could open the door for more directors to experiment with smartphones, making filmmaking more accessible while maintaining a high level of visual quality.
Boyle's decision to use the iPhone 15 Pro Max is also likely to boost Apple's reputation in the film industry. With the iPhone's advanced ProRes shooting mode and easy adaptability for professional rigs, it shows that the smartphone is not just a consumer device but a legitimate tool for serious filmmakers. As mobile technology continues to evolve, "28 Years Later" could serve as a pivotal moment in the merging of smartphone tech and Hollywood filmmaking, setting a new standard for what's possible with a device that fits in your pocket.
Credit: WIRED
The choice of the iPhone 15 Pro Max wasn't just for novelty—its ability to shoot in Apple ProRes at 4K resolution with a log color profile made it a powerful tool for capturing high-quality video. This advanced shooting mode preserves more detail in highlights and shadows, offering greater flexibility in post-production editing. The iPhone setup allowed Boyle’s team to achieve the dynamic shots and mobility needed for a fast-paced, action-packed zombie film, something that would have been far more challenging with traditional bulky cameras. Accessories like Beastgrip’s cages and depth-of-field adapters were critical in transforming the smartphone into a high-end movie camera, allowing the attachment of professional DSLR lenses to enhance the cinematic quality.
The use of the iPhone in such a high-profile production highlights a growing trend in mobile filmmaking, where smartphones are increasingly proving their capabilities in professional settings. While smaller indie films like "Tangerine" and "Unsane" have explored iPhone filmmaking, "28 Years Later" stands out as a major Hollywood production, breaking new ground for what’s possible with mobile devices. The success of this film could open the door for more directors to experiment with smartphones, making filmmaking more accessible while maintaining a high level of visual quality.
Boyle's decision to use the iPhone 15 Pro Max is also likely to boost Apple's reputation in the film industry. With the iPhone's advanced ProRes shooting mode and easy adaptability for professional rigs, it shows that the smartphone is not just a consumer device but a legitimate tool for serious filmmakers. As mobile technology continues to evolve, "28 Years Later" could serve as a pivotal moment in the merging of smartphone tech and Hollywood filmmaking, setting a new standard for what's possible with a device that fits in your pocket.
Credit: WIRED
