A new short film, “Big Man,” featuring R&B icon Stormzy, has recently debuted on YouTube, shot entirely using an iPhone. Directed by Academy Award-winner Aneil Karia, the film utilizes the iPhone 16 Pro’s advanced triple-lens camera for filming, eschewing traditional high-end equipment.
Director Karia expressed his excitement about the unique filmmaking process, highlighting the advantages of using the compact iPhone camera for creating intimate character-driven scenes. “Big Man,” now available for viewing on YouTube, showcases impressive visual quality comparable to traditional cinema standards, attributed to the enhanced capabilities of Apple’s latest iPhone models.
The iPhone 16 Pro boasts features like cinematic slow-motion recording at 4K 120 fps, a Cinematic mode for background blur effects, and improved low-light performance. These enhancements contribute to a more dynamic and professional look for films shot on mobile devices.
Notably, Director of Photography Stuart Bentley emphasized the democratization of filmmaking with smartphones, praising the accessibility and versatility of iPhone cameras for aspiring filmmakers. The team behind “Big Man” pushed the limits of the iPhone’s capabilities, leveraging tools like Cinematic mode and high frame rate recording to achieve exceptional results.
This isn’t the first instance of notable content being filmed on an iPhone, as Apple previously showcased its iPhone 15 Pro capturing an entire keynote presentation in 2023. The success of projects like “Big Man” underscores the growing trend of utilizing smartphones for professional filmmaking, reshaping the landscape of visual storytelling.