Creating Cinema with Smartphones
Creating Cinema with Smartphones
Three Episodes | Part One: Mobile Filmmaking and Storytelling Panel
We’ve all watched many films which lure and inspire us. They tend to roll around in the grooves of our mind. They leave us thinking, long after the end of the credits, if we stay around for the credits.
Imagine that, at the end of the film, somewhere between our favorite scene and a shocking moment, you realize you own the same camera that the director of that film used. Sound a bit presumptuous?
Most people watch films because of the story. They watch a trailer or read the synopsis. Or perhaps recognize an actor they like…but they rarely go into it thinking about cameras, crew, sound…we just don’t do that.
I aim to inspire you to make movies as a storyteller. I know what you’re thinking. Most people who watch movies have no desire to make one. Even if they had the desire at some point, they see it as a complicated and costly endeavor. And what about the those expensive cameras, you ask?
You have it. Just about everyone has access to the movie making camera that can make movies you’d be proud to share. If you don’t believe me, take a closer look.
It’s in your hands!
Smartphone cameras have come a long way since 2010. In fact, one of the most competitive features of a phone, within the smartphone market, is the camera. Just about every brand promotes the features on the camera on their smartphone. The battle between smartphone cameras has been playing out since the early 20-teens. And that’s great news for every storyteller who is reading this.
January 2021 we held a virtual event. I brought together a number of filmmakers around the world, who made films using their smartphones. Some used iPhones, others used several Android phones—I know you’re wondering.
You’ll find Part One which we premiered as a virtual event at 1PM PST on January 6, 2021.
But that’s not really important because no matter what camera you use to shoot your movie, if the other elements in the process don’t pan out, your story may never a chance at reaching an audience.
You’ll find each episode interesting and well worth watching. If you’re thinking of making a movie, or don’t know how to start, these are your guides.
Our panelists share how you can get started with things like the flashlight on extra phones for lighting. You can use them for capturing audio. How a little duct tape comes in handy when rigging stuff, and much more.
If you’re already shooting videos with your camera, and find the process easy enough, you’ll be inspired by what you learn.
Watch the first panel, Part One, in three episodes. Each episode is less than 30 minutes long. You’ll want to watch them in sequence.
If this were Netflix, I would say, ‘Watch the first season and binge on all the episodes…but it’s not. It’s more like a mini-series.
Moderated by Susy Botello, Part One features guest panelists: Levi Austin Morrison in Los Angeles, California; Inga Vosk in Saint Petersburg, Russia; Kate Heffernan in Sydney, Australia; Ryan McDonald in Ogden, Utah; and and Oliver Richards in Cork, Ireland.
Watch Episode One of Three in Part One:
Watch Episode Two of Three in Part One:
Watch the Last Episode Three of Three in Part One:
Be inspired.
The second panel, Part Two, will be published soon. Subscribe with your email address to receive our newsletters. You’ll also be able to access subscriber only posts. Please share…you never know who you may inspire, perhaps the next Spielberg or Tarantino!
Have you already made a short or feature film with your smartphone? Perhaps you have some incredible photos you shot with your smartphone which tell a story in one frame? Or maybe, you’ve written a screenplay for a short film?
Submit them to the 12th edition of the International Mobile Film Festival in San Diego, California. Don’t wait and miss the deadlines. Read the rules and give it your best shot! Get the details: www.internationalmobilefilmfestival.com
Want even more? I offer you ‘Le Dessert’ with the SBP Podcast Mobile Filmmaking: http://sbppodcast.studio. The Voice of Mobile Film™ is for everyone who ever wanted to or is curious about making movies and videos using smartphones.