The Evolution of Filmmaking Big and Small

Embracing filmmaking with smartphone cameras as an independent filmmaker

Using a smartphone to make a movie that has a $75 Million Dollar budget is not what makes mobile filmmaking “mainstream.”

Every film made has a choice after it’s complete.

Do you want people to watch your films? Where do people go when they want to watch a movie? YouTube wants you to think of them, but most people don’t go to YouTube with a tub of popcorn and dim the lights to create a cinema atmosphere at home. They typically go to the streamers: Netflix, Disney, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, etc.

In my podcast, I discuss mobile filmmaking with many filmmakers who’ve got films on streaming services. It began with Amazon Prime around 2018. Today, there are many filmmakers shooting with smartphones with their films on Amazon, Tubi, Apple TV to rent or buy, and others.

Something special happened with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

Apple released pro res log capture with ACES support: Academy Color Encoding System and it became a part of the native camera on these iPhone models.

These are the iPhones Danny Boyle used for 28 Years Later.

I have a deep desire to see you succeed as a filmmaker using any smartphone.

If you have made many short films with smartphones, won awards at film festivals, have an understanding of all the elements that go into turning a good story into an exceptional captivating film—you’re ready to shoot your feature film.

Sony or Columbia Pictures may not fund your film. However, you are now entering the arena with established filmmakers with huge budgets using the same camera as you. What it comes down to is this:

When filmmaking is reduced to the power you bring to telling stories, your $15 budget feature film is a perfect match to compare with a $75M film. You need a good team, good actors, and your talents and skills to tell remarkable stories as films.

Of course, having friends with gear like lights, and dozens of c stands helps too!

The SBP Podcast Mobile Filmmaking celebrates its 7th Anniversary this month. Listen to the latest episode 203 with Levi Austin Morris. Levi shot a feature film, Paralysis, with iPhones. On November 5th it will be available to buy or rent. Levi and I discuss the technicalities of film distribution for a feature film shot with iPhones.

Watch the Paralysis Trailer. Warning: Hold on to your head, it’s mind-blowing.

Be inspired.