Shooting with a Smartphone Can Be Smart

By Kaythee Israel
Staff Writer

A small and simple, smartphone can create a big screen film.

A story of a transgender prostitute who goes on a rampage looking for her cheating boyfriend-pimp is not a common storyline in the world of film neither is shooting a film exclusively on a trio of iPhones 5s. However, ambitious film director Sean Baker embraced the idea of his iPhone 5 as a movie camera and filmed his entire 2015 movie “Tangerine” from his own personal smartphone.

Baker is just one of a growing number of filmmakers who are turning their iPhones into movie cameras. Particular obstacles, such as the filmmaker’s small budget, or the gritty, intimate feeling that the smartphone allows them to capture are indeed big draws for many of these people in the industry. Limited budgets and lack of access of resources has forced many aspiring filmmakers to look for alternative ways to make films.

In 2016, Baker directed his second movie using his iPhone called “Snowbird.” The iPhone 6 hit the market and the larger screen technology advance helped to enhance Baker’s capabilities. “You don’t have to be squinting all the time,” says Baker, who did exactly that while making Tangerine, which was shot on a 5s.

“Tangerine” was not the first feature made entirely using an iPhone. Steven Soderbergh, filmmaker, shot a psychological thriller, titled “Unsane” on an iPhone. “Soderbergh said he was so impressed with the quality of iPhone cinematography that he would likely continue to use phones to shoot his movies going forward.” The filmmaker said, “I think this is the future. Anybody going to see this movie who has no idea of the backstory to the production will have no idea this was shot on the phone. That’s not part of the conceit.”

 Although “Tangerine” was not the first feature made entirely using an iPhone camera, it was inarguably the most successful and high-profile release of its kind. The movie made a big splash at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival before landing two Gotham Award wins and an Indie Spirit Award for supporting actress Mya Taylor. Baker does not consider himself the poster child for the Apple iPhone, however, he has shown that the iPhone is a tool that is capable of doing far more than taking selfies. His work in “Tangerine” illustrates this with its rich, saturated pallet and smooth-flowing visuals.

 It is certainly wise for student filmmakers to invest in an iPhone if you have not already done so. The iPhone is comparatively cheaper than most professional cameras and will give you an intimate feel, while shooting your movie. With all of its advanced technology, you will be able to see your work on a larger screen without squinting your eyes.

 So, forget the hand-me-down camcorders that have become obsolete or investing in the best cinema camera on the market. Your mobile iPhone will capture the incredible video footage that everyone can enjoy.