The year was 2016.
After making a few award-winning short films using a DSLR (Canon 70D, 5D Mk III and even Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera) I challenged myself to shoot an apocalyptic sci-fi action zombie film using only a smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S7, when “edge” screen or not was still an option). I used old school gear (that are mostly obsolete now) like sliders and steadicams (the ones with the manual balancing weight) and only used the stock camera app and built-in lens (which was only one!). Thankfully, the S7 could natively shoot Full HD 1080p 60fps as well as 4k 24fps. And I did find a super-affordable smartphone mixer where I could attach XLR and other multiple audio inputs into the phone.
Mind you, in 2016, DSLR cameras was still king (especially Canon, if you were an indie no-budget filmmaker). Mirrorless cameras were only beginning to gain popularity (the Sony A6300 had just came out). And gimbals (like the first-gen Zhiyun Crane) were also only starting to catch on, although they weren’t as available and affordable as they are today.
At the time, an indie film called “Tangerine” was making waves at respectable international film festivals, mostly because it was shot using only three iPhone 5S smartphones and a prototype Moondog anamorphic lens adapter.
When the DSLR Revolution blew up in 2008 (with the launch of the Canon 5D Mk II) it gave aspiring filmmakers a chance to fulfill their cinematic vision without having to spend on big professional film cameras and have that much coveted “film look” in a relatively light and compact digital camera.
The new revolution further democratizes the process by putting the power of filmmaking into the hands of everyday people. If a DSLR was relatively affordable compared to a professional film camera, how much more accessible is a smartphone as a filmmaking tool when everyone practically owns one? And you don’t have to pay big bucks forking out for the latest Apple or Samsung flagship phone to get the same high-end qualities as so many mid-range and even lower-end smartphones now are packing in the photography and video-making features.
In 2019, we are right into the Mobile Filmmaking Revolution — with a plethora of smartphones brands and models to choose from and affordable quality phone lens, gimbals, apps, gear and accessories too.
The takeaway is this: the technology may have changed, making it more accessible to the common person, but the same principles apply — a good film is still about good storytelling. The smartphone — like any mirrorless or DSLR camera — will only be a tool to help make your vision come to life. Photographer sage Ansel Adams said: “The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.” In other words, what’s most important is the one holding that smartphone.
In this new filmmaking revolution, let’s try not to get too carried away by the megapixel count, 4K resolution, color grade LUTs, anamorphic lenses, or the trendiest editing techniques and transitions. Let’s go back to what makes us real filmmakers, mastering the timeless principles of film grammar (180 degree rule, rule of thirds, motivated cuts and transitions, etc.) and devoting our time and talent to be true visual storytellers (i.e. story first, before style).
“Your most important gear is your eye, heart and soul.” — Marius Vieth
