Apple’s October event was a remarkable production, as it was filmed entirely on the iPhone 15 Pro. In a behind-the-scenes video, Apple showcased the equipment they used to achieve a professional look. The iPhone 15 Pro, with its USBC out, allowed for new possibilities in shooting and editing. Apple utilized various gear, such as batteries and power distribution systems, to support the iPhone setup. The use of lighting techniques was instrumental in creating a controlled and cinematic look. The new Blackmagic camera app provided manual control over the iPhone camera settings. Apple primarily used the 24mm lens on the iPhone for the shots. The video was recorded onto Lacy drives. To ensure stabilization, different gimbals like the R2 and RS3 from DJI were employed. The editing was done using Adobe Premiere, while Da Vinci Resolve was used for color grading. The result was a video that had a commercial quality and showcased the talent and expertise of the team involved.
The behind-the-scenes video released by Apple uncovered the intricacies of shooting their October event on the iPhone 15 Pro. It revealed the additional equipment used, such as Beast grip cages, Anton Bower battery packs, and wireless transmitters, to name a few. Although there were debates about the use of extra gear for the iPhone video, the behind-the-scenes footage shed light on the cinematic elements and the notable features of the iPhone 15 Pro. The USBC out on the iPhone allowed for log profiles and prores, enhancing the dynamic range and color information captured. Proper color grading and transformation from log to full Rec 709 further accentuated the overall appearance of the video, aligning it with Apple’s standard commercial quality. The use of the Blackmagic camera app provided manual control over camera settings, contributing to the seamless integration of the shots. The production team’s expertise and attention to detail were crucial in achieving a professional result.
Introduction
Apple’s October event garnered attention not only for the exciting announcements they made but also for the stunning quality of the video, which was filmed entirely on the iPhone 15 Pro. In this comprehensive article, we will take a behind-the-scenes look at how Apple achieved a professional look using a smartphone for filming. From the equipment used to the lighting techniques employed, we will delve into the details that made this production a success.
Behind the Scenes
Apple made the bold decision to shoot their October event on the iPhone 15 Pro, surprising many with the high-quality footage produced. They released a behind-the-scenes video to provide insight into how they achieved such impressive results. This video allows us to see the equipment used and gain a better understanding of what goes into making a cinematic video with a smartphone.
Equipment Used
The iPhone 15 Pro features a USBC out, which allowed Apple to explore new possibilities in shooting and editing. This feature made it possible to connect the iPhone to a variety of gear that supported the setup. The use of additional equipment, such as cages, cranes, and battery packs, enhanced the capabilities of the iPhone and contributed to the professional look of the footage. Power distribution systems were crucial for providing the necessary electricity to the various components of the rig.
Lighting Techniques
Lighting plays a crucial role in video production, and Apple employed various lighting techniques to achieve a controlled and cinematic look for their October event video. While the set may appear to be a standard living room, it was carefully lit to create an idealized atmosphere. By strategically placing lamps and using diffusion sheets with powerful lights behind them, Apple was able to shape the room and create beautiful pools of light. The use of dimmers allowed for precise control over the lighting, resulting in a visually appealing scene.
Blackmagic Camera App
Apple utilized the Blackmagic camera app to have manual control over the iPhone camera settings, further enhancing the quality of the footage. This free app provided complete control over settings such as ISO, white balance, tint, and shutter angle, ensuring consistency from shot to shot. By utilizing this app, the footage shot on the iPhone 15 Pro seamlessly integrated with the rest of Apple’s professional videos.
Lens Choices
Apple preferred to use the 24mm lens on the iPhone for their shots during the October event. This lens choice allowed them to capture the desired visual style and maintain consistency throughout the video. While some argue that using external lenses could enhance image quality, Apple opted to stick with the capabilities of the iPhone camera. The use of additional lenses would not improve the image quality as the light still passes through the built-in cameras of the phone.
Recording Media
Recording the video required reliable and fast storage solutions. Apple used Lacy drives, ensuring that they had enough speed to keep up with the read and write speeds of the footage. It is essential to test the chosen drives before shooting to avoid the risk of dropped frames or other issues. While Lacy drives were their preferred choice, there are other options available for recording media, each with its own advantages and considerations.
Stabilization
To ensure smooth and steady shots, Apple used different gimbals, including the DJI R2 and RS3. Gimbals help to stabilize footage, minimizing camera shake and unwanted motion. These tools were integral in achieving professional-quality shots during the event. Smooth and stable footage is crucial in professional videos, as it enhances the overall viewer experience.
Editing Software
The post-production process involved the use of industry-standard software. Apple’s editing was performed primarily in Adobe Premiere, highlighting the versatility and power of this software. Additionally, the color grading was done using Da Vinci Resolve, another renowned software known for its capabilities in achieving exceptional color treatments. The combination of these editing and color grading tools allowed Apple to fine-tune the footage and deliver a visually stunning final product.
Color Grading
Color grading is a crucial step in video production, and Apple paid careful attention to this aspect. Transforming the log footage to full Rec 709, a contrasty look commonly seen in professional videos, was done meticulously. Using properly calibrated LUTs (lookup tables) ensured that the footage achieved the desired color treatment and maintained consistency throughout the video. Skillful color grading can significantly enhance the overall look of a video production.
The Talented Team
Behind the success of Apple’s October event video was a team of talented professionals. From the camera operators to the lighting technicians, each individual played a crucial role in ensuring that the production achieved a commercial-quality look. Their expertise and dedication to their craft elevated the footage and contributed to the overall success of the event.
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to shoot their October event on the iPhone 15 Pro showcased the capabilities of smartphone technology in professional video production. By utilizing the USBC out feature, a variety of equipment, and lighting techniques, Apple achieved a controlled and cinematic look. The Blackmagic camera app provided manual control over camera settings, while lens choices and recording media considerations added to the quality of the footage. With the support of stabilization tools, editing software, and skillful color grading, Apple delivered a visually stunning video. All of these elements, combined with the talent and dedication of the team involved, contributed to the success of the production and solidified the iPhone 15 Pro as a powerful tool for professional filming.
