No money? No problem! mobile filmmaking
In the realm of filmmaking, the advent of mobile technology has revolutionized the way stories are told and visual narratives are crafted. The compact yet powerful devices that fit snugly into our pockets have become essential tools for aspiring filmmakers, offering unprecedented accessibility and flexibility
Written by Kate Stocker-Wright
The concept of using mobile devices for filmmaking dates back to the early 21st century when camera phones first became widely available. These early devices had limited capabilities, both in terms of image quality and storage - creating a film on a mobile phone was considered a diminishment of artistic integrity - but filmmakers began experimenting with the possibilities they offered. Short films shot on mobile phones started to emerge, showcasing the potential of these compact devices for storytelling
As the mobile filmmaking community grew, influencers and pioneers emerged, championing the medium and pushing its boundaries. It’s impossible to talk about films championing mobile filmmaking without mentioning Sean Baker. Known for the iPhone-shot feature film “Tangerine” (2015), Baker demonstrated that a compelling story could be told without the need for expensive camera equipment, and its contribution to the conversation around independent filmmaking and LGBTQ+ representation in cinema.
It is argued that “Tangerine” is the most groundbreaking of mobile films but it was far from the first. Tangerine gave mobile filmmaking it’s flowers by screening at Sundance, but “This Is Not A Film” (2011) (filmed part on camera and part mobile) was famously smuggled from Iran into Festival de Cannes on a flash drive hidden inside a birthday cake.
The film was released in 2011 and gained significant attention in the international film community due to its unique production circumstances. The documentary is essentially a day in the life of Jafar Panahi, an acclaimed Iranian filmmaker, who at the time of making the documentary was under house arrest for making films that critised the government. The title “This Is Not a Film" reflects the restrictions placed on Panahi by the Iranian authorities. Since he was forbidden from making films, he resorted to using other means of expression to communicate his ideas. In the documentary, he reads from a screenplay that he had written before his ban and even stages some scenes to illustrate how he had envisioned them.
Mobile filmmaking underscores the importance of strong storytelling and effective communication, suggesting that technology is secondary to the narrative and emotional impact of a film. In more recent times, a Festival Formula client “My Name is Anti” (2022) directed by Andreas Vakalios & Fili Olsefski shows the escape of 14 year old Anti. Stealing her captors mobile phone, we the audience are engulfed in a thrilling first hand experience of running and hiding from the people trying to sex traffic our protagonist.
“This Is Not A Film” and “My Name Is Anti” prove mobile devices enable filmmakers to capture moments in real-time, which can lead to a sense of intimacy and immediacy in the storytelling. This can be particularly effective for documentaries or films with a vérité style.
Although a technique famously benefiting the above genres, “Sleep Has Her House” (2017) is a 2017 experimental film directed by Scott Barley, a British filmmaker known for his avant-garde and atmospheric cinematic style. The film gained attention for its meditative and contemplative approach to storytelling. The film is notably minimalist in terms of its storytelling and production. It eschews conventional elements like dialogue, elaborate set designs, and a structured plot in favour of a more experiential and sensory-driven approach. The film received praise from critics for its unique artistic vision and its ability to evoke profound emotions in viewers. Some critics likened it to a visual poem or an immersive painting. “Sleep Has Her House” contributed to Scott Barley's reputation as a prominent figure in experimental cinema. His work has been screened at various film festivals and exhibitions internationally.
As technology progressed, the introduction of filmmaking apps played a pivotal role in transforming mobile devices into legitimate filmmaking tools.
Here are some of my favourite mobile filmmaking apps for any budding filmmakers out there, covering various needs from shooting to editing, even a clapperboard.
Clapperboard for iPhone & iPad (iOS): This app is a straightforward digital clapperboard for iOS devices. It includes standard features such as a customisable slate, timecode display, and the ability to sync audio with visual cues.
Hollywood Camera Work's Shot Assistant (iOS/Android): While not strictly a clapperboard app, Hollywood Camera Work's Shot Assistant includes a digital slate feature along with a variety of tools for planning and blocking shots. It's available for both iOS and Android.
StudioBinder (iOS/Android): StudioBinder is a comprehensive production management platform that includes features for budgeting, scheduling, and more. It allows for collaboration among team members and provides tools for script breakdowns, shooting schedules, and budget tracking.
Movie Magic Scheduling (iOS/Windows): Movie Magic Scheduling is a widely used software in the film industry. While it traditionally runs on desktops, there's an iOS version available for mobile access. It's a powerful tool for creating detailed shooting schedules.
ShotPro (iOS): ShotPro is an iOS app that helps with visualizing and planning shots. It includes pre-built sets, cameras, and characters to aid in storyboarding and shot list creation. While not a budgeting tool, it complements the planning process.
Koala Call Sheets & Scheduling (iOS/Android): Koala is primarily a call sheet app but also includes scheduling features. It streamlines the process of creating and distributing call sheets, making it an efficient tool for on-set communication.
FilmTouch (iOS): FilmTouch is a budgeting app specifically designed for independent filmmakers. It helps create detailed budgets and track expenses, making it a practical tool for managing financial aspects of a film project.
Cine Meter II (iOS): Cine Meter II is a professional-grade light meter app for iOS devices. It provides accurate measurements of light levels, exposure, and color temperature. This app is particularly useful for achieving proper lighting ratios on set.
Setellite (iOS): Setellite is a lighting design app that helps filmmakers plan and visualize their lighting setups. It includes a library of lighting fixtures and allows users to experiment with different configurations.
Color Grab (iOS/Android): Color Grab is a color identification app that can be helpful in understanding the color temperature of ambient light. By analyzing the color in your environment, you can make informed decisions about adjusting your lighting setup.
Lighting Handbook (iOS/Android): While not an app for measurements, the Lighting Handbook app is a comprehensive reference guide that provides information on various lighting techniques, fixtures, and principles. It's a valuable resource for learning about the art and science of lighting in filmmaking.
FiLMiC Pro (iOS/Android): FiLMiC Pro is a professional-grade video camera app, offering manual controls over focus, exposure, white balance, and more. It provides users with the flexibility to shoot high-quality videos and has been used in the production of feature films and documentaries.
ProCam X (iOS/Android): ProCam X is a versatile camera app that provides advanced manual controls for both photo and video. It offers features such as focus peaking, exposure bracketing, and different shooting modes, making it a robust choice for filmmakers.
MoviePro (iOS): MoviePro is another excellent app for iOS users, offering manual control over focus, exposure, and frame rates. It supports 4K video recording and provides real-time audio level monitoring.
Adobe Premiere Rush (iOS/Android): Adobe Premiere Rush is a powerful mobile video editing app that allows users to edit videos on the go. It offers features like multi-track editing, color correction, and the ability to easily sync projects across devices.
KineMaster (iOS/Android): KineMaster is a user-friendly video editing app that offers a wide range of features, including multi-layer video editing, transitions, and various effects. It's suitable for both beginners and more experienced mobile filmmakers.
LumaFusion (iOS): LumaFusion is a professional-grade video editing app for iOS devices. It supports multi-track editing, advanced color correction, and has an intuitive interface that caters to both beginners and experienced editors.
Moment - Pro Camera (iOS/Android): Moment is known for its high-quality lenses, and their Pro Camera app complements their hardware. It offers manual controls and features like focus peaking, making it a valuable tool for mobile filmmakers.
Cameo (iOS): Cameo is an app developed by Vimeo, offering advanced video editing features. It supports 4K editing, provides various templates, and allows for easy sharing to Vimeo and other platforms.
Depending on your specific needs and the device you use, you can choose the apps that best suit your mobile filmmaking workflow. Apps like FiLMiC Pro and MoviePro empower filmmakers with manual controls over focus, exposure, and frame rate, providing a level of creative control that was once exclusive to professional cameras. This marked a significant turning point, enabling filmmakers to capture high-quality footage and experiment with cinematic techniques.
The theory behind mobile filmmaking emphasizes the democratizing effect of readily available, high-quality cameras on smartphones. It highlights how this accessibility allows a broader range of individuals to engage in filmmaking. I believe this to be a great contrivance, but many disagree.
Mobile filmmaking often aligns with the do-it-yourself (DIY) ethos, and production-wise mobile filmmaking can use unconventional cinematography offers unique shooting capabilities and form factors. Filmmakers can experiment with unconventional angles, perspectives, and movements that might be more challenging with traditional cameras. Socially, mobile filmmaking has become a catalyst for underrepresented voices in the film industry. It provides a platform for storytellers who might not have had access to traditional filmmaking resources. Overall, mobile filmmaking allows storytellers from all corners of the world to share their unique perspectives, cultures, and experiences with global audiences. It has become a powerful tool for cultural exchange and amplifying diverse voices in cinema.
The emergence of mobile filmmaking represents a seismic shift in cinema. With the right combination of creativity, technique, and technology, filmmakers are proving that a powerful story can be told with nothing more than a mobile phone. As this medium continues to evolve, we can only anticipate more groundbreaking films and a richer, more diverse cinematic landscape. Mobile Film Festivals such as the iPhone Film Festival and the International Mobile Film Festival provided a platform for filmmakers to share their work and pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with mobile technology.
As we look to the future, it's clear that mobile filmmaking is here to stay. With ongoing technological advancements and a growing community of passionate filmmakers, the possibilities are limitless. Mobile devices have become not only tools for capturing moments but also instruments for creative expression, empowering filmmakers to tell stories in innovative and accessible ways.
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