Danny Boyle, director of the 2002 hit film “28 Days Later,” is reported to be employing iPhone technology to film its sequel, “28 Years Later,” marking a potential first in blockbuster filmmaking. According to Wired, which cited unnamed sources, the primary cameras used for the production are specially adapted iPhone 15 Pro Max models. Additionally, some scenes are reportedly being filmed using action cameras attached to farm animals, illustrating an innovative approach to cinematography.

If confirmed, this would represent a pioneering moment in the film industry, with a major studio production being predominantly shot on smartphones. Such a move echoes Boyle’s earlier contributions to filmmaking techniques; “28 Days Later” was among the first films to utilise digital cameras extensively. The original film’s opening scene, depicting a deserted London, was filmed with digital camcorders due to their ease of setup and the practicality of filming limited road closures amidst the busy city backdrop. That film was produced on an $8 million budget but went on to gross $84 million worldwide, further cementing its success and influence.

The use of smartphones in film production has gradually increased over the last two decades, particularly within documentary and independent film circles, where it serves as a cost-effective alternative to traditional cameras. Apple, the maker of the iPhone, has notably capitalised on such uses to promote the capabilities of its device cameras. Sean Baker’s 2015 film “Tangerine,” famously shot on iPhones, was hailed as a landmark in smartphone filmmaking, and the 2012 Oscar-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar Man” also incorporated iPhone footage.

Sarah Atkinson, a professor of screen media at King’s College London, told Business Insider via email that the use of iPhones in “28 Years Later” represents a “significant evolution in smartphone cinema.” Atkinson noted that the integration of iPhone technology offers filmmakers “unprecedented versatility and accessibility” and could rival more traditional and costly studio-based virtual production methods. She stated: “This technological shift potentially democratises the filmmaking process, allowing a diverse range of creators to explore innovative techniques across various contexts and locations.”

Both Danny Boyle and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, who collaborated on the original film and have returned for the sequel, have established reputations for embracing new filmmaking technologies. Their adoption of iPhone cameras for “28 Years Later” may signal a further departure from conventional filmmaking equipment towards more compact and flexible devices.

Columbia Pictures, the studio behind “28 Years Later,” has yet to comment on the reports concerning the film’s production techniques. The developments, however, highlight a growing trend of innovative filmmaking that leverages smartphone technology to expand creative possibilities and potentially reshape industry standards.

Source: Noah Wire Services