phones, films and fun...

So tonight is my first big ‘iPhone-as-a-movie-camera-and-editing-platform’ shoot with Barbara Karant at MSI.  In prep, I shot a little video Monday night of the boys on a post-dinner bike ride to test out the phone and the iMovie editing software that you can use on the phone.

What the camera lacks in tonal range and what iMovie for the iPhone lacks in functionality (remember…it is still a phone after all) is more then made up by the fact that the entire video was shot, edited and soundtrack added on a phone that fits in your pocket!

Both as a society and as professional creators of imagery, moving and still, I don’t think anybody has really grappled with the long-term ramifications of this kind of functionality.  Sure the technology isn’t going to replace my MKII or a Panavision as it has some obvious drawbacks but think where this technology will be in five years. 

If the goal is to tell an interesting and compelling story and get it out to the world, then this phone has made a quantum leap in delivering that ability to the masses. 

Everyone is now free to make a bad film!

Here is a link for an HD version:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGfFcTsIuJc&hd=1


The other thing I found interesting was the packing list for the shoot, it looked like this:

Fully charged iPhone 4

Custom made handle bracket for greater handheld stability (photo to follow)

Tripod with fluid head

Bug spray

Water, coffee and gum

That’s about it…easy peasy.

So, enjoy my babies and the minute long test film while you ponder the future.