Acclaimed director Danny Boyle is back in the spotlight with his highly anticipated sequel, “28 Years Later,” which premiered this past weekend. Following the success of his iconic film “28 Days Later,” which was shot using Canon digital cameras, Boyle has taken a bold step by utilizing cutting-edge consumer technology for his latest project.
In an interesting twist, Boyle and his filmmaking team opted for the iPhone Pro Max as their principal camera. In an interview with Wired, Boyle revealed that they employed a unique rig capable of holding up to 20 of these smartphones. This setup enabled them to create what he described as “basically a poor man’s bullet time,” allowing for dynamic action scenes to be filmed from multiple angles.
Despite the high-tech capabilities of the iPhone, Boyle took specific measures to enhance the filming process. He disabled features like automatic focus and incorporated special accessories to ensure optimal performance. “Filming with iPhones allowed us to move without huge amounts of equipment,” Boyle explained, highlighting the practicality of this choice in a fast-paced filming environment.
One of the notable aspects of “28 Years Later” is its stunning backdrop. The film was shot in scenic locations across Northumbria, an area that retains an ancient, untouched quality, reminiscent of how it may have appeared a thousand years ago. This natural environment provided a perfect setting for the film’s themes, and using the iPhone allowed the crew to navigate these areas quickly and discreetly.
By blending innovative technology with artistic vision, Danny Boyle has once again pushed the boundaries of filmmaking with “28 Years Later.” His use of the iPhone Pro Max not only streamlined the shooting process but also contributed to an authentic cinematic experience that resonates with audiences. As the film continues to make waves, it will be exciting to see how this unique approach influences future projects in the film industry.
