Apple recently released a behind-the-scenes video showcasing how director Danny Boyle used up to 20 iPhone 15 Pro Max devices simultaneously to film some of the action scenes in the upcoming zombie sequel, “28 Years Later.” This innovative setup involved a custom-built rig holding the smartphones to capture dynamic “bullet time” style shots—techniques that freeze and rotate around fast-moving scenes, reminiscent of the Matrix effect. The multi-camera rig offered a cost-effective, lightweight, and highly flexible alternative to traditional bulky cinema equipment, enabling filming in remote UK locations with minimal crew footprint.
Boyle praised the iPhone’s ability to shoot 4K video at 60fps in Apple ProRes format, which allowed for cinematic-quality footage ideal for theatrical release. The compact size and portability of the iPhone rigs allowed the crew to move quickly and achieve shots that preserved the film’s raw and immersive atmosphere. Actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson noted that filming with the iPhone rigs created a close, visceral intensity on set.
While not the entire movie was shot on iPhones, key scenes, including high-intensity sequences, utilized iPhone rigs augmented with professional lenses and mounts. The 20-phone rig enabled creative effects like sweeping 180-degree views and may facilitate advanced visual techniques such as volumetric video capture, VR/360-degree filming, or detailed depth mapping for post-production.
This method builds on the original “28 Days Later” film, which famously used more accessible tech (a Canon XL1 camcorder) for a gritty, realistic style. With advancing iPhone hardware—looking forward to the rumored iPhone 17 Pro Max’s triple 48 MP cameras and native 8K video capabilities—the trend of using flagship iPhones in professional filmmaking is likely to grow.
Apple’s demonstration with “28 Years Later” highlights the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s power and versatility as a professional filmmaking tool, combining high-end video quality with unprecedented portability and creative possibilities.