The Unseen Stars: iPhone 15 Pro Max and MacBook Pro Steal the Show
Desk Report:
Apple’s recent Scary Fast special event on October 30 was nothing short of spectacular. It introduced the groundbreaking MacBook Pro, fueled by the impressive M3 family of chips, and the 24-inch iMac, also featuring the M3 chip. However, behind the scenes, there was a silent hero contributing to the event’s brilliance. All the presenters, captivating locations, and awe-inspiring drone footage were expertly captured using the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the go-to smartphone for creative professionals and filmmakers. Leading the team at Scary Fast was Brian Oakes, a renowned documentary film director known for his work on award-winning films such as “Jim: The James Foley Story” and “Living with Lincoln.”
Contents
- 1 iPhone 15 Pro Max – Redefining Smartphone Videography
- 2 Expert Guidance from Apple’s Pro Workflow Specialists
- 3 Seamless Integration in the Apple Ecosystem
- 4 The Technology Behind Scary Fast
- 5 Mastering Low-Light Performance
- 6 Empowering Filmmakers with the Blackmagic Camera App
- 7 A Filmmaker’s Dream Come True
iPhone 15 Pro Max – Redefining Smartphone Videography
The iPhone 15 Pro Max showcases a camera system that competes with professional video cameras, offering unparalleled video quality within the realm of smartphones. It empowers creatives to capture stunning ProRes footage at resolutions up to 4K and a silky-smooth 60 frames per second, which can be conveniently saved to an external drive with Apple Log encoding. This remarkable feature preserves intricate details, enabling seamless post-production color grading and establishing itself as a game-changer for filmmakers. Notably, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the world’s first smartphones to support the Academy Color Encoding System (ACES), setting a new standard for color workflows.
“Using the iPhone 15 Pro Max, we were able to achieve the same complex shots as with high-end cameras,” says Oakes. “Every feature is designed to be an extension of one’s creative vision and personality. The image quality of the iPhone has undoubtedly democratized access to top-tier filmmaking.”
Expert Guidance from Apple’s Pro Workflow Specialists
The production team received invaluable advice from Apple’s Pro Workflow video specialists, including Jon Carr, known for his contributions to major films like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Terminator: Dark Fate,” and Jeff Wozniak, celebrated for his work on blockbuster hits such as “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “Avatar,” and “Iron Man 2.” Wozniak shed light on the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s enhanced capabilities, including the ability to record ProRes footage to an external drive and the inclusion of Apple Log encoding, bringing it in line with high-end digital cameras.
Carr adds, “It’s astounding how seamlessly the iPhone 15 Pro Max integrates into the toolkit of professional directors, requiring no change in equipment or processes.”
Seamless Integration in the Apple Ecosystem
The team captured footage using multiple iPhone 15 Pro Max devices, capitalizing on the seamless integration between the iPhone 15 Pro, the Blackmagic Camera app, and Tentacle Sync. This demonstrated the true power of the Apple ecosystem. Bluetooth connectivity ensured that Tentacle Sync maintained timecode synchronization across all devices, including Macs and preview screens, fostering a streamlined production process. Additionally, Beastgrip accessories, including cages and rigs, played a crucial role during the shoot.
The Technology Behind Scary Fast
A Leap in Data Transfer Speeds
The new USB-C connector in the iPhone 15 Pro Max marked a significant improvement in data transfer speeds, reaching up to 10Gbps when using a compatible USB 3 cable. This advancement supports new workflows like ProRes video recording directly to an external SSD drive, enabling the crew to review footage in near real-time and make on-the-fly adjustments. In post-production, editors could harness the higher dynamic range enabled by Apple Log, providing greater control and flexibility in color grading.
Mastering Low-Light Performance
Filmed under the cover of night at Apple Park, Scary Fast showcased the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s impressive low-light video performance. With ProRes Log encoding, the device offers an expanded range of high and low light, resulting in better dynamic range and superior flexibility for post-production color grading. Stefan Sonnenfeld, CEO of Company 3, who colored the presentation, emphasized the remarkable quality of the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s images.
Empowering Filmmakers with the Blackmagic Camera App
The crew employed traditional filming techniques and even utilized drones seamlessly with the iPhone 15 Pro Max to capture stunning scenes and highlight the new MacBook Pro. They leveraged the Blackmagic Camera app, specially designed for iOS users, which offers the same interface as Blackmagic Design’s award-winning digital film cameras. This app brings digital film camera controls to the iPhone, supporting Apple Log encoding on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Carr explained, “We’ve done a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes with Blackmagic Design to create an incredible app. It allows us to have multiple monitors, crew members, and everybody working just as they traditionally would on a professional set.”
A Filmmaker’s Dream Come True
On set, the crew seamlessly combined traditional filming techniques, including cranes and drones, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max to capture breathtaking scenes and showcase the new MacBook Pro. The iPhone’s versatility and user-friendliness were evident to all involved.
Reflecting on the iPhone’s power, Sonnenfeld said, “What I love about the iPhone is that it empowers everyone, from professionals to beginners, with easy access to a wealth of information through its intuitive operating system.”
In conclusion, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s role in the making of Scary Fast underscores its transformational impact on the world of filmmaking. Its extraordinary video capabilities, seamless integration, and ease of use have democratized access to high-quality filmmaking, making it the preferred choice for creative professionals and filmmakers worldwide.
