Famous director Joey Helms attracts attention by regularly producing cinematic videos with new models of iPhone every year. This year, Helms shot an impressive video in Chicago using the advanced video capabilities offered by the iPhone 16 Pro. In particular, the new 120fps 4K shooting capacity of the iPhone 16 Pro was among the prominent features of Helms’ video project.
In this work, Helms collaborated with Sam Perez and mounted the iPhone 16 Pro on a drone, thus including aerial shots. This technique added a richer visuality to the video, allowing iconic views of the city to be viewed from different angles. Footage captured in the iPhone 16 Pro’s ProRes LOG 4K format was then meticulously edited using Final Cut Pro X.
Shooting techniques improved with the use of drones on iPhone 16 Pro
While drones usually have their own built-in cameras, more professional models allow external cameras to be mounted as well. This situation also stands out in Helms’ work. Using the iPhone’s advanced camera features has enabled a quality that can usually be achieved with shots taken with mirrorless cameras or DSLRs. While this technique enabled mobile devices to find more space in cinematic projects, it also pushed the limits of the video capabilities offered by the iPhone.
However, the intense use of drones has brought with it some criticism. While traditional iPhone videos are supposed to highlight what can be achieved with a simple mobile device, the use of such advanced technology may have been deemed too much by some viewers. Still, the visual richness that drone footage adds to the video is undeniable.
This video, shot by Helms with his iPhone 16 Pro, attracted great attention in a short time, as every year. While the director presents viewers with a work that pushes the boundaries of images that can only be achieved with an iPhone, he also reveals how advanced the device’s video capabilities are. While such projects reveal how effectively smartphones can be used in the cinema industry, they also help users discover the potential of the devices they have.
Helms also publishes behind-the-scenes videos every year after such projects, giving viewers detailed information about how the shooting process works. It is stated that the same format will be followed in this year’s project and a video will be prepared explaining how the shots were made and what techniques were used.
The new video features offered by the iPhone 16 Pro seem to continue to play an important role, especially in mobile cinematic projects. Advanced shooting modes, combined with professional-level video editing software, open up new creative possibilities for iPhone users. Helms’ project this year stands out as an example that strengthens the place of smartphones in the world of cinema.