Creating a Short Film or Commercial Using Only Apple Products and Accessories

Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook have become incredibly capable tools for filmmaking and video production. With the right accessories and software, it’s possible to produce high-quality short films and commercials using only Apple products. Here is a comprehensive checklist to make sure you have everything you need for a streamlined production using the Apple ecosystem.

Pre-Production

The pre-production phase is all about planning and preparation before principal photography begins. Having the right Apple devices and apps during this process can make organization much smoother.

Apple Device for Scriptwriting and Planning

Having a MacBook, iPad, or iPhone on hand for scriptwriting and pre-production planning is essential. Recommended apps include:

• Final Draft, Celtx, or Pages for writing scripts on a MacBook or iPad. Pages is Apple’s default word processing app and offers scriptwriting templates.
• Trello or Notion on an iPhone or iPad for building shot lists, storyboards, scheduling, and task management. Their simplicity and organization make them ideal planning apps.

Storyboarding and Visual Planning

Visualizing your shots and sequences beforehand is hugely beneficial. An iPad with an Apple Pencil is the perfect tool for sketching out storyboards and other visual plans. Recommended apps are Procreate for digital art and storyboarding, or Adobe Fresco and Sketchbook for drawing and painting.

Production

This is when the cameras start rolling. With the latest iPhone models and the right hardware add-ons, you can produce professional-grade footage and audio.

Camera

The iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro, or ideally the iPhone 15 if available, offer cinema-quality cameras and extensive controls for the videographer. Ensure you have ample storage on the device itself or use iCloud for backing up hours of footage. An external SSD is also recommended for transferring files.

Stabilization and Mounts

Smoothing out those handheld shots requires stabilization tools. A gimbal stabilizer like the DJI Osmo Mobile pairs perfectly with an iPhone for cinematic motion. For standard tripod mounting, a Joby GorillaPod provides flexible and sturdy camera support.

Lighting

Proper lighting can make all the difference between an amateurish or professional look. Portable LED light panels that are iPhone compatible offer easy, controllable illumination. Reflectors and diffusion tools like mini softboxes will soften harsh lighting.

Sound Recording

Capturing broadcast-quality sound means having the right microphones. The Shure MV88+ is an excellent external mic that plugs right into the iPhone’s Lightning port. For interviews, lavalier mics that attach wirelessly to subjects prevent bulky gear in the shot.

Power Solutions

Keep your iPhone powered up throughout long shoot days using portable battery packs and power banks designed for iPhones. Bring extras so one can charge while you use the other. Also pack plenty of Lightning and USB-C cables.

Lenses

Using clip-on lenses designed for the iPhone allows you to get more diverse and dynamic shots. A wide-angle expands the field of view for landscapes and architecture. Telephoto lenses enable cool zoom effects. Macro lenses can hone in on tiny details in close-ups.

Monitoring and Control

To monitor your shooting framing and focus, using an additional iPad or iPhone as a wireless viewfinder is hugely helpful. Apps like FiLMiC Pro give you manual control over focus, exposure, frame rates, and more.

Post-Production

After wrapping principal photography, it’s time for editing and finishing. The Apple ecosystem also has fantastic options for post-production.

Editing Software

For primary editing on the MacBook, Final Cut Pro allows you to edit multi-cam shoots and compile a timeline packed with effects and transitions. On the iPad, LumaFusion is an incredibly powerful editing app with seamless import of iPhone footage.

Sound Editing and Mixing

Clean up production audio and mix in sound effects with Logic Pro X or GarageBand on a MacBook. GarageBand on iPad also offers sound tools for simple projects.

Color Grading and Effects

Make footage look crisp and cinematic by color grading in DaVinci Resolve or Final Cut Pro. After Effects via Adobe Creative Cloud subscription adds extensive effects like explosions, animations, etc.

Export and Distribution

After completing the edit and effects, exporting the final video file with optimized resolution and compression helps share the film. Compressor software simplifies Final Cut Pro exports. Upload to social media or platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, etc.

Accessories and Miscellaneous

Some final accessories and tools help tie the production together.

External Hard Drive

For backup and transferring video files between devices, an external SSD drive with fast transfer speeds and USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity is recommended.

Carrying Cases

Protect gear like lenses and mics while transporting them using padded cases and bags. Pelican-style hard cases offer durability.

Cleaning Kit

Keep your iPhone camera lenses and screens smudge-free by using microfiber cloths and lens cleaner solution.

Creating something impressive using only Apple products is totally doable with the ranges of available hardware and software. This comprehensive checklist ensures you have all the equipment, apps, and accessories needed to produce a high-quality short film or commercial using the Apple ecosystem. Carefully pre-planning each production phase while understanding the capabilities of iPhone videography, iPad storyboarding apps, and MacBook post tools will lead to an efficient workflow from start to finish.