A Bold Cinematic Approach

Danny Boyle straps 20 iphones together to film zombie sequel “28 years later”

 In a bold and unconventional move, acclaimed director Danny Boyle revealed that he strapped 20 iPhones together to shoot specific scenes in his upcoming zombie sequel, 28 Years Later. This surprising technique was designed to create a “poor man’s bullet time” effect, referencing the iconic visual style popularized by The Matrix.

Why iPhones?

Boyle explained that the choice was both creative and practical:

• Flexibility: The compact size of the iPhones allowed for placement in tight or unconventional locations where traditional film cameras wouldn't fit.

• Aesthetic: Boyle wanted to capture a raw, immediate visual energy that mimics user-generated or viral footage, intensifying the realism and panic that define the film’s atmosphere.

• Support from Apple: Apple reportedly collaborated on the technical side, helping optimize the iPhones’ cinematic capabilities.

  “It looks absolutely brilliant — I mean, wild. You just go: ‘Wow.’ It gives you ideas above your station. Like, ‘We don’t need a crew!’”

  — Danny Boyle on experimenting with iPhones.

Cinematic Innovation:

This technique aligns with a growing trend of using smartphones in professional filmmaking. Other directors, like Steven Soderbergh ( Unsane, 2018), has also explored Iphone cinematography. However Boy'le’s multi device rig is one of the most ambitious implementations yet, offering a unique perspective in a high-profile horror sequel.

Content in the Film:

28 years later, set decades after the viral outbreak that devastated the UK, aims to reinvent the zombie genre by blending social commentary with intense visuals. Boyle’s use of Iphones is part of a broader effort to break conventional cinematic boundaries, enhancing the urgency and intimacy of the film’s action sequences.

Operations & Logistics - Ramesh

Sources:

• “ Danny boyle straps 20 iphones together to film zombie sequel”
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