Apple Used 40 iPhones to Film BTS of Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime Show
Apple just released an unprecedented behind-the-scenes (BTS) look into the making of Usher’s Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show — and it was all shot on the iPhone 15 Pro.
Usher performed his epic Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11.
To shoot the documentary-style short film behind the making of Usher’s Halftime show, director Mike Carson used more than 40 iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max devices.
The filmmakers positioned the 40 iPhone devices throughout the show and rehearsals, strapping them to performers, and rigging them into set pieces and instruments.
Super Bowl viewers typically only get to see the final 12-minute Halftime show. However, the filmmakers say they were able to use the iPhone to give unique insight into rehearsals and the performance and offer one-of-a-kind perspectives not shown in the live broadcast with traditional cameras.
The filmmakers particularly praised iPhone features like the 5x Telephoto camera and its low light capabilities.
‘Dream Amount of Coverage’
“Choosing iPhone allowed me to have my dream amount of coverage, which was necessary for a docu-style project like this because we had to be in so many places at once,” director Carson says.
“And since it is an all-in-one device, and we didn’t use any external lenses, we were able to have a multitude of angles and operators in spaces that would have proven to be both difficult and expensive, given the sheer scale needed for this film.”
Carson described how much easier for the camera operators to switch lenses instantly with the iPhone 15 Pro and how the unobtrusive design of the iPhone helped capture more spontaneous shots.
“Being able to switch lenses instantly when the moment called for either more information or a more intimate close-up allowed our team to stay focused on their frames versus having to overthink, especially in high-pressure, ‘think quick on your feet’ scenarios,” Carson explains.
“For example, we embedded camera operators into the field cast/mosh pit of the live performance, and our operators were able to literally have a camera a few feet away from guest talent’s face, creating beautiful wide angle frames, and 10 seconds later when action was happening on the main stage 50ft away, we’re able to have a high-quality medium shot instantly.”
