Mobile Filmmaking for Members

SAG-AFTRA members learned how to make low-cost, high-quality films with their cell phones at the Call to Create Part 2 – Mobile Filmmaking workshop on Aug. 28 at SAG-AFTRA Plaza. It was the second workshop in a series of collaborations between the L.A. Local Ethnic Employment Opportunities committee and the NextGen Performers Subcommittee that introduces a diverse group of members to creating their own content.

The two-part program began with a review of the best apps and gear available to easily create professional-level content on a mobile device. Mobile filmmaking allows actors to take control of their careers and make their own opportunities by eliminating barriers of entry such as large budgets, complicated gear or large crews. NextGen Performers Subcommittee Vice Chair Aubrey Mozino, who doubles as the head of operations at the film collective We Make Movies, brought WMM Founder and CEO Sam Mestman and WMM Head of Production Eric M. Kochmer to assist her in demystifying the art of producing a professional-grade project. “If Steven Soderbergh can do it, so can you!” pointed out Mozino, referring to Soderbergh’s 2018 psychological thriller, Unsane, shot entirely on the iPhone 7 Plus.

The three presented the gear and apps needed to turn your phone into a high-quality 4K camera. These tools start at a much lower price point than the equivalent accessories needed for high-end cameras associated with professional productions. For instance, apps like FilmicPro ($15, available for both Android and iPhones) allow you to completely customize and adjust the camera settings on your phone such as white balance, resolution, aspect ratios and audio levels, and can turn your phone into a high-definition broadcast-ready device. The Apogee Metarecorder app ($5, iPhone only), used in conjunction with smartphone-compatible gear like Sennheiser ClipMic Digital Mobile Lavs ($200) or a RODE VideoMic GO as a boom mic ($100) can record high-quality audio from multiple external sources. Additionally, ancillary gear like wide-angle or telephoto lenses are available for less than $50 and portable LED lights like the Aputure AL-M9 go for $45. These all easily attach to a phone via mobile
media cases like the Ulanzi, available for $11.

The workshop inspired audience members with the opportunities attainable with low cost equipment. At the mixer following the presentation, numbers were exchanged, relationships made and project ideas born.

Photo: NextGen Performers Subcommittee Vice Chair Aubrey Mozino and her colleague, We Make Movies Screening Series Head of Production Eric M. Kochmer demystify the art of producing a professional-grade project on a mobile phone.