Apple Develops a Revolutionary Camera for Capturing Vision Pro Footage, and It's Amazing
The Big Picture
Collider’s Steve Weintraub speaks with director Edward Berger about his collaboration with Apple on his short film Submerged. This film is the first-ever scripted production using the Apple Vision Pro cameras, telling a dramatic story of a WWII submarine under attack. In the interview, Berger discusses the experience of working with the new cameras, the use of Spatial Audio and a 180-degree view for an immersive narrative, the challenges faced during production, and his hopes for the future of filmmaking.
Apple has partnered with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Edward Berger to create Submerged, the first short film shot with their new immersive camera. The technology could revolutionize how people watch films at home. The camera enables filmmakers to take advantage of Apple Immersive Video, a new storytelling format that allows the creation of 3D video in 8K with a 180-degree view.
The film is set on a WWII submarine, and with the 180-degree view and 8K video, viewers can turn their heads in any direction, immersing themselves in the scene. Unlike traditional films, this format allows for an exploratory viewing experience. Although it may not be suitable for all films, the possibilities opened up by this camera are impressive, such as filming worldwide attractions or concerts to be experienced through the Vision Pro headset.
Additionally, highlights from the NBA All-Star Game were shown, offering a courtside experience from the comfort of a couch. After viewing Submerged and other Vision Pro content, Weintraub interviewed Berger about his experiences with the new camera, the comparison to IMAX technology, the editing process for immersive movies, and the concept behind making a submarine movie.
Helming the First Scripted Film Was a “Terrifying and Wonderful” Honor
Collider: First of all, congrats on the short. The technology is, pardon my language, crazy. What does it mean to you to actually have been asked by Apple to create the first Apple Vision Pro short film?
Edward Berger: It’s a huge honor. It was a challenge because no one knew exactly how it worked. We had to figure it out along the way, pushing the limits to create an immersive and propulsive feeling. The new camera changes the way films are perceived. It requires experimenting with time, tension, and various techniques, which can be both terrifying and exhilarating.
How Does the Apple Vision Pro Compare to IMAX?
Berger discusses how the new camera, though different from IMAX, shares similarities in how it immerses viewers. Unlike IMAX cameras, which are noisy, the Vision Pro camera is silent, similar to a standard ALEXA 35. Spatial Audio requires careful sound recording since microphones and equipment need to be hidden from the 180-degree view.
The Apple Vision Pro Invites Filmmakers to Use Every Inch of Their Sets
Editing an immersive film demands a different approach. Fast cuts can be jarring because of the immersive nature of the footage. Shots need to be deliberate, allowing viewers to explore the scene. Berger emphasizes that, during the editing process, audiences naturally engage with the scene by shifting focus, which impacts pacing and shot composition.
Where Did the Idea for Submerged Come From?
The submarine concept was chosen early on, as it provided a setting suitable for the equipment and allowed for a contained environment with real sets and minimal visual effects. The underwater setting lent itself well to creating tension and excitement, with practical effects like water and sparks adding to the realism.
Berger’s advice for other filmmakers using this technology is to keep pushing boundaries. The Apple Vision Pro will evolve as filmmakers learn to utilize it more effectively, and future films will expand the possibilities for immersive storytelling.
Exploring Other Genres With the Apple Vision Pro
Berger believes that the medium’s ability to create tension would be perfect for a horror film, making the viewer feel as though they are in the scene. He anticipates filmmakers will soon push the limits of what this technology can achieve, including the use of more sophisticated effects and interactive storytelling techniques.
What Else Can the Apple Vision Pro Be Used For?
Berger owns a Vision Pro and enjoys using it for viewing movies with a cinema-like experience. He sees potential applications beyond entertainment, such as location scouting for filmmakers, where immersive photos could reduce the need for physical travel. Berger is optimistic about future possibilities, like virtual museum tours, which could allow people to experience locations they might not be able to visit otherwise.
Submerged is now available to watch exclusively on Apple Vision Pro.