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Film School: Phone Cinematography

Apps Every Cinematographer Needs | In Depth Cine Apps Every Cinematographer Needs | In Depth Cine

Ways to use your phone in film-making – and not just for filming.

It’s no secret that “Shot On iPhone” commercials look so good primarily because of professional lighting and expensive rigging. Phones have also allowed for film-making innovation both in independent movies, such as Tangerine (2015)…

… and in major studio films, such as 28 Days Later (2025):

However, phones are also used by professional filmmakers not to shoot projects, but for various apps as cinematography tools, including…

Apps Every Cinematographer Needs | In Depth Cine
As a viewfinder
Apps Every Cinematographer Needs | In Depth Cine
For lighting design
Apps Every Cinematographer Needs | In Depth Cine
For lighting design
Apps Every Cinematographer Needs | In Depth Cine
Controlling film equipment
Apps Every Cinematographer Needs | In Depth Cine
Weather tracking
Apps Every Cinematographer Needs | In Depth Cine
For creative treatments

… as In Depth Cine explains:

Further Viewing

More apps for visual research during pre-production:

Film School: Visual Research

And more on how to present your references as a pitch deck or director’s treatment:

Film School: How to Pitch Deck
Film Schoo: Director’s Treatment