Interesting Facts Behind the Shooting of the Film '28 YEARS LATER', Using 20 iPhones for Brutal Scenes

The film 28 YEARS LATER is in the spotlight not only for its story continuation of a terror-filled world due to a virus but also for its very unusual filming techniques. Director Danny Boyle chose a modern approach by using iPhones as the main tool to record several key scenes.

In the production of this film, Danny Boyle and his team even used up to 20 units of iPhones in a single shot to create a unique and evocative visual sensation. It’s not just about the quantity, but also about how the arrangement and technology are set up to bring to life the most brutal scenes.

This approach is an evolution of the visual style previously used in 28 DAYS LATER. Check out the full explanation below.

1. The Visual Experiment Begins with the iPhone

Interesting Facts Behind the Filming of 28 Years Later (credit: imdb)

One of the most intriguing artistic decisions in the production process of 28 YEARS LATER is the use of the iPhone as a camera to capture intensely charged scenes. This initiative stemmed from Danny Boyle's desire to recreate a sense of real tension similar to that of his first film.

Danny Boyle expressed that the use of the iPhone was inspired by the way modern society captures reality using mobile devices, replacing the role of camcorders as was common in the early 2000s.

2. The Use of Multi-iPhone Camera Rigs

BTS 28 Years Later (Source:sea.ign.com)

To achieve complex and immersive shots, Danny Boyle and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle created various types of camera rigs with iPhone configurations. There were rigs with eight cameras, ten cameras, and the largest with 20 cameras.

The rig with 20 iPhones was used for a significant scene in the second half of the film. Danny Boyle mentioned that the shot was very striking and would be immediately recognizable to the audience due to its surprising approach.

3. The "Poor Man's Bullet Time" Technique in Brutal Scenes

Interesting Facts Behind the Filming of 28 Years Later (credit: imdb)

With 20 cameras active simultaneously, the production team could capture a 180-degree view of a single scene. This allows editors to choose the best angles or even switch perspectives dramatically within a single sequence.

This approach is specifically used for violent scenes, which Danny Boyle believes can provide a stronger visual impact to the audience thanks to the time and perspective shifting techniques.

4. The Influence of Format and Aspect Ratio

BTS 28 Years Later (Source:sea.ign.com)

The film 28 YEARS LATER uses an ultra-wide aspect ratio of 2.76:1, making the viewing experience more cinematic and expansive. This format is very different from the narrower 4:3 aspect ratio of 28 DAYS LATER.

Danny Boyle explains that the wide screen forces viewers to be more alert as threats can emerge from any side, increasing the psychological tension in watching the infected creatures.

5. The Return of the Old Creative Team

Interesting Facts Behind the Filming of 28 Years Later (credit: imdb)

This film is not only a platform for technological exploration but also a reunion for the original creators. Danny Boyle, writer Alex Garland, and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle reunite after previously being absent from 28 WEEKS LATER.

Additionally, Cillian Murphy, the lead actor in 28 DAYS LATER, also returns as an executive producer, reinforcing the continuity of the story and the visual identity of this franchise.

6. Popular Questions Related to This Film:

Q: What is the reason 28 YEARS LATER used an iPhone for filming?
A: Danny Boyle wanted to create a visual experience that feels real and contemporary, aligning with how modern humans record the world around them.

Q: Were all the scenes in 28 YEARS LATER shot with an iPhone?
A: Not all scenes were shot using an iPhone. Only certain parts were specifically designed with a multi-iPhone rig, especially for scenes filled with tension and brutal action.

Q: Why were up to 20 iPhones used simultaneously in one scene?
A: The aim was to capture various perspectives at once so that the editor could play with visual effects like bullet time to enhance the narrative intensity.

Q: Who are the main crew members returning for this film?
A: Original creative crew members like Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, Anthony Dod Mantle, and Cillian Murphy as executive producer are back involved in this project.

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