This Chinese New Year, Apple debuts its latest ‘Shot on iPhone’ film in China, ‘I Made a Mixtape for You.’ The campaign, created by TBWA\Media Arts Lab Shanghai, marks Apple’s 8th Chinese New Year film and celebrates the holiday with users worldwide. The story delves into the complexities of dating culture and the influence of traditional expectations, all set against the nostalgic backdrop of 1990s China and driven by iconic Mando-pop hits. It’s a heartfelt reminder that no matter how much the world changes, love remains a timeless force worth believing in.
Directed by Michael Gracey of The Greatest Showman fame, the film features the expertise of Oscar-winning cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt, Hollywood choreographer Ashley Wallen, and Shanghai screenwriter Wu Jue Ren. Together, they bring an authentic ’90s perspective to the story.
Showcasing iPhone 16 Pro’s Advanced Camera Capabilities
The campaign highlights the cutting-edge camera features of the iPhone 16 Pro. “Musical storytelling encompasses so many facets of music, picture, and sound design,” explains Gracey. “The incredible thing about iPhone 16 Pro is that you have access to all those things in one device.”
The film’s breathtaking dance sequences, particularly Wei’s solo performances, were captured in stunning 4K resolution at 120 fps, achieving a cinematic slow-motion effect. “When he’s doing these big, beautiful leaps that are incredibly balletic, capturing them at 120 frames in 4K resolution is just beautiful,” Gracey notes.
The production team utilized the iPhone’s new camera control features for intricate shots. Cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt praised the seamless integration of Camera Control for dynamic zooms without compromising operation. Meanwhile, art directors Joel Chang and Qin Shi Jie crafted theatrical moving set pieces that enhanced the film’s magical realism, allowing actors to transition fluidly between scenes.
“iPhone is built for movement, especially for dance,” Gracey emphasizes. “From the picture quality to the higher frame rates, all those features are in this one pocket-sized tool.” The immersive soundscape was crafted using iPhone 16 Pro’s sophisticated Audio Mix capabilities, creating cinematic dialogue and musical moments through selective ambient sound control.
Behind the Scenes
Alongside the main film, a behind-the-scenes video showcases how the production team harnessed the iPhone 16 Pro’s features to bring the vision to life. From its high-resolution camera to its advanced sound design tools, the iPhone 16 Pro proves to be a powerful device for professional storytelling.
