One of the most important parts of Christmas is its life-affirming stories. This year, the world needs them more than it has for decades. One of the most wonderful Christmas stories this year was shot on an iPhone. Saving Simon is by TBWAMediaArts Lab, of course, and joins the agency’s collection of powerful films for Apple.
The long-form of Saving Simon went live on YouTube on November 25, in addition to a teaser and Reel on the @apple Instagram. There’s also a 60-second version for broadcast as well as more feature-specific 15- and 6- second spots for social and digital. A behind-the-scenes film is on its way.
The film was shot by Oscar-nominated directors, Jason and Ivan Reitman, with DOP, James Whitaker; and the release coincides with the premiere of Jason Reitman’s Ghost Busters: Afterlife.The soundtrack is You and I by Valerie June. The production company was Bob Industries. Both the film and the accompanying behind the scenes were shot on the iPhone 13 Pro, using the latest features, consumer-grade apps and lenses, practical effects and a few DIY camera rigs.
Here is a snippet from the BTS film:
“This is the greatest moment of all time to want to be a filmmaker. If you want to write stories, you pick up a pencil. If you want to write songs, you pick up a guitar. And if you want to make movies now you can just pick up an iPhone,” Jason Reitman stated in the behind-the-scenes film. “The idea that you can just pick up your phone and start filmmaking is one that thrills me.”
