A Japanese multi-genre band, Kroi, has recently captivated the music and tech worlds alike with their groundbreaking approach to music video production, utilizing an astounding array of 40 iPhone 16 Pros for their latest song, “Method.” This innovative project not ably showcases the artistic vision of the Tokyo-based band but also serves as a compelling demonstration of the advanced capabilities of contemporary mobile technology in filmmaking.
The sheer scale of the undertaking is remarkable, with the deployment of four dozen of Apple’s premium smartphones representing a significant investment in cutting-edge mobile filmmaking. This audacious choice highlights a growing trend in creative video, where high-quality production is no longer exclusively tied to traditional, prohibitively expensive camera equipment, opening new avenues for artists and content creators.
Adding to the project’s allure, a behind-the-scenes video was released, offering fans and tech enthusiasts a unique glimpse into the intricate setup required for this ambitious endeavor. This candid look at the production process quickly gained traction, even catching the attention of Apple’s senior vice president of marketing, Greg “Joz” Joswiak, who shared the footage via X, effectively endorsing this ingenious application of Apple technology.
The strategic placement of the numerous iPhones during the shoot reveals a meticulous approach to capturing diverse perspectives and dynamic visuals. Cameras were mounted not only in front of the band members but also ingeniously attached to instruments like keyboards and guitars, providing intimate, musician-level views. Furthermore, iPhones were suspended from the ceiling, delivering striking overhead shots that add a unique dimension to the visual narrative of the music video production.
The resulting “Method” music video, a testament to the power of iPhone cinematography, delivers a visually rich and immersive experience. The varied camera angles and the seamless integration of shots from disparate points of view create a fluid and engaging visual flow, with many of the most compelling segments originating from these innovative overhead or instrument-level perspectives.
This pioneering effort by Kroi has resonated widely, with the music video amassing an impressive 5.1 million views at the time of publication. Such widespread viewership underscores the public’s fascination with how technology intersects with artistic expression, particularly when it pushes the boundaries of conventional creative video methods.
Indeed, the concept of multi-iPhone shoots appears to be on the cusp of becoming a significant trend within the entertainment industry. This pioneering spirit extends beyond music, as evidenced by recent developments in film, where productions like the upcoming zombie horror flick “28 Years Later” have similarly experimented with a single shot that impressively utilized 20 iPhones, further cementing the potential for mobile filmmaking on a grand scale.
As professional production tools become more accessible through devices like the iPhone 16 Pro, the landscape of music video production and broader content creation is rapidly evolving. Kroi’s “Method” stands as a beacon for what’s possible, inspiring future artists and reaffirming the iPhone’s role not just as a communication device but as a powerful instrument for sophisticated visual storytelling and artistic innovation.
