The Weeknd's Cinematic Masterpiece: Shooting a Music Video on the iPhone 16 Pro

In a groundbreaking move, Grammy-award-winning musician The Weeknd has released the entire video for his new song "Dancing In The Flames," shot entirely on the highly anticipated iPhone 16 Pro. This innovative collaboration showcases the remarkable capabilities of Apple's latest smartphone, blurring the lines between professional filmmaking and mobile technology.

Pushing the Boundaries of Smartphone Cinematography

A Cinematic Crash in the Storm

The video depicts The Weeknd's character getting into a dramatic crash in a vintage red convertible while driving through a stormy landscape. The use of the iPhone 16 Pro's slo-mo 4K resolution setting at 120 frames per second has allowed the filmmakers to capture the crash in stunning detail, slowing down the action and heightening the cinematic experience."Shooting (in 4K resolution at 120 frames per second) really helped us to slow down reality," explains Eric Hendrickson, the video's cinematographer. "(It helped) slow down the elements, slow down The Weeknd's movement. You didn't have to think like, 'oh, it's just an iPhone.' We just pushed it as far as we normally do, really creating epic shots."This innovative approach to smartphone cinematography has elevated the music video, showcasing the remarkable capabilities of the iPhone 16 Pro and challenging the traditional boundaries of what can be achieved with a mobile device.

The Weeknd's Artistic Evolution

"Dancing In The Flames" is the lead single from The Weeknd's sixth studio album, "Hurry Up Tomorrow." The singer has hinted that this album may be the last he releases under the stage name The Weeknd, signaling a potential artistic evolution for the acclaimed artist.The Weeknd's birth name is Abel Tesfaye, and his decision to potentially retire the moniker that has brought him global fame and recognition is a bold and intriguing move. Fans eagerly await the release of "Hurry Up Tomorrow," which promises to showcase The Weeknd's artistic growth and exploration of new creative frontiers.

A Collaboration with Apple

This is not the first time The Weeknd has been involved with Apple products. In July, the tech giant announced that an immersive performance by the musician would come to its Vision Pro headset, further solidifying the artist's relationship with the brand.The Weeknd's collaboration with Apple on the "Dancing In The Flames" music video is a testament to the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile technology and its impact on the creative arts. By empowering artists to utilize the latest smartphone features, Apple is redefining the possibilities of what can be achieved with a handheld device.

A Trend-Setting Precedent

The Weeknd's "Dancing In The Flames" music video is not the first to be shot entirely on an iPhone. Olivia Rodrigo's "Get Him Back!" was filmed on an iPhone 15 Pro Max in 2023, and Lady Gaga's "Stupid Love" was shot with an iPhone 11 in 2020.These examples demonstrate the growing trend of artists and filmmakers embracing the capabilities of smartphone technology to create visually stunning and innovative content. As the technology continues to evolve, the potential for smartphone-shot music videos and films to rival traditional production methods is becoming increasingly apparent.The Weeknd's latest collaboration with Apple has set a new precedent, showcasing the remarkable cinematic potential of the iPhone 16 Pro and inspiring other artists to explore the creative possibilities of mobile filmmaking. This groundbreaking video is a testament to the power of innovation and the ability of technology to transform the artistic landscape.