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Tag: filmmaking

  • Moonvalley AI Video Model Now Public!

    Moonvalley AI Video Model Now Public!

    Moonvalley’s Ethical AI Video Model: Now Available

    Recently, Moonvalley released Marey, a fully licensed, 3D-aware AI video model that’s now open to the public. Specifically, it empowers creators to generate and control cinematic clips with precision without the usual black-box limitations. Moreover, Marey’s public launch signals a shift toward ethical, studio-grade AI tools designed for creative professionals

    Hybrid Filmmaking Workflow

    Essentially, Marey blends advanced AI with filmmaker control. Specifically, creators can:

    • Start with storyboards or reference footage.
    • Tweak camera angles, motion, lighting, and composition.
    • Adjust each frame iteratively like a VFX pipeline TechCrunch

    Ethical & Licensed Data

    Specifically, Moonvalley trained Marey using fully licensed footage, primarily sourced from independent filmmakers and agencies. Consequently, this ethical stance helps the model avoid the copyright issues that often plague AI systems trained on scraped datasets. Moreover, by taking this transparent, studio-supported approach, Marey sets a new standard for legally secure and artist-friendly AI video tools.

    Cost-Effective Access

    Notably, the model uses a credit-based pricing system. Specifically, creators purchase credits in tiers such as $14.99 for 100 credits, $34.99 for 250, or $149.99 for 1,000. As a result, each scene render costs roughly $1 to $2, allowing users to manage expenses per clip effectively:

    • $14.99 for 100 credits
    • $34.99 for 250 credits
    • $149.99 for 1,000 credits
      Each five-second clip costs roughly $1–$2 per render—ideal for indie projects and smaller studios TechCrunch

    Democratizing Filmmaking

    Notably, filmmakers like Ángel Manuel Soto praise Marey for lowering barriers, saying that “AI gives you the ability to do it on your own terms… without saying no to your dreams.” Similarly, Asteria founded by Natasha Lyonne and Bryn Mooser uses Marey on a Carl Sagan documentary, thereby showcasing the model’s real-world use in major productions turn0search1.

    What Sets Marey Apart

    • 3D-aware motion: Mimics physics and weight realistically.
    • Granular control: Pose, camera, trajectory—all editable post-render.
    • Studio-grade output: 5 sec clips at 24 fps with crisp quality Business Wire techcrunch.com

    What Makes Moonvalley’s AI Model Ethical?

    Specifically, Moonvalley emphasizes a commitment to ethical AI development. In particular, this includes focusing on::

    • Transparency: Providing clear information about how the AI model works and its limitations.
    • Fairness: Striving to minimize biases in the AI’s training data and output.
    • Accountability: Taking responsibility for the AI’s impact on society and the creative process.

    Features and Benefits for Filmmakers

    Specifically, the Moonvalley AI video model offers several key benefits for filmmakers:

    • Time Savings: Automate repetitive tasks such as scene generation or character animation.
    • Creative Exploration: Generate unique visuals and explore new artistic directions.
    • Accessibility: Lower the barrier to entry for aspiring filmmakers with limited resources.
  • Danny Boyle’s ’28 Years Later’ iPhone Filming

    Danny Boyle’s ’28 Years Later’ iPhone Filming

    Why Danny Boyle Shot ‘28 Years Later’ on iPhones

    Danny Boyle’s bold move to shoot parts of 28 Years Later on iPhone rig sets has caught attention. But it’s more than a gimmick—it serves storytelling, style, and practicality. Let’s break down why this choice matters.

    Balancing Nostalgia & Innovation

    Boyle revisits the lo-fi aesthetic of the original 28 Days Later, which used consumer camcorders in 2002. Now, iPhones mirror that modern equivalent. They deliver a raw, documentary feel that matches the film’s apocalyptic world wired.com

    Moreover, iPhones align with the “meta idea”: in today’s world, apocalypse footage would come from phones, not bulky cameras cultofmac.com

    The Power of the 20-iPhone ‘Bullet‑Time’ Rig

    Boyle built custom rigs holding 8, 10, or 20 iPhones to capture intense moments. The 20-phone setup offers 180° coverage, letting editors choose angles or create slow-motion effects—“a poor man’s bullet time” people.com

    This rig enhances the impact of violent scenes, immersing viewers directly into the action wired.com

    Agility in Remote Locations

    Lightweight iPhones allowed flexible shooting across remote, protected locations in England and Scotland. The handheld rigs enabled quick moves without large crews or heavy gear businessinsider.com

    This agility preserved the film’s natural and haunting landscapes.

    Ultra-Wide Cinematic Look

    Despite using phones, Boyle preserved a cinematic scope by shooting in ultra-wide 2.76:1 aspect ratio—akin to IMAX. Combined with dynamic iPhone rigs, this creates suspense across the wide frames libertylensnetwork.com

    Technical & Budget Advantages

    The iPhone 15 Pro Max shoots in 4K/60fps with ProRes and supports professional lenses and cages. It’s a cost-effective yet high-quality tool people.com

    This setup delivered big-budget visual quality on a $75 million production—for less—without compromising storytelling macrumors.com

    Immersive Violence & Viewer Presence

    Boyle wanted to pull the audience into the chaos. With the iPhone rigs, viewers don’t just watch—they feel inside the violent scenes, adding visceral impact to horror businessinsider.com

    🎬 Final Take

    Danny Boyle’s iPhone filming isn’t a tech stunt. It’s a creative tool. It:

    • Honors digital legacy (camcorder → phone)
    • Boosts immersion in horror scenes
    • Offers flexibility for remote, fast-paced shoots
    • Delivers cinematic visuals on a modern device

    In short, 28 Years Later could redefine how blockbusters can blend smartphone tech with cinematic ambition.

    Embracing Accessibility and Realism

    Boyle’s move highlights the increasing accessibility and quality of smartphone cameras. Modern iPhones boast impressive video capabilities, allowing filmmakers to capture high-resolution footage without the need for expensive equipment. This approach democratizes filmmaking, enabling more creators to bring their visions to life.

    Shooting on iPhones also lends a raw, authentic feel to the film. The handheld nature and familiar aesthetic of smartphone footage can enhance the sense of immediacy and realism, drawing viewers deeper into the story. Using iPhones offers a unique visual style that distinguishes ‘28 Years Later’ from other films in the genre.

    Creative and Practical Advantages

    Beyond aesthetics, using iPhones provides several practical advantages:

    • Cost-Effectiveness: iPhones significantly reduce equipment costs, freeing up budget for other aspects of production.
    • Agility and Flexibility: The compact size of iPhones allows for greater maneuverability and shooting in tight spaces.
    • Stealth and Spontaneity: iPhones enable filmmakers to capture candid moments and shoot in locations where traditional cameras might attract unwanted attention.

    Director’s Vision and Innovation

    Danny Boyle is known for pushing boundaries and experimenting with new technologies. His decision to use iPhones in ‘28 Years Later’ reflects his commitment to innovation and his willingness to embrace unconventional filmmaking techniques. This approach aligns with his history of groundbreaking work in films like “Slumdog Millionaire”.

    The Future of Filmmaking

    Boyle’s experiment could inspire other filmmakers to explore the potential of smartphone cameras. As technology continues to advance, we may see more films incorporating iPhone footage, blurring the lines between professional and amateur filmmaking. This shift could lead to new creative possibilities and a more diverse range of voices in cinema.