A short film pops up, not from Hollywood’s massive soundstages, but from the compact magic of an iPhone 16 Pro. Big Man, helmed by Oscar-winning director Aneil Karia and featuring UK rap star Michael “Stormzy” Omari, packs a 20-minute story that rivals any theater blockbuster.
Tenzman, played by Stormzy, is a musician beaten down by life’s hustle, his spark faded with the years. Then two lively, clever kids burst into his life, igniting a journey that reignites his passion. Set against the charm of everyday scenes, their tale unfolds with a heartfelt vibe that feels both personal and widespread. Karia, fresh off The Long Goodbye, infuses it with a gritty, human edge. “I’ve never filmed a full narrative piece on an iPhone before, and it’s been an energizing ride,” Karia said. “The iPhone’s smaller than the usual TV, film, or music video gear, and that lightness and freedom open up endless possibilities.”
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Director of Photography Stuart Bentley echoes this excitement, highlighting the iPhone 16 Pro’s technical prowess. “With an iPhone, you’ve got this amazing camera right in your pocket,” Bentley noted. “If you’re eager and driven about filmmaking, there’s no excuse not to create something brilliant.”
The iPhone 16 Pro steals the show in Big Man, its camera lineup—a 48MP Main, a 48MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP Telephoto lens—used in conjunction with Apple ProRes Log encoding. The new Camera Control button let the team adjust settings on the fly.
Beyond the tech, Big Man carries a powerful message about access. Filmmaking, once locked behind pricey gear and studio deals, is now within anyone’s grasp with a tale to share. Karia mused on this change: “There was a time when making films felt impossible. Now, with a top-notch camera in your pocket, those walls have pretty much crumbled.”
As Bentley put it, “You can use Cinematic mode for that shallow focus effect, and it tracks the action automatically. It’s got awesome dynamic range and handles low light like a champ.” This flexibility lets creators experiment, tweak, and take bold steps—qualities that light up every scene in Big Man.
