Exciting Milestone in Filmmaking: DJI Unveils Short Film Shot Entirely with Drones
Key Takeaways:
- DJI showcases a groundbreaking short film shot exclusively with the Inspire 2 drone and the X5R camera.
- Academy Award-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda helms the project, featuring stars Ryan Phillippe and Noah Schnapp.
- The film, titled The Circle, emphasizes the potential for drones to revolutionize creative storytelling in the film industry.
- The Inspire 2 is introduced as a game-changing tool for filmmakers seeking high-quality aerial shots without the hefty prices of traditional equipment.
November 15, 2016 – In a bold step forward in the world of filmmaking, DJI, the leader in unmanned aerial vehicles, premiered an innovative short film titled The Circle. This ambitious project, shot entirely with the new DJI Inspire 2 professional drone alongside the powerful X5R camera, was unveiled at an event held at the historic Warner Bros. studio lot.
A New Era of Storytelling
The Circle, which stars prominent actors Ryan Phillippe, known for his role in Shooter, and Noah Schnapp, famous for his work in Stranger Things, illustrates how advanced drone technology is reshaping creative expression in high-budget filmed entertainment. The film is expertly crafted by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda, celebrated for his contributions to films like Life of Pi and Oblivion. Executive Producer Dana Brunetti, known for The Social Network and House of Cards, was also instrumental in this project.
Miranda, along with his team, utilized the Inspire 2 and X5R to achieve every scene—from intimate close-ups to breathtaking aerial shots—showcasing the platform’s versatility and control over movement and imagery.
Filmmakers Embrace Advanced Technology
“The realm of filmmaking has been anchored to the ground for years,” remarked Phillippe. “With DJI’s technology, filmmakers can now unleash their creativity in ways that were previously impossible, especially on smaller projects where traditional equipment and crews can be prohibitively expensive.”
In The Circle, viewers follow the touching narrative of a father (played by Phillippe) who reunites with his young son (Schnapp) during the Great Depression, following the unexpected passing of the boy’s mother. The pair embarks on a journey filled with artistic discovery, as the father sketches portraits to earn a living, ultimately revealing the deep transformative power of art.
The Inspire 2: Transforming Filmmaking
The DJI Inspire 2, launched just before the premiere, is pitched as the premier "ready-to-fly" platform for aspiring filmmakers. With the recent surge of affordable and powerful aerial gear, DJI emphasizes the liberation such technology offers to creatives who were previously limited by financial constraints.
Director Sheldon Schwartz noted, “When envisioning a film set in the Great Depression, one typically conjures images of grand Hollywood studios, massive cameras, and large crews. This project stands out, showcasing how innovative technology can expand the boundaries of visual storytelling.”
With its X5R camera, the Inspire 2 empowers cinematographers to control every facet of an image. The platform’s 3D movement capabilities, combined with advanced stabilization technology, help eliminate shaky shots often associated with handheld filming.
“Being able to shoot in RAW format with this drone is incredible,” Miranda stated. “It gives me a significant dynamic range to play with, allowing me to balance shadows and highlights to set the mood.”
Brunetti echoed this sentiment, expressing the importance of having top-quality visual tools that do not come with exorbitant costs. “Working with visionary storytellers like Claudio compels us to leverage the most dynamic and adaptable equipment available,” he said. “The DJI Inspire 2 delivers precisely that.”
Watch and Explore More
The Circle offers viewers a glimpse into the future of filmmaking with drones and is available for viewing on YouTube at: Watch The Circle
A behind-the-scenes look into the making of The Circle with the Inspire 2 can be found here: Behind the Scenes
For additional insights and behind-the-scenes content from The Circle, visit DJI’s YouTube channel: DJI YouTube Channel
As DJI continues to pave the way for more accessible and innovative filmmaking techniques, projects like The Circle stand as testaments to the future possibilities within the industry. With tools like the Inspire 2, the creative landscape is set to evolve beautifully.
