logo
Danny Boyle uses iPhones to revive '28 Days' zombie film franchise

Danny Boyle uses iPhones to revive '28 Days' zombie film franchise

Khaleej Times6 hours ago

More than two decades after the release of his zombie apocalyptic horror hit 28 Days Later, director Danny Boyle is returning to the franchise with a fresh set of eyes and a twist on a new technology.
The original film was set against the background of a "rage virus" that destroyed Britain and forced residents into quarantine. It was followed by the sequel 28 Weeks Later, directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo.
Even more time has passed in 28 Years Later, which released recently and reunites Boyle with the original film's writer, Alex Garland.
Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes and newcomer Alfie Williams, the movie follows a young boy's journey with his father from a closed-off community on an island to the mainland to kill his first zombie.
His mother grapples with an illness which isolates her from the rest of her community and threatens to tear the family apart.
"There'd be occasional screenings of (28 Days Later) and ... it hadn't really dated," Boyle told Reuters at the film's world premiere.
"More importantly, the people's reaction to it felt like they were watching something very present day ... And that led us to start thinking, should we introduce something else into this world?"
One of the innovations was the camera setup. Boyle got in close to the action by sometimes using up to 20 iPhones at a time on special rigs.
"Smartphones, they will now shoot at 4K resolution, which is cinema resolution. So you can use them," Boyle said.
"They are incredibly light. You can go somewhere with a very light footprint and you can also build special rigs with them, which is what we did for some of the violent action in the movie."
Taylor-Johnson said the technique gave the film a "visceral and immersive" texture. "It would make me feel a bit vulnerable at times because it's very invasive."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Danny Boyle uses iPhones to revive '28 Days' zombie film franchise
Danny Boyle uses iPhones to revive '28 Days' zombie film franchise

Khaleej Times

time6 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

Danny Boyle uses iPhones to revive '28 Days' zombie film franchise

More than two decades after the release of his zombie apocalyptic horror hit 28 Days Later, director Danny Boyle is returning to the franchise with a fresh set of eyes and a twist on a new technology. The original film was set against the background of a "rage virus" that destroyed Britain and forced residents into quarantine. It was followed by the sequel 28 Weeks Later, directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. Even more time has passed in 28 Years Later, which released recently and reunites Boyle with the original film's writer, Alex Garland. Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes and newcomer Alfie Williams, the movie follows a young boy's journey with his father from a closed-off community on an island to the mainland to kill his first zombie. His mother grapples with an illness which isolates her from the rest of her community and threatens to tear the family apart. "There'd be occasional screenings of (28 Days Later) and ... it hadn't really dated," Boyle told Reuters at the film's world premiere. "More importantly, the people's reaction to it felt like they were watching something very present day ... And that led us to start thinking, should we introduce something else into this world?" One of the innovations was the camera setup. Boyle got in close to the action by sometimes using up to 20 iPhones at a time on special rigs. "Smartphones, they will now shoot at 4K resolution, which is cinema resolution. So you can use them," Boyle said. "They are incredibly light. You can go somewhere with a very light footprint and you can also build special rigs with them, which is what we did for some of the violent action in the movie." Taylor-Johnson said the technique gave the film a "visceral and immersive" texture. "It would make me feel a bit vulnerable at times because it's very invasive."

'How to Train Your Dragon' holds top spot in North America box office
'How to Train Your Dragon' holds top spot in North America box office

Khaleej Times

time7 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

'How to Train Your Dragon' holds top spot in North America box office

How to Train Your Dragon, a live-action reboot of the popular 2010 animated film, set the North American box office ablaze again in its second week, industry estimates showed. The family-friendly film from Universal and DreamWorks Animation tells the story of a Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) who strikes up a friendship with Toothless the dragon. Its $37 million (Dh135.88 million) haul was enough to beat out Columbia Pictures' zombie sequel 28 Years Later, which took in $30 million despite coming nearly two decades after the last release in the trilogy, 28 Weeks Later. "This is an excellent opening for the third episode in a horror series," said David A Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. "The weekend figure is above average for the genre, and pending final numbers it's approximately three times the opening of the last episode." Critics' reviews and audience ratings have been strong for the Danny Boyle-directed threequel, which picks up — as the title suggests — more than a generation after the initial outbreak of the Rage Virus. "The long layoff has had no negative impact; in fact, it's given the sequel time to add a new younger age group to the audience," Gross added. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the weekend was the poor performance of Pixar Animation's Elio, which limped into third place with $21 million in ticket sales, on a $150 million budget. Gross said that while the tally would be respectable for most animation studios, it was the lowliest theatrical debut in Pixar's history — despite excellent reviews. Disney's Lilo & Stitch, another live-action remake, added $9.7 million in its fifth week, extending a triumphant run for the film about a Hawaiian girl (Maia Kealoha) and her blue alien friend (Chris Sanders). The fourth-placed entry has now grossed a whopping $910 million worldwide, according to Exhibitor Relations. In fifth place — and also in its fifth week — is Mission: Impossible -- The Final Reckoning, the latest, and supposedly final, entry in the hugely successful Tom Cruise spy thriller franchise. The Paramount film took $6.6 million in North America, pushing it to $540 million worldwide. Rounding out the top 10 were:

Godolphin adds another glorious chapter at Royal Ascot
Godolphin adds another glorious chapter at Royal Ascot

Khaleej Times

timea day ago

  • Khaleej Times

Godolphin adds another glorious chapter at Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot, the glittering jewel of British flat racing, once again lived up to its lofty billing this year, delivering unforgettable moments, stirring narratives, and heart-stopping finishes. For Godolphin, the global racing force established by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in 1993, this year's Royal Ascot was a meeting to remember. It was a vivid display of grit, talent, and an unwavering commitment to raising the bar of thoroughbred racing excellence. 'It's the Olympics of racing,' trainer Charlie Appleby remarked, summing up a tumultuous five days where highs and lows collided and heartbreak gave way to triumph most spectacularly. Godolphin's week was crowned by standout performances that echoed the values on which Sheikh Mohammed created the stable — ambition and a global outlook. From the Ombudsman's defining win, Trawlerman's relentless staying power, and Rebel's Romance's defiant brilliance on the final day, the Royal Meeting became a grand stage for blue silks to shine. In the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes, Ombudsman didn't just win — he made a statement. The four-year-old son of Night of Thunder now widely seen as Europe's top older middle-distance contender, powered away from the pack with such authority that competitors were left trailing in his wake. A tilt at the Eclipse Stakes (July 5 at Sandown Park), a high-stakes contest between three-year-olds and older horses could be next as he continues his upward trajectory. Following the win legendary trainer John Gosden, a US Racing Hall of Fame trainer, paid tribute to Godolphin's founder saying: 'Sheikh Mohammed is without doubt the nicest and easiest owner I've ever trained for. He says, 'Do what we think is right.' I never get pushed. This horse wouldn't be the horse he is without that kind of patience.' Thursday was the day of redemption and record-setting for Godolphin's Trawlerman. After finishing second in last year's gruelling 4,014-metre Gold Cup, the seasoned seven-year-old returned with fierce determination, surging ahead to claim victory by an impressive seven lengths — a true masterclass in endurance. Once again, the training duties were handled by John Gosden and his son Thady 'He owed us nothing, but he gave us everything," said William Buick, Godolphin's retained jockey. Dubai Future, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, a gallant third in the same race, confirmed Godolphin's strength in depth. Only two days later, William Buick was back in the saddle, guiding one of Godolphin's flagbearers to another unforgettable triumph. Rebel's Romance, already a globe-trotting marvel with Group 1, wins on three continents, became the oldest horse ever to win the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes. It was Appleby's final runner of the week, a last roll of the dice. Appleby's voice cracked with emotion as he spoke of Rebel's Romance: "What more can I say about this horse? He's more than our Iron Horse. He's kept our yard afloat this week. He's our stable favourite and always will be." The Dubawi gelding took his win tally to 18 wins, stretching his lead over stablemates Anamoe and Lemon Pop as Godolphin's most prolific racehorse. Seven of those iconic victories have come at Group 1 level. From the Breeders' Cup Turf to the Dubai Sheema Classic, from Hong Kong to Germany, he's flown the Godolphin flag with distinction. And now, he has added a Royal Ascot success to his glittering portfolio. Meanwhile, Godolphin's longest-serving trainer Saeed bin Suroor added his own historic touch to the week when he saddled Arabian Story to win the Britannia Stakes handing veteran handler his 40th Royal Ascot winner — a milestone that underlines his longevity and craft. Though Godolphin fell short of clinching a third consecutive Leading Owner title, a feat they proudly achieved in 2021 and 2022, their 2024 campaign sent a clear message: their dominance on the world stage remains undiminished, their spirit as fierce as ever. As the dust settles on another epic Royal Ascot meeting, there is no denying that the blue silks of Godolphin added another memorable chapter to their illustrious history.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store