Latest news with #MichaelOmari
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Why Stormzy's New Movie Absolutely Had To Be Shot On iPhone
On Wednesday, June 18, Apple unveiled its latest Shot on iPhone movie, 'Big Man'. It is a short film starring Michael Omari, better known as music icon Stormzy in his first leading dramatic role, at a stylish and glitzy screening in London — you can also watch it on YouTube. Stormzy, Klevis Brahja, Jaydon Eastman, the main cast in "Big Man". It was shot entirely on a series of iPhone 16 Pro handsets, and the more you learn about the film, the more it made the use of the phone inevitable. The film is about Tenzman, a musician whose star has been on the decline for some years and an encounter with two teenage boys. The short film covers a lot of emotional distance in its roughly 20-minute length. A question-and answer session followed the premiere of the movie at BFI Southbank, at National Film Theatre 1, a gorgeously comfortable and effective cinema, as well as a prestigious location. Director Aneil Karia (himself already an Academy Award winner) talked about the improvisational nature of the film. On its own, that makes the tiny iPhone a better bet than the '30-kilogram' Hollywood movie cameras, as Karia put it. The iPhone was better to get up close and capture subtle moments without overwhelming the actors. Especially since two of the protagonists are teenage boys, both of whom are brilliant and utterly natural, by the way. A small, handheld iPhone is much less intimidating — though the array of around half a dozen iPhones positioned around the car that's the setting for much of the film might have been more noticeable. Stuart Bentley, Director of Photography, talked about the set-up, which for the most part was the iPhone in a handheld gimbal unit, with the addition of different extra lenses as needed to permit long tracking shots and so on. Even with these additions, the iPhone 16 Pro would have been much less intrusive than other cameras, allowing the director a more elegantly informal approach. Bentley also said, 'We're pushing the camera to the very limits of what it's capable of, and we've found it to be really resilient. And obviously it's tiny so you can get the camera into positions where you may not be able to get a traditional camera which has been really liberating for us and in ways that allow you to be really inventive and creative with your camera choices.' The movie is well worth seeing, from a dramatic perspective alone, but the use of the iPhone 16 Pro makes it a technical marvel as well.
Perth Now
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Stormzy says his acting debut is ‘all about joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth'
Stormzy has said his acting debut is 'all about the joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth'. The 31-year-old British rapper has just launched his new production company, #Merky Films, and the performer – real name Michael Omari – will be taking the leading role in Big Man, a 24-minute short film and the first project from his new company. He said in a statement quoted by Variety: 'I hope you love our first project, Big Man, as much as we loved making it. 'For me, it's all about the joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth – that feeling like life is one big adventure and the world's your playground. 'I hope it inspires you to dream bigger, live louder, and hold on to that unapologetic energy that comes with being young.' The film, directed by Academy Award-winner Aneil Karia, tells the fictional story of Tenzman, a former rap star facing an uncertain chapter in his life. It is set for release on YouTube at 8pm on Wednesday 18 June, and was made in association with Apple. Stormzy's new venture builds on the expanding #Merky brand, which already includes #Merky Books, #Merky FC and the #Merky Foundation. Merky Films aims to increase access to television and film for Afro-Caribbean and other underrepresented communities. Its stated mission is to champion new voices by creating projects that 'connect communities, celebrate culture and inspire meaningful change'. A development deal is already in place with Netflix to create multiple projects, including a 'powerful drama series' and a 'seminal biopic', with additional talks ongoing with other film companies. Speaking about the launch of #Merky Films, Stormzy added: 'I always say: music is my first love, but film is my second. #Merky Films is something I've been dreaming about for ages – a space for powerful British stories and a solid home for fresh, unexpected art. It's a natural next step for everything we do at #Merky – sharing our stories, spotlighting important voices and making room for those who deserve to be seen and heard.' He also expressed hope the company will help elevate new talent, adding: 'We always like to give that opportunity before the world latches on and catches up. 'I definitely, in 30 or 40 years' time, want to see whoever wins the best director of the year at the Oscars to say that the first thing they directed was for #Merky Films.' Future projects from the production house will include documentaries, animations and mockumentaries.
