Steven Spielberg, arguably the most popular film director of all time, just made a music video using an iPhone.
The 75-year-old filmmaker made his music video debut last Sunday, shooting a three-minute music video for Marcus Mumford – in just one shot.
“On Sunday 3rd July in a high school gym in New York, Steven Spielberg directed his first music video, in one shot, on his phone,” Mumford wrote on Twitter. “[Actress and Spielberg's wife] Kate Capshaw was the almighty dolly grip.”
The video itself was for Mumford’s new single, Cannibal, and it’s available to watch right now. Cannibal is part of Mumford’s first, self-titled solo album.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support of the people around me to bring this music to you, and I cannot hope to express all of my gratitude,” he added. “When people get it, it blows my mind. Kate and Steven just got it, and I cannot thank them enough.”
The music video was directed by Spielberg, with Capshaw acting as Producer, Art Director and Dolly Grip. Kristie Macosko Krieger was producer and behind-the-scenes videographer, with Carey Mulligan as costumer and sound.
The video was performed by “Some Chancer Mug” – Mumford himself if you go by the video's parlance.
Considering Spielberg’s penchant for flashy effects and blockbuster editing, it’s a rather humble affair – a one-shot, three-minute long, black and white video of Mumford playing his new track to an empty room.
Obviously, it’s quite a coup for Mumford… but Spielberg won’t be stepping away from movies yet. His next film, The Fabelmans, is due to be released on November 23, 2022 – a semiautobiographical film that loosely tells the story of Spielberg’s own childhood.
The film will star Seth Rogen as Spielberg’s “favorite uncle” alongside Michelle Williams and Paul Dano, with fellow filmmaker David Lynch in a currently unknown role.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.