Apple’s new film, Submerged, was shot in Apple Immersive Video. It’s the brand’s first scripted film for the Vision Pro headset, putting viewers at the centre of the action. The 17-minute film is a WW11 thriller, written and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker, Edward Berger [All Quiet on the Western Front, 2022]and was shot on location in Prague, Brussels, and Malta over three weeks, using Apple Immersive video cameras which feature two lenses to record 8K 3D video. The shoot involved constructing a full-scale 23-ton submarine set made with real steel, brass, and metal that was modelled after WWII-era vessels. Spatial Audio is included for a more immersive experience.
In its blog Apple explains the degree of difficulty in shooting to immerse the viewer completely in the film. “Significant portions of the set were built to withstand being fully submerged, and featured practical camera traps and special effects that were uniquely rigged to expose Apple Immersive Video cameras to sparks, steam, water, and fire without breaking viewers’ sense of immersion. Cast members who might appear out of frame or focus in a 2D feature were meticulously scripted, and participated in extensive stunt rehearsals, including freedive training in dive tanks and open water, to maintain continuity and realism.”
There is also a behind-the-scenes video.
Apple will release new episodes, films, series, and concerts captured in Apple Immersive Video. The first will be an immersive short film featuring the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend. Then next month, Apple and The Weeknd will launch an immersive music experience for the artist’s new album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. And Concert for One, a new concert series set to debut later this year, will provide intimate performances from the world’s biggest artists, beginning with a special set from the award-winning British singer-songwriter, RAYE.
New episodes of Apple TV’s series, Adventure, that follows pioneering athletes as they take on awe-inspiring challenges, will also be released in December. Ice Dive will follow freediver, Ant Williams, as he attempts his best record for the longest distance dive under ice with a single breath and Adventure will then continue in early 2025 in Majorca, Spain, with sport climber, Kai Lightner.
