Apple’s Big Man is a short film that was shot on an iPhone 16 Pro. It’s also been directed by Aneil Karia, who has won Academy Awards in the past for their work. The recent release helps to show why short movies are growing in popularity, and how powerful storytelling as a whole can be, even in a shorter format.
What’s Big Man About?
Big Man follows the narrative of a musician who finds new hope and inspiration. The way it’s been filmed helps to show the closeness of the characters, helping the audience to build a new connection in a way that traditional filming methods can’t always achieve. The film also utilizes Cinematic Mode within the Apple iPhone, which offers a shallow depth of field. 4K is also used to try and capture some of the slow-motion scenes, which helps to elevate everyday moments into stunning scenes. By using tech like this, Big Man has helped to show that shorter movies are not only on the rise, but also that you don’t need a big budget or bulky equipment to turn your idea into a cinematic masterpiece.
Why are Short Films So Popular Right Now?
Big Man is a huge success for Apple, and although it does take a unique approach to storytelling, at the same time, it also helps to show how audiences consume content. Attention spans have shortened in the digital age, with people now seeking more impactful stories. With that said, people also have less time to consume content, which is another driving trend behind shorter movies as a whole. Interestingly, this trend isn’t just limited to film either.
Music tracks are also getting shorter. Streaming platforms often showcase songs that hook listeners, keeping them engaged for the whole song. This has led to artists creating more concise tracks that are only around 2–3 minutes, rather than 4 or 5 minutes. TV shows are also getting shorter, with some having less than ten episodes, and even shorter running times, especially in 2025. Games are also following suit, with slot games soaring in popularity right now. If you look online, you’ll find a lot of sign up bonus slots, including deposit matches, free spins and extra chances to win. Promotions like this help to show how companies are not only investing in shorter formats for games, but also actively promoting them to try and reach bigger and more widespread audiences.
Big Man’s production is a prime example that shows how films are getting shorter, but at the same time, how much potential there is for independent filmmakers who want to make their mark on the world. With the company choosing to premiere the movie on YouTube, it also helps to show how digital platforms are also helping to reach millions, but also how there are now more opportunities than ever for filmmakers as a whole.
Big Man also supports how multi-platform support can be used to meet the evolving viewing habits of modern audiences, which is helping to carve out new film niches, as well as providing more opportunities than ever.