Cell phones have enabled all kinds of media to reach impressive heights, we can do an array of things off our phones. We can read news websites, we can internet bank, we can Facebook, we can organise acts of protest and we can communicate quickly and cheaply with our friends. But even after researching and blogging about many mobile media trends, even I was shocked to find out about two new developments.
If video killed the radio star, then it looks like cell phone technology is killing the video and is taking the book along with it. A feature film has been launched that was filmed entirely on a cell phone, and the new Stephen King short story “N” is being published via mobile devices.
“N,” which was previously unpublished has been turned into a 25 episode video series, which launches on the 28 July 2008.
It has been developed specifically for the small screens on cell phones, and it comes with an original score, a full cast of voice overs and original artworks, all overseen by King himself.
“SMS Sugar Man,” was filmed using a Sony Ericsson w900i 3G handset, and was directed and produced by South African Aryan Kaganof. The film explores the seedy Johannesburg world of prostitution, following the pimp, Sugar Man, and his ring of high class prostitutes, dubbed the Sugars.
All the lead actors of the film constantly carried around cell phones and were always filming each other. This eliminated the traditional practise of having a cast who are filmed by a crew, the roles were merged and the actors were in charge of themselves.
Not only is the film shot using cell phones, but the narrative is also driven by the face that cell phones have enabled us to explore new forms of communication and new ways of representing ourselves. The film is a glimpse into our future, where all our relations with one another, are being shaped by the cell phone.
The boundaries of mobile media have been pushed to the extreme. You don’t need to go to the bookstore anymore to pick up a copy of that book you wanted to read, you can just download it to you phone. No longer do you need expensive equipment and a huge crew to shoot a feature film. All you need is a cell phone with a decent camera. Is there anything left that our phones can’t do?
Mobbed by Mobile Media 