One of key advantages of shooting a mobile movie is that is doesn’t require vast resources. You can find many examples of prize-winning, low (or no) budget mobile movies made by small teams, plus plenty done solo.  But that fact doesn’t put the mobile off limits for major-league productions. While there hasn’t yet been a hundred million dollar movie shot with a phone or drone, “Donny the Drone” provides evidence that it’s possible. This 11-minute dark drama, which won the Narrative Prize at the 2018 New York City Drone Film Festival, boasts 2 producers, 3 executive producers, 3 co-producers, and a crew of about 40. There would have been even more, but the movie’s director Mackenzie Sheppard also served as the puppeteer and editor.

You can learn more about the film here.

Mackenzie Sheppard, 26,  is a Tokyo-based film director who was raised in Japan. In addition to shooting narrative movies, he directs commercials for such companies as Lexus, Tiffany, Sony, and VISA. Expert in both fictional and documentary forms, his natural sensibility combined with his imaginative take on personal stories has received widespread acclaim. he won the Young Director Award at Cannes 2014. You can see more of his work on his website: www.mackshepp.com.

“Donny the Drone” was chosen as a Mobile Movie of the Week by the editors of MobileMovieMaking.com