AV1 Productions and VT2 Studios break new ground with Platinum artist Paul Wall and an iPhone 3GS


October 27, 2009:   Houston-based VT2 Studios and AV1 Productions recently teamed-up to produce the first-ever music video to air on MTV shot entirely on the iPhone 3GS.  The revolutionary music video was created for hip-hop artist Paul Wall for his newly released song, "I Need 'Mo". The experimental video also features music icon Travis Barker of the supergroup Blink 182.

When Apple first released the 3GS with video capability, the creative team made up of Amir Valinia of AV1 and Vic Tamborella of VT2 Studios, decided to prove that broadcast quality from an iPhone was not only possible, but could look amazingly professional, by using skilled production and creative editing techniques. 
 
This is the first time a major music video with major artists was shot exclusively using the iPhone 3GS as the sole camera.  "We wanted to do something that was more than just unique. We really wanted to push the envelope of what was technologically available to the consumer today." says Amir. 

While AV1 productions handled all of the shooting, VT2 Studios stepped in for the video's post-production and special effects.  "I saw this project as an avenue to show that it's not necessarily the format that makes a piece good, but it's often the technical know-how and creativity that counts the most." says Vic, owner and CEO of VT2, "We first approach every project at VT2 from the creative angle; then we work out the technical challenges needed to achieve the desired vision."

Dan Pratt, Senior Graphic Designer on the project had some initial technical concerns about compositing green-screen footage from such a highly compressed source. He also had concerns about how well the low-resolution footage would ultimately hold-up when viewed on much bigger screens. The final result surprised everyone.  Pratt says, "The video was beyond my expectations. After a little experimentation and some software tweaks, I was surprised to discover how easy it was to work in this format."

Even though Senior Editor, Matt Holicek did his research he said, "I was a little apprehensive about editing with H264 video that the iPhone 3GS records in, but after the conversion to Apple ProRes, the editing process was no different than any other editing project".  

The team not only proved that an iPhone video can be broadcast quality, but with proper planning, a skilled team and bit of creative ingenuity, it can compete with the best. MTV released the world premiere on their show, "Sucker Free Countdown" along with behind the scene footage and interviews. 

To watch the video on MTV.com, please click here. 
To watch the behind the scenes footage, please click here. 

VT2 Studios is a Houston-based media production/post-production company specializing in the creation of film, video and hi-def content, and is home to the premier sound stage in the Houston area.  Their client-focused team produces progressive, highly creative visual content for all media, new and traditional, by integrating the highest level of quality with result-based strategies in all phases of creative development and project implementation.