A few months ago Pascal Schmidlin (filmmaker and animator from Zurich) planned to make a short film with some friends. Unfortunately his DP suddenly dropped out and Pascal couldn’t get the gear he wanted in time. He then took the best decision of his life: Shooting the film on his smartphone!

Smartphone filmmaking was an entirely new experience to Pascal and after having made his first step, he doesn’t want to go back. In fact, he has already shot another film called The Last Photoshoot.

Interview with Pascal Schmidlin

What is the story behind your film?

My intention was to make a very cartoonish short film. I always write down my ideas, pieces of dialogue and maybe some visual gags. After a while I have a plan on what I want to do and then I write the script.

What were the steps which led you to make it?

After I was happy with the script, I got the Cast and Crew together. Some I’ve worked with before and some who were new.

We had a rehearsal, where Larissa and Yessica practiced their wacky roles. They really did an amazing job and brought those characters to life. I’m really thankful for such an amazing team, that I was able to work with.

Why did you choose a smartphone to film with.

I planned to shoot it in a more traditional way, but our DP suddenly had to work on another project and I couldn’t get the gear I wanted in time. So instead I decided to film on a smartphone.

What equipment did you use?

A Smartphone on a tripod.

How much did you know about filmmaking before you made this film?

I’ve studied film & visual effects and shot some short films before. But never on a smartphone, that was an entirely new experience.

What did you like about filming with a phone? What were the downsides, if any?

It was really quick! We wrapped up 2 hours earlier than I planed. We were also really flexibel and could try out different things. The downside was that I couldn’t zoom, but the smartphone made filming Catgirl possible in the first place, so I can’t really complain.

Has making the film changed your life in any way?

After making Catgirl I’m quite fond of filming with a phone. I’ll continue doing more mobile films in the future. In fact, my newest short film The Last Photoshoot was also filmed with a smartphone.

How successful was the film, personally and in gaining an audience for your work.

From the comments and feedback I’ve got people really enjoyed the weirdness and silly nature of the short film.

Looking back on the movie, is there anything you’d have done differently?

I’m quite happy with the finished film. In a way I’m glad I wasn’t able to get the gear I wanted, so I could try out something new with my phone.

How important are film festivals that give these kind of films a platform for you?

Very important. It was motivating for me and the team to know, that there is a platform for us and short movies like Catgirl.

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