Director explains how Modern Family episode was filmed using iPhones and iPads

modern family

The highly anticipated episode of ABC’s popular sitcom “Modern Family” that was shot entirely using iPhone and iPad cameras airs tonight, and to celebrate, BuzzFeed News got in touch with the episode’s director Steven Levitan to find out how they pulled it off.

In a video conversation, which you can download here, Levitan explains that the iOS devices were placed in holsters operated by cameramen and held by the actors. This allowed the pros to control the shots, while still appearing as though the actors held the devices.

The episode took over 3 months to finish, much of which was spent in post production. Because the entire episode takes place in FaceTime windows on a MacBook screen, the special effects team had to essentially recreate Apple’s OS X Yosemite from the ground up.

Levitan also notes that this isn’t the first time that his crew has used an iPhone for shots on Modern Family. “In the past, we’ve actually snuck in some shots with an iPhone that nobody ever knew because we just happened to have one with us when doing something.”

This episode of Modern Family is entitled “Connection Lost,” and it airs on Wednesday night at 6pm (Pacific).

Source: BuzzFeed News