Apple’s first scripted film for Apple Vision Pro puts viewers in a sinking WWII submarine

As I watched Apple’s “Submerged,” the company’s first scripted film captured in Apple Immersive Video for Apple Vision Pro, it felt like I, too, was underwater trying to escape a World War II-era submarine quickly filling with water. The 17-minute short film, written and directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Edward Berger, places viewers onto a submarine as its crew scrambles to combat an enemy destroyer’s attack and ultimately escape the sinking sub. Also read: 13 creative campaigns to know about today The film marks the first long-form scripted storytelling experience made with Apple Immersive Video, a media format that taps ultra-high-resolution 3D and spatial audio to put viewers in the center of the action. It was shot on location in Prague, Brussels and Malta over three weeks, with new Apple Immersive Video cameras designed for spatial computing. When I screened the film earlier this week, what caught my attention most was the remarkable detail visible at 180 degrees, from the rust on the steel, brass and metal of the full-scale 23-ton submarine set made with real metal materials, to the sweat beads on the crew members’ faces and the tiny bubbles in the water. “Vision Pro places you inside the story—hundreds of feet underwater inside a densely packed submarine, shoulder to shoulder with its crew. That deep sense of immersion just wasn’t possible before, and we can’t wait to see how it inspires filmmakers to push the boundaries of visual storytelling,” said Tor Myhren, VP of marketing communications at Apple. “Apple Immersive Video allows Apple Vision Pro users around the world to experience the next generation of sports, documentaries and music performances,” he said. To create the film, the production team built significant portions of the set to withstand being fully submerged and featured practical camera traps and special effects that were uniquely rigged to expose Apple Immersive Video cameras to sparks, steam, water and fire without breaking viewers’ sense of immersion. A behind-the-scenes video of the shoot (below) demonstrates how the production crew scripted cast members who might appear out of frame or focus in a 2D feature to continue acting, as they would be visible in Immersive Video. Preparation included extensive stunt rehearsals, including freedive training in dive tanks and open water, to maintain continuity and realism. The crew was also forced to consider ensuring any filmmaking tracks, trolleys mics or any other equipment would be hidden or out of frame. Ultimately, the experience introduced a whole new way of filmmaking, said director Edward Berger. “Apple Vision Pro inspired me to tell a story in a way that just wasn’t possible before, and in the process, it changed the way my team and I think about creating a story,” he said. “This immersive technology pioneered by Apple is going to change the future of filmmaking.” As of Thursday, Apple’s “Submerged” will be available to view by all Vision Pro users for free. In addition to the film, Apple is also revealing new episodes, films, series and music performances captured in Apple Immersive Video that will debut on Apple Vision Pro for free in the U.S. later this year, with global availability to follow. For instance, next Friday, basketball fans can watch an immersive short film of the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, featuring the Rising Stars, the Slam Dunk contest, the first-ever NBA vs. WNBA 3-Point Challenge, “Stephen vs. Sabrina” and highlights from the All-Star Game. Upon previewing the same, the experience is much like “Submerged,” in that it felt like I was right on the court with the players with remarkable visibility into their form, plays and more. Next month, Apple and The Weeknd will launch an immersive music experience for a new song from the artist’s highly anticipated new album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” Additionally, it will release “Concert for One,” the first music series captured in Apple Immersive Video, with an inaugural performance from six-time BRIT Award winner RAYE, who alongside her 20-piece band will play a blend of R&B, jazz and pop for viewers. Addition releases include a new episode of “Adventure” debuting in early December, in which viewers are invited to swim alongside freediver Ant Williams while he attempts to beat his record for the longest distance under the ice with a single breath, as well as a new episode of “Elevated” available later this year. All this content joins the growing Apple Immersive Video catalog available today, which includes “Alicia Keys: Rehearsal Room,” “Boundless,” “Elevated,” “Prehistoric Planet Immersive,” “Wild Life” and more. More Creativity coverage from Ad Age: Sign up for our daily Creativity newsletter to see the best stories of the day.

Apple’s first scripted film for Apple Vision Pro puts viewers in a sinking WWII submarine

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