RELINQUISH - A Mystical Action Short | Shot on iPhone 16 Pro with Beastgrip 1.33X Anamorphic Lens MK2

RELINQUISH: A Beautiful Reminder That There Are No Limits in Smartphone Filmmaking

We’re proud to share RELINQUISH, a powerful new short film shot entirely on an iPhone using our Beastgrip Pro and 1.33X Anamorphic Lens MK2. Directed by Chase Langley, this film is a compelling example of how far smartphone filmmaking has come and a stunning reminder that creativity knows no limits.

From the first frame, RELINQUISH pulls you in with its cinematic visuals and deeply human story. It shows what’s possible when professional smartphone filmmaking tools meet a bold creative vision. Every shot is a testament to what you can achieve with the right mindset and the right gear. 

A Story Born From a Personal Moment

Director Chase Langley reflects on the origins of RELINQUISH:

“I think often in life, we come up against moments that challenge us, demand resilience, force us to fight to get through them... The idea that in the end of that battle against time, the only true victory is when we choose for that battle to end. That was the beginning of what eventually became RELINQUISH.”

These words ground the film in something deeply personal. Inspired by the final moments shared with his grandfather, Chase crafted a story that explores life, release, and the quiet courage of letting go.

"At the end of 2024, the VFX company I work for challenged its artists to create a short film that imposed the limitation of shooting it entirely on a smartphone. At first I felt constricted, but then I realized this was an opportunity to take part in the broader conversation regarding equipment and perceived limitations. I turned to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, utilizing the Blackmagic Camera App. In addition to its 4K resolution, high dynamic range image capture, and Apple Log native support, I also researched hardware that could help close the gap between mobile and cinema cameras. RELINQUISH was shot using Beastgrip’s 1.33x Anamorphic lens and Beastgrip Pro cage/adapter atop a DJI RS 4 gimbal. This allowed me to recreate nearly any shot I could imagine with minimal setup. There were times during editing that I genuinely forgot I was working with footage shot on a smartphone."

BTS Photography by Javier J. Espinoza

The Power of Mobile Filmmaking with Beastgrip

Once again, RELINQUISH proves the incredible potential of the smartphones we carry in our pockets. When paired with the right tools, like the Beastgrip Pro and the 1.33X Anamorphic Pro Series Lens, creativity can truly flourish. The 1.33X Anamorphic Pro Series Lens transforms your smartphone footage by providing a stunning 2.4:1 widescreen aspect ratio and signature horizontal lens flares, giving your videos that desired cinematic look. This lens delivers crisp, detailed images that rival those captured with traditional cinema cameras. Paired with the Beastgrip Pro - a universal rig built to elevate mobile filmmaking, the setup offers a professional-grade experience in a compact form. Its ergonomic design provides a secure, comfortable grip for stable shots and precise control, while its modular build lets you customize with accessories like SSD drives, microphones, and additional lenses. It's an essential tool for any serious mobile content creator.

BTS Photography by Javier J. Espinoza

For those interested in hearing more from Chase Langley, the director and writer of RELINQUIS, shares insights into his creative process and his experiences with smartphone filmmaking.

What inspired the tone/story of Relinquish?
My greatest inspirations for Relinquish included The Matrix, Final Fantasy: Advent Children, David Fincher, and Kingdom Hearts — some of the most influential media I absorbed from a young age into adulthood. Pair that with the stellar cast of dramatic and stunt performers, some of whom I was working with for the first time, others who’ve been frequent collaborators.

What challenges did you face writing such a contained, metaphor-driven story in just two pages — and how did you overcome them?
I really pushed myself to take on a very potent narrative that didn’t overstay its welcome, and built to an ultimate ending that I wanted audiences to carry with them after watching. A universal story that not only delivered moment-to-moment, but also made for compelling and revelatory rewatches, expanding on the theme and ultimate underlying message.

What role did the Beastgrip anamorphic lens and mobile rig play in helping you achieve the cinematic look you were after?
The rig I was able to assemble, using Beastgrip as the forefront of the visual aesthetic, opened up a cinematic perspective while also allowing me to utilize the iPhone 16 Pro’s best built-in lens. The wider field of view, dramatic lens flares, and barrel distortion were pivotal to the immersive and cinematic final image you see on screen. I can honestly say that this additional gear, by far, had the biggest impact on the final look of the short.

What was your strategy for lighting the film on such a lean setup, and how did you use contrast and texture to enhance the tone?
We had so much space to play with in our warehouse set, and so much coverage to get, I worked with my Lighting Director, Lisa Stoll, to create pools of light for us to play in and out of, while also creating dramatic darkness, and pops of color to help set the dreamy atmosphere. After setup, we only had six hours to shoot what we needed, and without the flexible-yet-universal setup that we pulled off, I’m not sure how we would have ever managed to get the coverage we needed.

What advice would you give to filmmakers looking to write and direct something personal on a tight timeline and limited gear?
I think that the biggest piece of advice I can give to filmmakers that feel limited on time or gear is to put a lot of effort into the story they want to tell, and then make every decision from there in service of that. That isn’t to say you can’t use your limitations or resources as a foundation to build a story on top of (such as availability of actors or locations), but film uniquely allows you to embody theme and story into every moment of your storytelling. Allow those creative considerations to be the guiding light for each decision you make. And have fun!