Apple Goes Behind the Scenes of Usher’s Super Bowl Performance

Using over 40 iPhone 15 Pros and Pro Maxes, TBWA\Media Arts Lab and production company HPLA teamed up with designer and director Mike Carson to create a 10-minute behind-the-scenes documentary, following the rehearsals, preparation and eventual performance of Usher’s halftime show performance at Super Bowl 58.

The Apple Music Halftime Show was directed by Jay-Z and Hamish Hamilton, who make appearances in the film, as well as all the artists, dancers, musicians, producers, choreographers, trainers and more who form the army of people required to pull off the 12-minute performance during the big game.

Among others, we see Lil Jon, Alicia Keys and, of course, the star of the show, Usher, all preparing mentally and physically in a series of black and white snapshots blending Usher’s music, interview clips and rehearsal footage with colourful sequences from the performance itself. The nimbleness and quality of the iPhone 15 Pro’s camera, including the Pro Max’s 5x zoom and low light capabilities, allows previously unseen access to the rehearsals and performance, making it the first Super Bowl Halftime Show shot on iPhone.

To capture all of these moments, from the intimate backstage beats to the vibrant intensity on stage, Mike and the team used a variety of unique iPhone rigs - sewing them into performers’ clothing, mounting them on instruments and generally finding distinctive perspectives to differ from the standard broadcast presentation.

The long-form film, part of Apple Music’s exclusive content for Usher’s ‘Road to Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show’, is now live on YouTube, Instagram and X.