Apple’s Privacy Features on iPhone Fend off Bird-like Surveillance Cameras in Fantastical Film
Apple continues its six-plus year journey to make the world understand why privacy matters in its latest Privacy campaign for iPhone. As one of Apple's core values, "iPhone Privacy 2024" provokes awareness around the fundamental right to digital privacy. The campaign shows how, in a world of constant online surveillance, iPhone is designed to protect you.
The campaign states, “Safari. A browser that’s actually private.”
“Flock" is a dystopian, fantastical film depiction of the online surveillance economy and iPhone’s ability to help protect against it. Bird-like surveillance cameras set after people’s browsing data before Safari’s privacy protection comes to the rescue.
After a thorough study of birds’ movements, behaviour and physicality, a set of surveillance birds were designed together with renowned visual effects partners House of Parliament and Legacy Effects — the special effects company behind characters such as Baby Yoda and Groot.
Each surveillance bird is designed in relation to its environment. For example, birds found near the ocean have a seagull-like demeanour and appearance — covered in rust, while the cameras perched in dim parking garages are reminiscent of bats.
3D printed models of the birds were used on set to bring out the best possible performance from the cast.
The digital footage was printed on film stock to achieve the rich cinematic look of the film, The final touch that tied every component together in a textured and timeless fashion.
Director Ivan Zacharias and Academy Award-winning editor Mikkel E. G. Nielsen, structured the story of online data surveillance as a spy-like thriller, with a nightmarish crescendo.
Award winning sound designer, Gus Koven, visited junk yards throughout the city searching for different metallic sounds to bring the movement of the birds to life. For example, high frequency squeaks for the bats’ wings and even a slight “hoot” for the turn of the owl’s head.
