Shooting a Global Xiaomi Campaign in Budapest
A Different Kind of Brief – Full Service Production in Budapest
At first glance, the setup was familiar: full production support, international crew, and location work across Budapest. But two things made this project stand out. First, our Hungarian director developed the concept and script from scratch, working through several rounds before gaining final approval from the Xiaomi board. Second, and more unusually, the entire film was shot on Xiaomi’s latest smartphone rather than a conventional movie camera.
Testing the Limits of Mobile Filmmaking
The idea was simple but ambitious: show how a smartphone can handle a real production environment. That meant putting it through its paces with complex lighting setups, stunt choreography, slow motion, and challenging low-light scenes. In practice, the device held up well. It delivered solid dynamic range, strong low-light performance, and recorded in LOG format, giving us flexibility in post-production. The workflow felt closer to using a high-end cinematic camera than you might expect.
Two Locations, Two Set Builds
Once the concept was approved, pre-production moved quickly. We shot across two main filming locations in Budapest: a New York-style backlot street inside a studio, and a large, disused power plant. Both these locations needed significant modification. On the backlot, the art department reworked the set. They added lighting, repainted surfaces, installed signage, and dressed the street with props including a food truck and a muscle car to create an authentic New York atmosphere. The power plant presented an entirely different challenge. The space had to be cleared and cleaned before any creative work could begin. From there, selected areas were repainted and dressed to match the film’s visual narrative.
Day One: Cold Weather, Rain Effects
The first shooting day took place on the backlot. Temperatures were close to freezing, which mattered because we were using a rain machine. If the ground froze, it would have created a safety risk. Fortunately, it held just above zero. Even so, it was a tough shoot. The cast and extras worked through repeated takes in artificial rain, and the crew kept everything moving despite the conditions. To integrate the phone into the setup, we mounted it on a rig attached to a dolly and a Jimmy Jib. The system worked smoothly, allowing for controlled camera movement throughout and demonstrating how modern mobile technology can adapt to high-end production environments.
Day Two: Stunts and Logistics
The second day focused on the most complex sequence: a fight scene between the lead and two guards. We began the day with the stunt sequence, capturing close quarters action using handheld setups and dynamic tracking shots, including movement with a rickshaw rig. The choreography was ambitious but carefully planned with safety in mind. That said, our stunt performers trained on major Hollywood productions were more than ready for it. The location itself added another layer of complexity. Moving equipment through the building meant carrying heavy gear up narrow staircases. In one case, we had to rig a system to lift a large conference table into position.
From Shoot to Delivery
Across both days, the client monitored the production from heated tents on site. As is oftenthe case when preparation and collaboration line up, the shoot wrapped on a high note withapplause and expressions of mutual appreciation
between the client and the crew..
After the wrap, we handled post-production in-house editing, VFX, and sound. Then delivered the final film in high-resolution formats for international release.
Planning to produce a high-end commercial production in Hungary that needs to balance creative ambition with practical execution? Get in touch. We’ll help you make it work.
