Lights, smartphone, action! 7 reasons why new filmmakers will love LUUP

Smartphones mean we take more photos every two minutes than humanity took in the entire 19th century. Apps like Instagram ensure talented photographers share amazing photos constantly. Mobile movies are a different story.

We carry sophisticated movie cameras in our pockets but have not seen a similar explosion in filmmaking. Movies are harder to shoot than photos. You need skill to move beyond the home video look. A new app launched in Finland called LUUP aims to change this.

LUUP your life

LUUP is a free filmmaking app for iPhone. It allows users to shoot and share four-scene HD video footage with a soundtrack in seconds. The movie loops to capture moments through short films. Short filmmaker Kalle Wilkman, a producer at Finnish agency Videolle, tested the app. These are his observations.

The easiest way to shoot a mini movie

LUUP has the basic functions needed for a four-shot movie. The widescreen format works on any screen. Sharing features allow for instant feedback on your work.

The importance of music for setting the mood

Watching a movie with the sound off reveals how much music matters. In traditional filmmaking, music is added afterward. The filmmaker does not experience its impact while shooting. LUUP includes a library of licensed music. You experience how music affects mood and feeling immediately during the process.

Filters help create different vibes

Professional film uses colour correction to match a specific vibe. LUUP provides filters with varying degrees of subtlety. You can add warmth and contrast to a chilly Finnish summer day or make winter shots look crisp. These filters make experimentation simple.

Focus on beginning, middle and end

LUUP encourages professional thinking by focusing on classic narrative setup. Four shots are enough to create a basic dramatic curve. Your stories gain a clear beginning, middle and ending.

Short is better because every second counts

The first generation raised on 1980s MTV music videos is now in their mid-40s. Moving pictures are no longer a novelty. Everyone is used to a rapid flow of video. Tightly cut video is difficult to produce. It requires restraints and boundaries that drive creativity. LUUP provides these boundaries.

Using looping to your advantage

LUUPs loop like GIFs. A videographer should get the storytelling right. Making the last clip an intro to the first unlocks the potential of ultra-short video formats. These formats are now a standard part of our culture.

Reshoot the clip until you are satisfied

LUUP allows for reshooting with simple controls. You can replay the shot and redo it if necessary. A timer option lets the filmmaker get involved in the action. It performs tasks on a smartphone that usually require an editing suite.