Workflow Kitchen

iPhones, AI Filmmaking, and the Power of Data Workflow Design

We chatted with innovators from the Entertainment Technology Center at USC to explore how filmmakers are pushing boundaries with consumer technology, open-source, AI-powered post-production, and robust data management. This episode of iodyne Workflow Kitchen dives into the real-world challenges and breakthroughs of creating high-quality content on a budget — and how the right workflow architecture can turn constraints into creativity.

Watch the conversation to see how spatial data capture, cloud-native tools, and next-gen storage solutions like iodyne Pro Data enable a new kind of filmmaking — one where vision and execution are united through precision workflow design.

Featured Guests

Entertainment Technology Center @ USC – Research and innovation in media & entertainment

Erik Weaver – Head Adaptive & Virtual Production, ETC
Sarah Ivy – Independent Producer and Director, AI Filmmaker
Tom Thudiyanplackal – Advanced Film Technologist
and Martin Christien – Director of Workflow at iodyne, and Host of Workflow Kitchen
This episode was filmed live at NAB Show 2025, on a RED Komodo and two iPhones, tethered to an iodyne Pro Data.

Topics covered in this episode

  • How USC’s Entertainment Technology filmmakers built a studio-quality pipeline using iPhones, AI workflows, and iodyne Pro Data
  • How to architect scalable systems with consumer-grade tech and enterprise-grade data infrastructure
  • Lessons on managing performance, bandwidth, and portability in hybrid production environments

“If you don’t have your data pipeline figured out, it’s going to get away from you really quickly. You’ve got to keep it front and center so it works for everybody.”

TOM THUDIYANPLACKAL, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER (AI, Virtual production)

The Workflow: iPhone Multi-Tethering to Pro Data

Four iPhones recorded 4K ProRes video directly to iodyne Pro Data encrypted RAID storage, streamlining ingest during virtual production.
Get the full recipe

About Workflow Kitchen

Workflow Kitchen is iodyne’s original content series exploring how today’s creative professionals build smarter, faster, and more integrated production and post-production workflows. Each episode features conversations with creators and technologists. Our goal is to share practical insights you can apply to your own production or post processes.
Explore more episodes and subscribe to our YouTube Channel to get the latest from our Workflow Kitchen.

Ready to level up your workflow?

iodyne’s workflow experts and product engineers are happy to hear about your unique challenges and help you design an efficient solution for your project.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can iPhones be used in professional film production workflows?

Yes. Modern iPhones are increasingly used in professional production, particularly for multi-camera shoots, b-roll, and experimental formats. Managing the data from multiple iPhones alongside traditional cinema cameras requires a thoughtful workflow design.

What is the USC Entertainment Technology Center?

The USC Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) is a research center at the University of Southern California focused on emerging technologies in entertainment. It brings together studios, technology companies, and academics to explore the future of media production and distribution.

How does AI change data workflow design for film production?

AI is beginning to play a role in data workflow automation, from intelligent file organization to automated quality control and metadata tagging. Designing workflows that can accommodate AI-generated data alongside traditional camera footage requires flexible, high-speed storage infrastructure.

What does Iodyne’s Workflow Kitchen cover?

The Workflow Kitchen is Iodyne’s editorial series exploring practical data workflow solutions for professional media production. Each installment focuses on a specific tool, technique, or production scenario and explains how good workflow design and fast storage work together.

How do you design a data workflow for a multi-device production?

Multi-device productions need a centralized, fast storage solution that can accept data from multiple sources simultaneously. A well-designed workflow defines how each device’s footage flows from camera to primary storage, through verification and backup, and on to post-production.