The Four Nations Tournament is always a spectacle for hockey fans, but this year, it also became a showcase for cutting-edge mobile content creation. Two creators, Brandon Barber and Jon Curow, have taken a unique approach to filming this event—using Apple iPhones to capture high-quality sports footage. From dynamic game action to behind-the-scenes moments, they’ve proven that you no longer need heavy, expensive camera gear to create stunning visual content.
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Meeting the creators in front and behind the lens of the Apple iPhone
Brandon Barber is no stranger to the world of hockey and content creation. As a professional hockey instructor and global coach, he has built a dedicated following by sharing skill-based videos across social media. His ability to blend high-level training with compelling visuals has made him a standout in the sports content community.
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Jon Curow, on the other hand, comes from the world of professional television. As a full-time director at BNN Bloomberg, he has extensive experience handling high-end production equipment. However, his work with Barber has led him to embrace a different side of content creation—one that relies on flexibility, mobility, and innovation.
The two met through a mutual connection and have since collaborated on hundreds of shoots together. Their experience covering the Four Nations Tournament has reinforced a growing trend in content creation—mobile filmmaking is no longer a compromise but a powerful, game-changing tool.
Why iPhones? The shift from traditional cameras to mobile videography
With access to high-end professional cameras, why would Curow and Barber choose to shoot with an Apple iPhone? According to Curow, the decision was based on speed, convenience, and the ability to adapt on the fly.
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“The iPhone has basically made a lot of our other gear irrelevant for what we’re trying to do,” Curow explained. “We used to rely on GoPros and DSLR cameras mounted on gimbals, but now, with the latest iPhones, we can capture the same quality footage with half the effort.”
Barber echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the portability and efficiency of shooting with a device that fits in his pocket. “Hockey moves fast. Trying to lug around heavy camera equipment at high speeds just isn’t practical. The iPhone gives us the ability to capture cinematic footage while staying light and agile.”
The power of iPhone sports videography
One of the key advantages of using an iPhone for sports videography is its ability to switch between multiple lenses instantly. Curow noted that this feature has completely changed the way he shoots.
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“Instead of having to swap out lenses and rebalance a gimbal, I can just pull my phone out and say, ‘Do we want to shoot this on a wide angle? Or should we use the telephoto lens for more compression?’ It’s made the creative process much more dynamic.” Beyond lens versatility, stabilization is another standout feature. Curow explained that Apple’s built-in stabilization has made complex shots possible without extra equipment.
“I always tell people—add movement to your shots. Just six inches of motion can make a video look dramatically more professional. And with the iPhone’s stabilization, I can get incredibly smooth footage without needing a bulky rig.” Barber also praised the iPhone’s ability to shoot in cinematic mode, a feature that adds a level of depth to sports videography that was once only achievable with professional cameras. “People always ask how we get that ‘movie-like’ look. They’re shocked when I tell them it’s shot on an iPhone 15 or 16.”
Behind the scenes at the Four Nations Tournament
At the Four Nations Tournament, Barber and Curow put the iPhone’s capabilities to the test. Capturing everything from game footage to player interactions, they leaned heavily on the phone’s ability to shoot in high resolution at various frame rates.
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“We’ve shot probably 200 videos in just two days, and 95% of it has been on the iPhone,” Curow said. “The five-times zoom is incredible for getting tight shots of face-offs from 20 rows up. It’s a complete game-changer.” Barber added that using iPhones has also streamlined their post-production process. “We can review shots immediately, make quick edits, and get them out to social media fast. There’s no waiting around for files to transfer or dealing with complex setups. It’s as efficient as it gets.”
Advice for aspiring mobile filmmakers
For those looking to replicate their success, Curow offered a few key tips for shooting sports content with an iPhone:
- Use Cinematic Mode: It adds depth and makes your footage look more professional.
- Leverage the Internal Stabilization: Trust the iPhone’s built-in stabilizer and don’t be afraid to move the camera.
- Get Close to the Action: When using the 0.5 wide-angle lens, being close to your subject makes a huge difference.
- Experiment with Lens Options: Take advantage of the different focal lengths to create dynamic shots.
- Review Footage Instantly: Always check your clips in real-time to make quick adjustments.
Looking ahead: The future of iPhone sports videography
With mobile technology advancing at a rapid pace, the line between traditional and smartphone filmmaking is blurring. For creators like Barber and Curow, the iPhone has become an essential tool that allows them to work faster, smarter, and more creatively than ever before.
As the Four Nations Tournament continues, their work stands as proof that high-quality sports videography is no longer limited to those with expensive equipment. With the right techniques and a bit of creativity, anyone can capture stunning sports content—right from their pocket.
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