A prop master holds a picture phone showing the scene overview on set

The app for digital props Simple, even offline.

FilmApp simulates interactive devices as props — including complete desktop environments. Fully customisable, reliable and easy to operate.

Prepared individually from the script. Runs on iPhone, Android and computers on set.

Request a project See how it works

  • Current design

    An interface that looks years out of date is immediately visible on camera. System bars, icons, typography and behaviour are kept current.

  • Offline and remotely controlled

    No reception at the location? Everything runs from local storage. Another device can take control without anybody reaching into shot.

  • Changes in seconds

    A new name, another time or a different photo: content can be adjusted directly on the device whenever required.

Built on set, not on a drawing board

I have designed digital props for film and television for years — including productions for NETFLIX, ARD, ZDF, Paramount+ and Constantin Film. FilmApp grew out of this work and the shooting days when a static screenshot was no longer enough.

Why a real phone does not work on set

  • A real device receives messages, calls and update alerts — eventually right in the middle of a take.
  • Underground car park, forest or studio: as soon as the location has no signal, the prop is dead.
  • Third-party app interfaces on camera create clearance questions nobody wants to solve on the shooting day.
  • After every take, the same chat needs to return to exactly the same state.
  • The actor should perform, not search for the right app.

How a shooting day works with FilmApp

  1. 1

    Beforehand: build the scenes

    Chats, calls, notifications, home screens and complete computer environments — built from the script with your names, text and images.

  2. 2

    On set: sign in the device

    Use a six-digit PIN, QR code or link. The complete project scene list is then available on the device.

  3. 3

    During the take: start the scene

    The scene fills the display and the device looks like an ordinary phone. An invisible strip along the top controls it: left returns to the overview, right restarts.

Nothing can be broken accidentally. Every scene can restart cleanly at any time.

A second phone in your hand

The picture phone is in shot or in the actor’s hand — nobody should need to touch it. A second phone takes control remotely: start the scene, trigger a call and reset for the next take, from several metres away.

There is nothing to configure or pair.

All phones signed into the same project and connected to the same Wi-Fi discover one another automatically. No code, scan or approval required.

One device in your hand and any number in shot: every phone, tablet and computer in the project runs its own scene and can be advanced or reset independently.

Built for locations without reception.

The app downloads the complete project when signing in. Open it once with a connection before the shoot and wait for sync to finish; after that everything runs from local storage. Changes made on set are retained offline and uploaded at the next connection.

Planning devices in shot? Send me the relevant script scenes and shooting period.

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What runs on the screens

Every interface is designed independently — familiar enough to read naturally without putting third-party brands on screen.

  • Incoming call
  • Chat history
  • Notification
  • Lock screen
  • Home screen
  • Photo gallery
  • Email inbox
  • Social feed
  • Music app
  • Web search
  • Browser window
  • Quick settings
  • Video playback
  • Black screen
  • Interactive prototype

The director changes the caller’s name ten minutes before the take.

Approved fields can be changed directly on the device: text, numbers, switches, colours, images and sounds. Save once and the change applies immediately to every signed-in device. Without a connection it is stored locally and uploaded later.

Not just phones

Desktop scenes are complete computer environments: background, windows, browser and files. Position a window once and save it; it returns to the same place on the next launch. For monitors without internet access, the scene can be downloaded as a package in advance.

FilmApp desktop scene with a music interface in a complete computer environment

How we work together

  • You send me the relevant script scenes and a list of what should appear on the devices.
  • I build the project and coordinate content, names and timing with you.
  • You receive a PIN, QR code and link. The production supplies the devices — both iPhone and Android work.
  • I am available on the shooting day. Your crew can edit approved content directly on the device.

For productions

Tell me what should appear on the devices — and when the shoot takes place.

Request a project

For the project crew

Installation, on-set operation, remote control and answers to common questions.

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