Apple’s ninth annual Chinese New Year Shot on iPhone campaign debuts with “Glad I Met You,” a touching story of Lin Wei and a lost dog, Little White. Directed by Bai Xue and crafted with live-action and stop-motion artistry, the film celebrates human-animal connection, precision craft, and cinematic storytelling.
For nearly a decade, Apple has marked the arrival of Chinese New Year with a cinematic tradition that blends cutting-edge technology with deeply human storytelling. This year, the company’s ninth installment in its celebrated Shot on iPhone campaign arrives with “Glad I Met You,” a film that captures the quiet magic of companionship, chance encounters, and the enduring bond between humans and animals. Shot entirely on the iPhone 17 Pro, the film is a testament not only to the power of Apple’s camera system but also to the artistry of those who bring its vision to life.
At the heart of “Glad I Met You” is Lin Wei, a young woman whose path crosses with Little White, a lost dog searching for belonging. Their journey together unfolds as a tender exploration of trust, resilience, and the meaning of home. In a season defined by reunion and renewal, the film resonates with audiences by reminding them that family can be found in unexpected places, and that love often arrives unannounced.
The campaign is directed by Bai Xue, an award-winning filmmaker known for her ability to capture intimate human emotions with subtlety and grace. Bai’s lens transforms the everyday into something extraordinary, and in this project, she brings a delicate balance of realism and whimsy. Her direction ensures that Lin Wei and Little White’s story is not just a narrative but an emotional experience, one that lingers long after the final frame.
Behind the scenes, Apple collaborated with TBWA\Media Arts Lab’s Shanghai team, whose creative vision has consistently shaped the Shot on iPhone series into a cultural event. The live-action sequences were produced by Shooting Gallery, while BUCK, renowned for its animation expertise, infused the film with stop-motion artistry. Every puppet, every texture, every detail was painstakingly built by hand, then captured with precision to create a seamless blend of live-action and animation. This meticulous craftsmanship elevates the film beyond a commercial, positioning it as a piece of art that celebrates both technology and tradition.
The choice of stop-motion is particularly striking. In an era dominated by digital effects, BUCK’s handcrafted approach underscores the campaign’s emphasis on authenticity and tactile beauty. The textures of fur, fabric, and environment are rendered with such care that viewers can almost feel them. This attention to detail mirrors the precision of the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera system, which captures light, shadow, and movement with remarkable clarity. Together, the technology and artistry create a visual language that is both modern and timeless.
Apple’s Shot on iPhone campaigns have long been about more than showcasing hardware. They are cultural touchstones that highlight the intersection of innovation and storytelling. By choosing Chinese New Year as the backdrop, Apple taps into one of the most significant celebrations in the world, a time when themes of family, reunion, and hope are universally understood. “Glad I Met You” continues this tradition, offering a narrative that is deeply rooted in cultural context while remaining universally relatable.
The film also reflects Apple’s broader philosophy: that technology should serve creativity, not overshadow it. The iPhone 17 Pro’s advanced camera system is not presented as a gadget but as a tool that enables filmmakers to tell stories with intimacy and immediacy. In Bai Xue’s hands, the device becomes an extension of her vision, capturing moments that feel both spontaneous and cinematic. For audiences, the takeaway is clear—great stories can be told with the tools in our pockets, provided they are wielded with imagination and care.
What makes “Glad I Met You” particularly resonant is its celebration of companionship. In Lin Wei’s bond with Little White, viewers see reflections of their own relationships—with pets, with loved ones, with strangers who become family. The film suggests that home is not merely a place but a feeling, one that can be built through kindness and connection. In a world often marked by division and uncertainty, this message feels especially poignant.
The campaign’s artistry also speaks to the enduring value of craft. In an industry where speed and scale often dominate, the decision to build puppets and textures by hand is a reminder of the beauty of slowing down. Each frame carries the weight of human effort, each detail a testament to patience and skill. This emphasis on craft aligns with the spirit of Chinese New Year, a festival that honors tradition while embracing renewal.
As Apple’s ninth Chinese New Year Shot on iPhone campaign, “Glad I Met You” reinforces the company’s commitment to storytelling that transcends borders. It is not simply a film about a girl and a dog; it is a meditation on belonging, a celebration of artistry, and a demonstration of how technology can amplify human creativity. For audiences in China and beyond, it offers a moment of reflection and joy, a reminder that sometimes the most profound connections come from chance encounters.
With its blend of live-action, stop-motion, and the unparalleled capabilities of the iPhone 17 Pro, the film stands as a milestone in Apple’s ongoing exploration of what it means to tell stories in the modern age. More than a campaign, it is a cultural offering—one that honors tradition, embraces innovation, and invites viewers to see the world through a lens of compassion and wonder.
In the end, “Glad I Met You” is not just about Lin Wei and Little White. It is about all of us, about the unexpected bonds that shape our lives, and about the quiet magic that exists when technology and humanity meet. As the lanterns glow and families gather this Chinese New Year, Apple’s latest film reminds us that sometimes, the greatest gift is simply the joy of having met someone who changes our world.
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