Photo courtesy of Vivo.
In Colors of China, Barbas captivates viewers with the scenery of the country with the vivo X200 Pro
At dusk, a fisherman lights a kerosene lamp on a drifting raft and the silhouettes of its karst mountains reveal the small town of Yangshuo County. This moment marks the beginning of Colors of China, a short film by Denis Barbas, capturing the country’s rich landscapes and cultural heritage. Shot entirely on the vivo X200 Pro, the film seamlessly moves through China’s landscapes, from ancient pagodas and misty peaks to the neon-lit streets of Beijing and Shanghai.
Barbas structures his narrative around the ancient Chinese philosophy of Wu Xing. “There’s an ancient legend here which teaches that life is a delicate balance between the five elements,” he explains in the film’s opening. The four-minute feature introduces the five elements fire, wood, earth, metal, and water, each represented by distinct colors that symbolize harmony in life. The red glow of lanterns, the lush green of forests, the golden hue of autumn, the stark white of snow-covered Yangshuo County, and the deep black of water at night blend seamlessly into the film’s visuals.
With each carefully composed frame, Barbas demonstrates that professional filmmaking isn’t limited to traditional cameras. The vivo X200 Pro’s triple-lens system, co-engineered with ZEISS, features a Sony LYT-818 sensor and a versatile 23mm to 135mm range, allowing filmmakers to shoot crisp 4K videos.
Whether you’re a seasoned creator or an aspiring filmmaker, here are a few techniques Barbas employs to be an effective storyteller through smartphone cinematography:
Embrace natural light and color
Lighting defines the tone of a shot. From capturing golden-hour hues to adjusting for low-light environments, the Italian filmmaker utilizes vivo X200 Pro’s lighting adjustments to create cinematic depth. Beginners can experiment with exposure settings to achieve professional-quality lighting in any condition.
Use telephoto lenses for intimate storytelling
It’s all in the details. Whether it’s the intricate carvings of an ancient temple or the quiet expression of a dancer, Barbas highlights how telephoto lenses can bring viewers closer to the story. The vivo X200 Pro’s telephoto capabilities allow for crisp, detailed shots even from a distance.
Find movement in daily life
One of the striking aspects of Colors of China is Barbas’ use of motion tracking. Using the vivo X200 Pro’s CIPA 4.5 Professional-grade Stabilization, he captures smooth footage whether riding horseback, walking through city streets, or mounting the device on a drone. The result is a dynamic perspective with crisp details.
Frame for emotion and perspective
In Colors of China, Barbas films a flock of birds taking flight, the rush of city life in Shanghai, and people singing and dancing on the street, motion breathes life into static frames. Place your subjects within the vivo X200 Pro’s AI-powered composition tools, assisting both beginners and seasoned creators in achieving a balanced shot.
Let culture shape the story
Barbas goes beyond landscapes, his film tells a human story. From people in markets, farmers resting beside their sheep, and children dancing in their traditional garb, he reminds us that storytelling isn’t just about where we travel, but who we meet along the way. The X200 Pro’s intuitive controls and real-time editing capabilities make it easy to capture and refine these fleeting moments.
Watch the full video of Colors of China by Denis Barbas on YouTube. For more information, visit vivo’s official website.
