Apple Inc. products are some of the most used worldwide technological resources.

TCU’s Innovation Network collaborated with Jae Oats, an award-winning commercial film director and producer, to show students how to maximize their capabilities with just the use of an iPhone.

“Everyone has debated iPhone or Android for years now, but for me, as someone with ADHD, iPhone and Apple as a whole have a community of products that help ease decision making,” Oats said. “Not to mention their development of the camera which is now creating more filmmakers.”

Oats had attendees go to their camera settings and make sure that their grid lines and levels were turned on. This helps with alignment and ensures the photos are not uneven.

Each person took a piece of candy and lined it up between one of the grids. He explained how the different grids can make the subject look different.

Oats continued by showing everyone how angling the camera in the light can make the background tell the story.

He brought a standing light and put a water bottle on a white table to show how shadows make the subject stand out.

Oats initially didn’t go to school for film. Even when he was trying to go to film school, he didn’t have the funds for it; he had to try and show people the skills he had.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with brands like Fabletics, Everlast, Marriott and many more, and each one of those experiences brought me great pleasure because of the people behind the magic that make TV commercials and content what they are when the world sees them,” Oats said.

Oats connected with the students, sharing more about his upbringing.

“The biggest piece of advice I have for someone to not give up, as that usually when it looks like it’s time to give up, that’s when it’s time to double down the most,” Oats said. “Choosing your hard is something we do every single day.”