Denis Villeneuve does not allow cellphones on his movie sets.
I mean, ok? I’ve worked jobs where I couldn’t have a phone unless I’m on break.
Not to mention this is a case where a shit ton of money is being spent on all of this film production, and a distraction like someone’s phone audibly going off could ruin a lengthy shot with an otherwise amazing performance. Goes beyond the usual concern of the phone being a distraction that hindera productivity.
This is pretty standard, according to a recent episode of the Team Deakins podcast. A makeup artist said it’s a major pain in the ass, because, for example, they can’t snap a quick photo of an actor’s makeup and send it to the lighting crew. He said many of them still do it, but they get in huge trouble if they get caught.