Smiths AIHow to film the I Love the Smiths elevator scene on your phone
Two people, one phone and a pair of headphones are enough to make your own elevator encounter. Follow this shot list and try both roles.
Before you press record
Choose a quiet, safe place where both people agree to film. An elevator lobby or another small, uncluttered space can suggest the scene; you do not have to block a working elevator.
Charge your phone, clean the lens and set it upright on a stable surface. Use the rear camera if someone can help frame the shot; the front camera makes it easier to check your positions together.
- A phone with enough storage
- Headphones and a steady support
- Two people who agree to record and share
Choose who listens and who speaks
The listener wears the headphones. The speaker notices the music, looks over and begins the exchange. Decide together who gets each role, and try swapping before the first take.
Place the phone far enough back to keep both faces and the listener’s hands in view. Record vertically if you plan a vertical post. Avoid a bright window directly behind either person.
A three-shot plan
Take 1: Start recording before either person moves. The listener looks ahead while the speaker notices them. Hold still for a moment.
Take 2: The speaker turns toward the listener. The listener moves one headphone away and looks up. Leave a beat so the reaction has room to register.
Take 3: Keep the camera in the same place and swap the roles. Record the same sequence again, then compare the timing and expressions.
- Keep both faces visible
- Hold one beat before and after the action
- Film an extra take with a little more space around the frame
Compare two edits side by side in time
Creator reference · @grandecunty ↗
Watch it back with the sound off
Can you tell who hears the music and who starts the conversation? If a hand blocks a face, move the headphone slowly and repeat. If the reaction is cut off, start recording earlier and wait another moment before stopping.
Use your phone’s editor to trim the beginning and end. Keep any version you publish within the permissions you have for the people, location and audio. Platform music libraries and licensing conditions vary.
Save the version you both like
Send the two takes to your partner or friend and agree which one to share. The role planner on this site can help you choose the listener and speaker, then reverse them for the second take.