Tiffany Smith joined Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias to discuss her lead role as Claire in the thriller In Flight. Directed by Bo Youngblood, the film features suspenseful twists and mystery on a seemingly routine flight. In a recent conversation, Smith shared insights into her character, her favorite moments on set, and the unique challenges of shooting a thriller confined to an airplane.
Discovering the Story’s Mystery and Claire’s Journey
Smith was hooked on In Flight’s script from the start. “Reading through it, I was piecing together the clues just like the audience will when watching,” she shared. In Flight presents viewers with Easter eggs and hints throughout, making it a suspenseful puzzle to solve. Smith found this layered storytelling “exciting and different” from her previous roles. “I hadn’t had the chance to play someone like Claire before, so that challenge made this a really fun project.”
As Claire, Smith plays a character grappling with recent life challenges and navigating the decision to travel alone. Smith felt a deep connection to her character, especially Claire’s struggle with work-life balance. “I’m type-A when it comes to my work. I always feel like I need to be doing something, and shutting off that ‘work brain’ can be really tough,” Smith admitted. This relatable quality helped her step into Claire’s shoes.
Filming the Intense, Confined Plane Scenes
Smith emphasized that the airplane setting added an extra layer of challenge. “When you’re filming in a confined space like a plane, you can’t just step off the set to take a breather,” she explained. To capture Claire’s emotional disorientation, Smith often needed moments of quiet and separation from the cast to maintain the intense atmosphere. “There were times when I’d say, ‘I might need a few moments of silence here to get into the scene.’”
One particular challenge, Smith shared, was filming the intense scenes with limited room to maneuver. “It was a physical challenge because you’re constantly navigating a tight space with the other actors. But it was also exhilarating—it just adds to that heightened sense of tension,” she said.
The Complexity of Claire and Marco’s Relationship
Smith praised co-star Cristo Fernandez, who plays Marco, and shared that the two had previously worked together on a short film. “Off-camera, he’s warm, charismatic, and just the nicest guy,” she said, contrasting this with Marco’s darker persona. “Working with him was great because we could joke around off-set and then immediately switch into intense scenes.”
Favorite On-Set Moments and Building Memories
Reflecting on her favorite moment, Smith recalled the camaraderie on set during the final day of filming. “We took a group photo on the plane with the cast and crew, which felt like such a great way to end. That memory was something I held onto during the SAG strike,” she explained. It was a moment that solidified her connection to the project and the people she worked with.
On Working with Director Bo Youngblood
Smith was all praise for first-time director Bo Youngblood, who brought calmness and clarity to the set. “Bo is so calm and collected, even when there’s chaos around her,” Smith remarked. “She knows what she wants, and that’s so reassuring as an actor.” Having worked with Youngblood on a previous short film, Smith felt a strong rapport with her, which made the experience all the more fulfilling.
Could There Be a Sequel?
When asked about the possibility of a continuation, Smith didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely, I’d jump back in! This cast and crew have been amazing, and I’d love to see where Claire’s story goes next.” Youngblood, too, had shared enthusiasm about expanding the story, so fans might just have something to look forward to.
What Smith Hopes Viewers Take Away
Ultimately, Smith wants viewers to feel engaged and thrilled. “I hope they feel the tension, the suspense, and are on the edge of their seats. I want them to feel that connection with Claire and try to solve the mystery alongside her,” she said. With twists, suspense, and a strong emotional core, In Flight promises to be a memorable experience.
In Flight is set to release on November 15, with preorders available on Apple.