---
title: "How to make a movie theater with your smartphone on deployment"
date: "2019-01-28"
modified: "2020-10-22"
authors:
  - name: "Tim Kirkpatrick"
    link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/tkirkpatrick/"
url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-movies/how-to-make-a-movie-theater-with-your-smartphone-on-deployment/"
categories:
  - "Entertainment"
  - "Join the Military"
  - "Military Life"
  - "Movies and TV"
---

# How to make a movie theater with your smartphone on deployment

![](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17310099/origin.png>)

Being on deployment in a dangerous region means being away from your family. Most service members play soccer, read old magazines and smoke a lot of butts.

---

It's not like you're allowed to leave the FOB to hit the mall and catch a movie.

![](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17238035/origin.jpg>)
*Here's the old school way of watching movies. (Source: Out of Regs)*

But you're in luck, we're going to show to how to craft a home theater out of some native materials and your smartphone.

### Related: 7 things every Marine needs before deploying

Here's the supplies you'll need:

- a shoebox or a regular box
- X-Acto knife or bayonet
- a pencil or pen
- scissors
- a magnifying glass
- tape and/or glue
- smartphone

Step 1: Place the magnifying glass in the center outside of the shoebox and trace around it with the pencil making a circular stencil.

Step 2: Use the X-Acto knife to cut out the traced magnifying stencil, then pop out the excess cardboard. Cut the lid or it will hang down over the magnifying glass.

Step 3: Insert a clean magnifying glass into the cut hole and secure it down with tape or glue.

(Note: paint the inside of the box with polish or black paint)

Step 4: Use the excess cardboard to make a smartphone stand.

Step 5: Invert your smartphone screen through the settings app then lock the screen on.

Step 6: Place your smartphone in the box, on the stand and place the lid on as usual.

Step 7: You can adjust focus by sliding the phone while it's on the stand inside the box.

Step 8: Enjoy your favorite movies.

Also Read: [8 things Marines love to carry other than their weapon](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/humor/8-things-marines-love-to-carry-other-than-their-weapon/>)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx4vPeL9y2g

([TechBuilder](<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF2KlrD2XPmgjnJqn_85wBw>), YouTube)What other deployment hacks have you heard of? Comment below?

## Author
Tim Kirkpatrick entered the Navy in 2007 as a Hospital Corpsman and deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion 5th Marines in the fall of 2010. Tim now has degrees in both Film Production and Screenwriting. tim.kirkpatrick@wearethemighty.com