Double or Stand-In? Understanding the Difference on Film and TV Sets

When you sign up with Central Casting, you have the opportunity to work in a variety of roles, including as background actors, stand-ins and doubles. You probably already know what background actors do, but are you familiar with doubles and how they’re different from stand-in roles?

What is a double?

Have you ever wondered how an actor appears in the same scene as two different characters? Or how TV doctors look like experts performing surgery? These scenes are made possible by doubles.

A double is a person who takes the place of an actor on screen, though their faces are rarely (if ever) seen. Doubles bring authenticity to a scene by performing actions the actor is unable to and can save the production time by freeing up the actor for other responsibilities.

Five types of doubles who work in film and TV:

1. Photo doubles are used when a character is in a scene, but not the main focus. These doubles must match the principal actor as closely as possible, needing to look like the actor’s twin. Since the photo double looks like the actor from a distance, they can film in the actor’s place while they prepare for other scenes.
2. Body doubles perform special skills, can replace the actor for nude scenes and are used in second unit or insert shots. Body doubles are also hired when a principal actor appears as two or more characters in a scene. There are many ways to shoot these scenes, but commonly, the body double will stand in as one character while the principal actor films scenes as the other character. Depending on the production, the body double may work closely with the principal actor to mimic their performance for the character they are portraying.
3. Hand doubles are used for shot inserts to show a character performing a skill that the principal actor cannot convincingly portray. These skills can range anywhere from playing instruments to performing (fake) surgery. Hand doubles are also hired for inserts of ordinary actions, like holding a phone or opening a door, freeing up actors to shoot other scenes.
4. Minor doubles take the place of minor principal actors on screen. Each state has strict requirements for how long minors can work and often the principal child actors have other commitments, like school, they must attend throughout the day. Movies and TV shows employ doubles for minors so production can keep filming when the child actors are not available. Minor background actors and doubles must also adhere to the child labor requirements, so depending on the child actor’s age and size, production may wish to use a double over the age of 18.
5. Stunt doubles take the place of actors for fight scenes, dangerous actions and other physically demanding sequences. Stunt performers need to match the actor as closely as possible in height, build and complexion, but due to the high skill level needed for stunt doubles, productions are more likely to use wigs or other ways to match the actor more closely. Central Casting does not cast stunt doubles; most productions have stunt departments led by a stunt coordinator in charge of hiring. Many actors have stunt doubles they trust that work with them regularly.

The difference between a double and a stand-in

If you’re new to background work, you may think the terms stand-in and double are interchangeable, but they are actually two different roles. While doubles appear on screen, stand-ins take the place of principal actors behind the scenes for rehearsals, camera blocking and lighting set ups. Stand-ins work closely with the actors and production crew to help ensure everyone is on the same page for every shot.

Like doubles, single camera stand-ins must resemble the principal actor in height, build, hair color and complexion. Single camera productions, like films and drama series, use one camera at a time to film a shot, then reset that shot for different angles. Productions often choose to hire stand-ins who resemble the principal actor so they can light the scene correctly.

For multi-camera shows, typically TV sitcoms, stand-ins don’t necessarily have to match the look of the principal actor. During rehearsals, stand-ins run through the entire script to determine blocking, then relay that information to the actor. Multi-cam stand-ins are often hired for their professionalism rather than their resemblance to the actor.

How to get cast as a double

Want to work on the sets of movies and TV shows? Just sign up with Central Casting! It’s quick, easy and free. Once you sign up, you’ll be eligible to be cast on our productions as a background actor, stand-in or double.

If you’re interested in working as a double, you’ll need to make sure your profile is filled out with your accurate sizes and appearance information. Since casting directors and production companies often need doubles who closely resemble the actor, including this information in your profile is extremely important. If you’re not sure how to take your accurate measurements, check out our Talent Resources videos for step-by-step guides.