Stand-In 101

The last two weeks, I’ve been a stand-in for a new ABC series (going to be great!).  I wanted to share my experience and how this can be a great job for you.  A stand-in’s purpose is to replace the actor for the tiring process of camera set up and lighting.  It takes a long time and the actor should be getting in character and rehearsing lines

First things first, how do you get selected to be a stand in?  Register with Central Casting (www.centralcasting.org).  They run this town as far as background and stand in work is concerned.  You will go to them, fill out forms, and have a picture taken.  They have a hotline with jobs and sometimes they call you directly.  It also helps to know what actors you can stand in for.  You should be the same height, hair color, general body frame, and skin tone.

Once you are called for a job, they will tell you your call time and location.  Be 15 minutes early so you can allow for parking and walking to the stage.  You should find the 2^nd or 2^nd 2^nd AD (or a PA: production assistant) to check in.  They will give you a voucher (keep this in a safe place).  Then you will go to wardrobe to get “color cover” for the character you are standing in for.  This means wearing a similar colored garment as the actor, so the DP (Director of Photography or Cinematographer) can plan lighting correctly.  I recommend bringing a few selections with you.  You will be more comfortable in your clothing all day than theirs.

Bring a fold up camping chair.  You will most likely be there all day and you need to be close to set.  Bring a book, cards, or any activity you can do silently.  Ask for a call sheet or sides so you know what is being shot in what order, what scenes your character is in and what is happening in that scene.  First, there will be a 1^st team rehearsal (meaning the actors will block the scene).  Pay attention to their movements as you will need to copy those same movements.  Then the A.D. will call 2^nd team.  You should be right by and/or expecting the call.  Never make them ask for you (or you may lose the job).  You are there to help not hinder.  Go to the actor’s mark and they will begin setting camera and lighting.  Once they have everything set, they will call the actors back.  If there have been changes to the actor’s movements, let them know.  Although most times the director will do this…get a feel for the production.  Some actors work very closely with their stand-ins, others never even look at you.

If you do a good job and they call you back for more shoot dates, fantastic!  A PA or AD will “wrap” you.  They will sign off on your voucher (invoice for payment).  Check with wardrobe before you leave to see what the character is wearing the next day so you will be prepared.  Either production or Central Casting will give you a call time.

Stand in work is usually long and tiring but can be great steady work.  You get to meet the cast and crew.  It is a great learning experience about how a set works.  SAG stand in rate is $163/8 and AFTRA rate is $155/8.  After 8 hrs is time and a half and after 12 hrs is double time…so it can certainly add up.  The more you work on different productions and meet the same crew, the more you will be called again.  Remember, LA is a small town so always be pleasant and network, network, network! But most importantly, have fun (not being in a cubicle or taking food orders!).