Double
OFO No:
What is a Double?
A Double is usually employed in the entertainment industry. They are usually found in film, television and video productions.
Double means two. In this case, a Double looks exactly like a film star or leading actor/actress. A Double will replace an actor/actress in a particular scene for different reasons.
There are two kinds of Double:
- A Body Double
- A Stunt Double
A BODY DOUBLE:
They replace the actor/actress in a scene because:
- of a specific skill the actor/actress cannot perform eg: dancing like ballet, tap etc, singing etc
- the actor/actress does want to perform nude or erotic scenes
- the Double has, for example, better shaped legs than the actor/actress
A STUNT DOUBLE:
They replace the actor/actress in a scene because:
- the actor/actress is at risk of injuring themselves
- the Double has a specific, but dangerous skill eg: racing car driving, bare-back horse riding, fencing etc
- the actor/actress has a particular phobia eg: heights, claustrophobia, deep sea diving etc
If a Double is good, they may have a long-standing job filling in for a particular actor.
Doubles usually have a number of skills that makes them versatile and easy to employ. It would make sense for a director to hire as few Doubles as possible. Collecting and perfecting a variety of skills would obviously be advantageous.
Note: Doubles may do the stunts etc but they are not in the limelight nor famous. A Double is only in the movie to make the actor/actress looks good. If you can keep your ego in check, then maybe becoming a Double is an exciting job for you to consider.
What does a Double do?
- meets with directors, actors and actresses to discuss the role they will play in the scene
- keeps up the ‘look’ of the actor/actress (if the actor/actress is thin – it would be stupid then, to put on a large amount of weight)
- develops new skills and perfects them
- practices the skills they already have
- performs the ‘double’ scene
Are you … ?
- an actor/actress look-a-like?
- a performer?
- confident?
- willing to be in the background and not want the limelight?
- willing to work long and unusual hours?
- dedicated?
- responsible?
- punctual?
How do I become a Double?
Besides looking like a particular actor/actress – you need skills as well. A background in performing arts and drama would be extremely advantageous.
Becoming a Stunt Double – is another ball game. You will need to have some amazing dare-devil skills. See Stunt Person on our website for more details.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER? Entertainer … or … Actor/Actress
Is becoming a Double the right career choice for me?