What is a photo double you may say?

According to an online article via Central Casting, a photo double is described as:

“A photo double must resemble an actor as closely as possible in height, build, hair color, and complexion. They often need to look like they could be the actor’s twin. A photo double can be used when a principal actor is in a scene but is not the focus and is essentially functioning as a Background Actor. 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.”

To maintain anonymity, I was a photo double for a fairly famous person who had a similar build to me in the Spring of 2021. I was personally chosen by her because I did look the most similar, although I did have to wear a bra and inserts because I am not well-endowed in that area of my body.

As for experience, it was fast & crazy & at the time, very much what I was looking to actually do.

After I got the call that I got it, I went running around my dad’s snow-filled yard, jumping up and down and letting go of all of the extra energy that it had created. I knew that something would happen in March, and I was correct, I just let it flow.

I had to get covid testing done for each day I was on set, so I would go in to get it done, and then two days later would be on location. The first week I got a fitting for this amazing navy blue jumpsuit that the costuming department mentioned was the last one made because the designer wasn’t going to make more (something I will always remember) - so there was 1 made for me and 1 for the actress.

Now, the first official day on that set was eventful - mind you, I got to the circus pretty well and in good time - it’s just that when I got there, I asked people where I should be and no one knew anything - It was also the first production in like 5 months.

So, I did what I would typically do for any background - got on a bus to go to set.

I kept asking people where I should be, but still no answer. Finally, I got a call from my agent and then also the casting, and they were trying to find me and get me to where I needed to be. I got an answer - albeit after some craziness -, and went back to the circus, and everything went solid after that.

Got in my costume fast. Got wigged & makeup done quickly, and went directly to holding for us on set. After that, it really was smooth sailing, they didn’t end up using me, but I did look fabulous with my wig - and got out of there at like 3 am.

All of the other gigs that followed throughout that series were for things that they actually needed me for. Still waited most of the time, and still chilled with the people. Lots of long and late friday nights, one of which I did a bit of driving - could have had a stunt credit for that, but for whatever reason, I said I didn’t want it. Silly of me in hindsight.

That was until the last couple of days for filming for that series - I had 2 full days as a photo double in several locations. Did some driving, did some walking, did some standing, it was a good time. Started early one day, got in my costume & wig on, and we were off to beautiful picturesque locations just an hour outside of Calgary, and was so glad to be there each day - even if I had to stretch my lower back quite often in the heels I had on.

The 2nd day they were doing pick-up shots for parts that they wanted to add to the series - some mirror work tricks with the camera and me in it, close-ups of specific items that they wanted to show. There was also this other thing where they were trying to get my foot slammed into the door, and I could not get it right - they didn’t add it in (rightfully so) - I think that we did it 10 times, so just not good.

Overall, I think that it was a great experience, and if I were to get offered this opportunity again, I would 100% do it again. :)