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Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3435

Stand-in

A stand-in is a person who takes an actor's place before filming begins, performing the actor's actions while the lighting and the audiovisual equipment are set up, so that everything is in the right position when the scene is actually recorded with the actors.

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Check yourself in a minute: stand-in

Rate 5 of the 14 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

follow time cues

follow work schedule

work with the camera crew

study roles from scripts

attend rehearsals

About stand-in

The work is technical rather than performed. The stand-in holds the actor's positions and repeats their movements through a scene, at the actor's pace, while the crew measures light, sets focus marks and frames the shot. The stand-in follows the cues for the start of a take exactly, so that the same set-up can be repeated with the actor.

The stand-in analyses the script, establishes from it where the actor will move and when, and prepares accordingly; the stand-in also works with the artistic team and with the director of photography, whose measurements depend on the stand-in holding still in the right place.

The stand-in also interacts with other actors where a scene has several positions to be held at once. The work calls for script analysis, adapting to an actor's role and working with the artistic team; any requirements are set by the production.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (14)

follow time cuesfollow time cuesObserve the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal score to time cues accurately.follow work schedulefollow work scheduleManage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.work with the camera crewwork with the camera crewWork with the crew responsible for the camera operation and movement to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.study roles from scriptsstudy roles from scriptsStudy and rehearse roles from scripts. Interpret, learn and memorise lines, stunts, and cues as directed.attend rehearsalsattend rehearsalsAttend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.work with the director of photographywork with the director of photographyWork with the director of photography on the artistic and creative vision that needs to be followed during production of a movie or theatre production.adapt to type of mediaadapt to type of mediaAdapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.analyse a scriptanalyse a scriptBreak down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.interact with fellow actorsinteract with fellow actorsPerform together with other actors. Anticipate their moves. React to their actions.follow directions of the artistic directorfollow directions of the artistic directorFollow the instructions of the director while understanding his creative vision.study media sourcesstudy media sourcesStudy various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.work with an artistic teamwork with an artistic teamWork closely with directors, fellow actors and playwrights to find the ideal interpretation to a role.work with the lighting crewwork with the lighting crewWork with the crew responsible for the lighting setup and operation to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.adapt to acting rolesadapt to acting rolesAdapt to different roles in a play, regarding the styles, ways of acting and aesthetics.
Optional (13) — show
photographyphotographyArt and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.film production processfilm production processThe various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.acting techniquesacting techniquesThe different acting techniques for developing lifelike performances, such as method acting, classical acting, and Meisner technique.lighting techniqueslighting techniquesThe characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.perform dancesperform dancesPerform in artistic productions of differents disciplines such as classical ballet, modern dance, contemporary dance, early dance, ethnic dance, folk dance, acrobatic dances and street dance.harmonise body movementsharmonise body movementsHarmonise body movements in accordance to rhythm and melody, aestetic or dramatic concept, dramatic pace, etc.practice dance movespractice dance movesStudy and practice dance moves required in artistic productions.express yourself physicallyexpress yourself physicallyExpress emotions and ideas through movements, gestures, and actions.self-promoteself-promotePromote yourself by joining networks and circulating promotional material such as demos, media reviews, website, or a biography. Form a promotion and management team. Propose your services to future e...collaborate on costume and make-up for performancescollaborate on costume and make-up for performancesWork with the staff responsible for costumes and make up in line with their creative vision and obtain directions from them about how make-up and costumes should look.singsingUse the voice to produce musical sounds, marked by tone and rhythm.practise singingpractise singingStudy and practise lyrics, melody, and rhythm of songs.perform scripted dialogueperform scripted dialoguePerform the lines, as written in the script, with animation. Make the character come to life.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a stand-in do?

Stand-ins replace actors before the filming starts. They perform the actions of the actors during the lighting and audiovisual setup, so everything is in the right place during the actual shooting with the actors.

What skills does a stand-in need?

A stand-in needs 14 essential skills, including follow time cues, follow work schedule, work with the camera crew, study roles from scripts, attend rehearsals.

Will AI replace stand-in jobs?

The AI disruption score for stand-in is 11/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: follow work schedule, study media sources, film production process. Most resilient: interact with fellow actors, adapt to acting roles, acting techniques.

AI Replacement Risk

11/ 100
Very Low Risk
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Quick Facts

SectorArts & Entertainment
ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills14

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