As a film stand-in, you will be faced with one overwhelming problem – a plethora of downtime. Although you will work more consistently than a film extra, after you are done helping to establish the lighting and camera angles of a shot, you will be ushered off to a far corner of the film set and left to wait. Throughout my years of working in the film industry as a stand-in, I have created a list of essential items you, as a stand-in, should bring with you. If you’re about to embark on a wondrous journey as a stand-in, read throughout this article to ensure you are not only prepared for your daily duties, but also prepared to fight off extreme boredom.
Books and Other Reading Material
Like I said earlier, you will experience a plethora of downtime as a stand-in. It is safe to say that 75 percent of your daily life as a stand-in will be waiting on set for the next scene. After my first day working on set, I quickly realized I must bring something to keep myself busy. Reading a book or magazine is an excellent way to pass the time, and it allows you to quickly transition from reading to running on set when the Assistant Director yells, “Second Team,” which is the term used to call all stand-ins to the set. Along with books, magazines or crossword puzzles will become your best friend while working as a stand-in.
Pencils
Make sure you bring at least three pencils with you to set. You will need these not only to fill out your crossword puzzles, but to mark up your script while watching the actors rehearse a scene. Although you’ll typically only need one pencil, it’s a good idea to bring extra in case your stand-in friends forgot theirs.
Business Cards
Working as a stand-in is an excellent opportunity to network with local actors as well as executive-level production staff. Bringing at least 10 business cards with you every day will ensure you have ample cards to hand out in the likely event you strike up a conversation regarding work or opportunities.
Notebook/Journal
Throughout your time spent on set you will encounter amazing situations that almost seem like a movie within itself. By keeping a journal with you on set, you can document such events while simultaneously keeping your mind busy throughout the immense amount of downtime you’ll experience.