The Five Groups of On-Camera Players (Talent)
(c) Peter D. Marshall
On-camera performers are not just the actors on a set. I have
included a list of other “performers” that you will see on most
film productions.
I have divided these performers into 5 groups. These “groups” are not based on any Union description – they are based solely only
on my own experiences of how they function on a film set.
(1) Actors
Here’s my list of eight categories of actors you could work with.
When I say “categories,” I am actually referring to how each
group fits into the hierarchy and politics of this business.
Each of these categories of actors represents a group that has a
different share of the power on any set – which means that
certain actors in each group may require special treatment. Look
these categories over carefully, and you will understand what I
mean.
1. The legend (Jerry Lewis, Lauren Bacall, Tony Curtis)
2. The movie star (Tom Hanks, Robert DeNiro, Julia Roberts)
3. The television star (Eva Longoria, William Shatner, Wentworth Miller)
4. The cross-over star (TV to Film) (George Clooney, Will Smith)
5. The cross-over star (Film to TV) (Judy Davis, Glenn Close)
6. The guest star (Brad Pitt on “Friends”, Sally Field on “ER”)
7. The principal actor (larger speaking roles)
8. The day player (smaller speaking roles)
(2) Stunts
Stunt people are also performers. Here are the 3 categories they
fall under:
1. Stunt actor (plays a character – could have some dialogue)
2. Stunt performer (not a specific character – no dialogue)
3. Stunt double (doubles actors for harder and more dangerous stunts)
(3) Extras
Extras are also known as Background Performers or Atmosphere. I
have broken extras down into 3 categories:
1. Special skills extras – They have a special ability (skill)
they have practiced and trained for. (Hockey players, scuba
divers, ballroom dancers)
2. Uniformed extras – These extras “play” characters the audience
knows something about. (Police, waiters, nurses, military,
firefighters)
3. General extras – These are the majority of extras on any film
set (Crowd on street, passengers on a plane, bar patrons,
students in school hallway)
(3) Actor Photo Doubles
Photo Doubles “portray” an actor in any scene where the actors
face is not seen.
1. They are matched for body size, physical movement, hair and
skill.
2. They are used mostly for second units and splinter units. (car
drivebys etc)
3. If they are used by main unit, it’s because an actor is not
available for over shoulder shots etc.
4. They are also used as body doubles for love scenes and nude
scenes.
(5) Stand-Ins
Although Stand-ins are not technically “performers”, I have
included them on this list because of the important role they
play on any film set.
Stand-ins (also known as Second Team) are not hired to work for
the actors. They are hired to work for the Director of
Photography, to “stand in place of the actors” while the DOP
lights them.
They are also used by the camera crew to rehearse camera movement
and focus.
Stand-ins are usually picked by the DOP in pre-production after
all the cast is chosen. Sometimes actors will have their own
stand-ins they prefer to use.
Stand-ins are a very important part of your crew. Good stand-ins
are worth their weight in gold because they help make your
re-lighting time less.
Copyright (c) 2013 Peter D. Marshall / All Rights Reserved
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