What Is a Picture Double or Body Double in Film and TV? An Honest Guide for New Zealand
- NZAT
- Jul 30
- 6 min read
You've probably heard the term "body double" thrown around; maybe in a behind-the-scenes clip, or when someone jokes about a celebrity having one. But the reality of what a picture double or body double actually does on a professional film or TV set is far more specific, and far more interesting, than most people realise.
It's also one of the more specialised roles available in the New Zealand screen industry with often better pay than extra work, recurring bookings on long productions, and a very clear need for the right people.
Here's exactly what the role involves, what productions need from you, and whether it could be the right fit.
So, What Is a Picture Double or Body Double?
The two terms are related but slightly different, and productions may use them interchangeably:
Picture Double — someone who resembles a principal actor closely enough to be filmed in their place, usually from a distance or in situations where the face isn't clearly visible. You might be filmed from behind, in a wide shot, or in a scene where the actor wasn't available for that particular day or location.
Body Double — someone whose body — hands, arms, legs, back, or other physical features — is filmed in place of the principal actor's. This is used when a specific physical attribute is needed that the actor can't or won't provide on camera, or when a scene requires nudity or partial nudity.
In both cases, your face is rarely, if ever, the focus. The camera is interested in your body, your build, your physicality — not your performance as an actor.
Unlike a stand in; who is never filmed and only used during technical setup — a body or picture double actually appears on screen. You're part of the final product.
Why Productions Use Doubles
There are several reasons a production might need a body or picture double:
The actor isn't available. Scheduling on a large production is complex. A second unit might be filming at a different location while the lead actor is working on the main unit. A picture double who matches the actor's look allows both units to shoot simultaneously.
The scene involves nudity or partial nudity. Many actors have clauses in their contracts limiting or excluding nudity. A body double steps in for those scenes, allowing the production to film what's needed without requiring it of the principal actor.
A specific physical feature is needed. A close-up of hands opening a letter. Legs walking across a room. An actor's back in a particular scene. If the principal actor's hands, feet, or other features aren't quite right for the shot — or if a close-up is technically demanding — a body double with the right physical attributes steps in.
It protects the principal actor. On long shoots, doubling certain shots means the lead actor spends less time on set for setups that don't require their face — preserving their energy for the scenes that do.
What Does the Role Actually Require?
Physical matching is the foundation of this role. Productions will be looking for:
Similar height and build to the principal actor
Similar skin tone — for body doubles especially, this is critical for continuity and lighting
Similar hair colour and length — particularly for picture doubles filmed from behind or at a distance
Specific physical features — if production needs a hand double, your hands need to be the right size, shape, and condition for the role
Beyond the physical match, what makes a great body or picture double is professionalism, discretion, and comfort with the nature of the work.
If a role involves nudity or partial nudity, you need to be genuinely comfortable with that — not just willing to push through discomfort. A professional set will always have a closed set protocol for intimate scenes, meaning only essential crew are present, but it's important to go in clear-eyed about what the role may involve. If nudity is something you're not comfortable with, that's completely valid — just be upfront about it when you register, and we'll only submit you for roles that don't require it.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
You'll work closely with the camera and lighting crew. Like stand in work, body and picture doubling puts you in direct contact with the technical team. You're a working part of the production, not in a holding area.
You may be on set for full days or called for specific shots. Some body double work involves being present for an entire shooting day. Other times, you might be called specifically for a sequence of shots and then wrapped. Your agent will give you the full picture before you commit.
The hours are long. A standard film day is 10–12 hours. Call times are confirmed the night before. Punctuality and flexibility are non-negotiable.
Discretion is part of the job. Body doubling in particular involves a level of trust between you and the production. What happens on a closed set stays on a closed set. Productions value people who understand that professionalism means keeping the details of your work private.
Continuity matters. If your body double work spans multiple days or scenes, your physical appearance — skin tone, hair, even nail condition for hand doubles — needs to remain consistent. Production will brief you on what's required.
Practical Things to Know Before You Apply
Do I need experience?
No, but professionalism and a calm attitude are essential. If you've done extra or stand in work before, that helps — you'll already understand set etiquette and how to take direction quickly. If you're brand new, a composed, reliable approach will take you far.
Will I always be required to do nudity?
No. Not all body or picture double work involves nudity. Many bookings are for picture doubling (filmed at distance), hand doubling, or general physical doubling with no intimate content at all. When you register, you can specify clearly what you are and aren't comfortable with, and we will only submit you for appropriate roles.
Do I need a car?
Yes, having your own transport is important for this role. Bookings can be at various locations across New Zealand, and production cannot always accommodate people without transport.
How closely do I need to match the actor?
Closely enough to be believable on camera for the specific type of shot. Your agent will assess your profile and only put you forward when the match is genuinely suitable. You won't be asked to double someone you clearly don't resemble.
What should I look like?
Yourself — accurately described. The most important thing is that you give us an honest picture of your height, build, colouring, and any distinctive features. Productions need to trust the match before you arrive on set.
What Can I Expect to Earn?
Body double and picture double work is paid at the same rate as stand in work, reflecting the specialised nature of the role.
As a general guide:
Body Double / Picture Double: Roughly $350–$450 gross per day, depending on the production
As with all roles, talents are paid when production pays the agency. This can take 1–2 months from the shoot date. Plan accordingly.
Meal breaks are provided by production throughout the day.
Is This the Right Role for You?
Ask yourself honestly:
Are you comfortable with your body and able to describe your physical profile accurately?
Are you clear about what you are and aren't comfortable with on set — and can you communicate that upfront?
Are you reliable, discreet, and professional?
Can you handle long days and short-notice call times?
Do you want specialised, relationship-based work that can be recurring across a production?
If yes to most of those, this could be a very good fit.
If you're uncertain about the nature of the work, or not comfortable being specific about your physical attributes, this may not be the right role to start with. Extra work is always a great entry point while you find your footing in the industry.
Why Register With NZAT?
NZ Action Talent (NZAT) represents performers across the full range of screen industry roles, including body doubles and picture doubles. When you register with us:
We match your profile to productions where you're a genuine physical fit
We're clear with you upfront about what a booking involves — no surprises on set
We handle your bookings, rates, and paperwork
You're represented professionally, which means productions take your availability seriously
We're actively looking for new talent — especially people who are new to the industry. If you're already represented by another agency, we're not the right fit. But if you're starting fresh and want to explore this, we'd love to hear from you.
We welcome people of all ethnicities, all ages, and all body types. Productions need an incredibly diverse range of doubles — and the more varied our talent pool, the more work we can place.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If this sounds like something you want to explore, get in touch with NZAT. Send us your details, a recent photo, your location, your height and build, and tell us a bit about yourself — including what you are and aren't comfortable with. We'll take it from there.
Share this with someone who might be a great fit — someone with a distinctive look, a specific physical feature, or just someone who's curious about the industry and wants a real place to start.
NZAT — New Zealand Acting Talent. Representing performers across Aotearoa.
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