Industry jargon not your thing? Our glossary will enlighten you!
A doppelganger looks strikingly similar to a famous person. However, this alone does not make them a double. They become a double when this astonishing resemblance is utilized in the film, television, and advertising business. A double often stands in for the actual actor in many scenes in front of the camera. This is what differentiates a double actor from a lighting double. The latter is only used to set the perfect lighting and camera position for the main actor and is not actually in front of the camera.
It is not within the duties of a double to replace the actor in dangerous scenes. That's the job of a stuntman.
A double is usually used when a film requires a second main character to appear at the same time as the actual actor. In the advertising industry and at events, doubles are often deliberately used to create a certain effect. The supposed star draws attention to the product or the event.
The duties of a double vary from job to job.
Depending on the project, the following similarities are sought:
Appearance: The double actor looks strikingly similar to the star. Sometimes a similar physique is enough.
Voice: For some projects, a voice double is specifically sought (e.g., for radio advertising).
Gestures/Facial expressions: There are always jobs where the double must imitate the gestures or facial expressions of a star.