What is a Body Double?

A body double is a specialized role in filmmaking, responsible for standing in for actors under specific circumstances. Unlike stuntmen and stuntwomen, who are brought in to perform high-risk actions, including leaps, fights, or car chases, body doubles are brought in for different reasons.

They’re often used for scenes involving nudity, intricate camera angles, or to showcase a particular skill set, such as musical proficiency or athletic ability. Body doubles may also be used when an actor is unavailable due to scheduling conflicts. With union rules mandating a minimum off-time between shoots for actors, body doubles may also be asked to stand in for actors to keep the production on schedule.

Impressive how important body doubles are for our beloved movies and TV shows, right? Though they might not be the faces you recognize on the red carpet, their contributions are invaluable to the storytelling and visual quality of the films we love.

What Do Body Doubles Do?

Alright, so you’ve got the basics of what a body double is. But what do these jack-of-all-trades actually do on set?

Unlike stunt professionals, who usually specialize in dangerous action scenes, body doubles have their own set of expertise.

For example, in scenes involving music or dance, body doubles could be skilled musicians or dancers themselves, bringing authenticity to a performance that the lead actor may not possess. When it comes to tasks like driving or handling specialized equipment instead, those are typically left to stunt performers.

In period films, body doubles may have to master historical activities, such as period-specific dances or archery, to lend credibility to the scene.

Each body double usually has a unique skill set that is carefully matched to the project’s demands. They work closely with directors, choreographers, and even special effects teams to bring a scene to life in the most convincing way possible.

Do Doubles Get Paid Well?

Have you ever wondered how much someone earns for leaping off buildings or performing high-speed car chases in movies? Well, the answer is a bit of a mixed bag.

A stunt double’s salary can differ dramatically, depending on the film’s budget, the level of expertise, and how daring the stunts are.

While the earnings aren't going to rival those of Hollywood’s elite actors, the profession can offer a respectable income for those with the knack for it. In the United States, stunt professionals can expect an average annual income of around $46,845. But for those who make it to high-profile, big-budget films, the earnings can rocket up to as much as $250,000 a year.

Keep in mind, however, that this job comes with its own set of expenses — specialized training, equipment, and of course, insurance.

Do Doubles Get Credited?

When it comes to getting credit, body doubles often find themselves in a bit of a gray area. Operating behind the scenes to cover for another actor, body doubles usually don’t receive the same level of credit as the actors they’re standing in for.

In some films though, body doubles do get credited. Take Avengers: Age of Ultron, for example. Here, the body double and stuntwomen for Black Widow were credited due to Scarlett Johansson’s pregnancy at the time​​.

However, that’s not always the case. A notorious example comes from the 2010 film Black Swan. Natalie Portman’s Academy Award win for the movie sparked a big fuss over how much of the intense ballet scenes were actually her and how much was her body double, ballet dancer Sarah Lane. It raised many questions about who gets credit for what on the big screen.

The question of credit isn't just about getting your name in the end roll — it’s also about recognition and respect within the industry. And with movies getting bolder in terms of content, the conversation around body doubles and their due credit is only heating up.

Do Stunt Doubles Get Hurt a Lot?

Stunt work is, by its very nature, risky business. While safety measures have come a long way and are rigorously enforced on professional sets, there’s always an element of danger when flipping cars, diving off buildings, or engaging in high-speed chases. It’s like an extreme sport but with a script, a director, and a whole crew watching.

On the other hand, body doubles usually don't have to perform the dangerous feats that stunt professionals do. Still, they face their own set of challenges. Whether it’s enduring hours in makeup, maintaining physical shape to match the actor they’re standing in for, or even mastering complex choreography for a dance sequence, the job is far from a walk in the park.

In recent years, CGI has been increasingly used to minimize risks for both stunt and body doubles, and even to complete a movie when someone from the main cast unexpectedly passes away. While CGI can't replace all physical requirements or the nuanced movements captured on camera, it does offer another layer of safety for sequences that might be too risky otherwise.

That said, injuries do happen across the board. Sometimes, they’re minor scrapes or bruises, but more severe injuries aren't unheard of. There’s a reason why stunt and body doubles undergo extensive training and possess specialized skills — their job is to mitigate risks and execute complex moves in the safest manner possible.

It’s a role that demands precision, courage, and a deep understanding of the human body and the physics involved in each stunt or scene. And even with all the planning, preparation, and CGI, things can go sideways. But despite the risks, it’s a profession filled with people passionate about their craft and willing to push the envelope to get that perfect shot.