From the set of the popular television show The Vampire Diaries, I recently received an email from Billy Mueller.  On the show, Billy works as a utility stand-in.  Since work as a utility stand-in offers unique challenges, Billy offered to share some of his on-the-job experiences.  If you’re going to work as a utility stand-in, give Billy’s interview a read!

– The Editor

 

Billy Mueller

SIC: What’s your name and what do you do?

BM: I am Billy Mueller, and I’m currently a student in addition to working full-time as a stand-in on CW’s The Vampire Diaries.

SIC: What has been your stand-in experience before The Vampire Diaries?

BM: None, actually. While a lot of productions are starting up in Georgia, it’s still far less common to work in production than other areas like L.A. or New York.

SIC: The Vampire Diaries shoots in various locations around Atlanta, Georgia.  How did you land a stand-in gig on it?

BM: In fall of 2008, I heard that a big television show was starting up in Atlanta.  I checked it out to find that the sound stages were not too far from my house. I found casting and sent in to work as background for various high-school type scenes.

One day working background, I was whisked away into stand-in world by an A.D. because someone didn’t show and I happened to resemble the actor. After that, I messaged casting to let them know I was interested in continuing to stand in, and since then I’ve been working full-time.  The next few times, I worked as different characters but it wasn’t strange to me since this is my first job as a stand-in.

SIC: You work specifically as a utility stand-in on the show.  How are your responsibilities different from those of someone standing in for just one actor?

BM: I often stay as one particular character throughout an episode but I almost always remain during the workday for a second actor/character, or more.  Probably the most challenging and fun part of representing multiple characters is studying the different mannerisms and postures of each actor and trying my best to emulate them.

SIC: Cool.  How do you deal with standing in for actors shorter or taller than you?

BM: If I can get any heads up on the characters I’ll stand in for for the next day, I’ll start out by wearing flat shoes or boots accordingly. After that, I’ll spread my legs apart for much shorter characters and push up on my toes for the taller of the bunch. I don’t necessarily hold that position for a whole setup, but I try my best to match while camera is framing up and during rehearsals.

SIC: How does the crew keep track of what character you’re representing?

BM: I’ve been on this particular show as a stand-in for about 5 months so I’m well acquainted with camera and lighting. Color cover helps a lot, as well as good communication. There are two regular male stand-ins and we have each worked out a regular handful of characters we tend to portray.

SIC: How do you manage standing in for several actors in one day?  Is it exhausting? Confusing?

BM: It’s not as bad now that I’ve got certain routines worked out. Managing color cover can sometimes become daunting when you rack up a good amount of clothing for the day. Sometimes it can be hard to tell when wrap time is, depending on which stand-ins the A.D. chooses to keep.

But otherwise it’s a nice challenge to manage several characters throughout an episode.

SIC: Your utility role has you stand in for both men and women.  As a male stand-in, is it peculiar standing in for a female actor?

BM: The worst part is probably the confusion that can come up during a first lineup or rehearsal. I usually just make sure camera knows the character I’m representing.

SIC: Okay, so given your experience on The Vampire Diaries, what qualities make for a great utility stand-in?

BM: Really, the same skills that make any stand-in a valuable part of the crew. Especially speed, dependability, and attention to details.

SIC: Anything else you care to share, Billy?

BM: Just wanted to let you know I found your site a few weeks after I began standing in. I had already learned on set a ton of things that had been mentioned in your various posts, but I also got to learn a few tricks I had not come across for myself.  Your site’s a great repository and forum for information on standing in. I hope others find it as useful as I did.

SIC: That’s great to hear, Billy!  Thanks for the recommendation.  And the interview!

BM: Absolutely!