As part of her YouTube video series Mel V. Presents, commercial actor Melanie Victor describes her experience working as a stand-in on the mobile television series Guidance. Posted a little over a year ago, she calls it an “amazing opportunity” and “so much fun” and even “a dream job”!

Mel’s first experience as a stand-in was for Janet Jackson on a music video — a production experience much different from the more “structured” environment of a television show. She worked a full six-week season, consistently working very long hours. Mel’s height and skin tone were assets in her landing the job, as they were very close to the actor for whom she stood in.

Mel gives a fantastic rundown of what it’s like working as a stand-in on set, including the sequence of events much like what’s described on The Routine section of Stand-In Central. She even explains how she booked the job via a call-in service. You can tell how exhausting but how enjoyable working as a stand-in was for her as an actor!

Have you stood in on a television series or a music video? What are the differences you noticed? Share your reactions below!