When you take your first stand-in job, and you stand on a mark, if you’re not very experienced on set, you may realize you don’t know where you should be looking!

While there is a general answer that works in most situations, the actual answer depends a bit on the particular stand-in job.

Here’s some advice on where to look when you are standing in on set.

Generally, Don’t Look at the Camera

In most situations when you are working as a stand-in, you won’t be delivering lines directly to a camera. Instead, the actor for whom you’re standing in will be delivering lines to another actor.

So, in the event that is true, instead of looking right at the lens of the camera, you will look at the other stand-in in the scene with you.

Also, Generally Look off the Lens of the Camera

If, however, if the shot is being lined up on you, and your actor would be talking to another actor who is presumably behind where the camera would be, you still don’t look right into the camera.

Instead you either look to the right or the left of the camera.

In this case, usually the camera department will tell you exactly where to look. For example, they may make an “X” with tape and stick it to the wall on one side of the camera. You will want to look at that X, as that will make it look as if you are looking at the other actor who is off camera (and may not even work in the shot because of that).

Sometimes, the camera department will put the X on the camera, very, very close to the lens. They may even put it on the matte box (the rectangular frame around the lens). In such a case, you want to look at the X and still not into the lens of the camera.

There is actually a noticeable difference if you look at the X or into the lens!

Look at the Camera If Your Actor Does

If you are working on a production with a live studio audience, or if you’re working on a commercial or a promo wherein your actor speaks directly into the camera, then you are more likely going to want to look right down the lens of the camera when you are standing in.

If there is a teleprompter, it may be casting an image of your script over the lens. So, when you read the teleprompter, you will actually be looking into the lens without even realizing it!

If the teleprompter is above the lens, usually looking at the teleprompter is preferred rather than looking into the lens. For one, you will probably look as if you are looking into the lens when reading the teleprompter. But also, if you don’t look at the teleprompter, you might forget what to say!

Camera Tests

Similarly, if you are at a camera test for a TV or film production, you may want to look right down the lens of the camera.

However, if production wants something different, they will instruct you where to look instead of down the lens.

Does That Help?

If the above advice was helpful for you on your next stand-in job, let us know! And if you have additional advice, also let us know.

Post your comments below!