This post is part of Stand-In Central’s deep-dive series into the coronavirus pandemic as it relates to stand-in work in TV and film. For more posts in the long-running series, visit https://standincentral.com/coronavirus.

— The Editor

So, the coronavirus happened.  It’s still happening.  But what it probably meant for you was that you haven’t worked as a TV/film stand-in in quite a while.

That probably means you may be a bit rusty, and maybe not 100% when you return to work.

(Even though your ego may tell you otherwise!)

As a simple tip, just before you get to work, review your right and your left.

I know, I know. It’s baby stuff. But after hearing a DP also have to remember the difference between right and left upon returning to work, the lesson is just as good for stand-ins.

Right vs. Left, and Camera Right vs. Camera Left

Of course you know your left from your right. Just reviewing that for a second will help you more quickly respond to “Move a little to your right” or “A touch left.”

But what may trick you up is “camera right” and “camera left.”

If you are facing the camera, the camera is like a person. Camera right is much like that person’s right arm. So, when you are facing the camera, camera right is opposite your left arm.

Camera left, obviously, is opposite your right arm.

Now, if your back is to the camera, all bets are off!

With your back to the camera, your right is also camera right, and your left is also camera left.

I Know, I Know

This advice doesn’t seem to warrant a Stand-In Central post. But actually, it does. Just take 15 seconds to review what’s your right, what’s your left, what’s camera right, and what’s camera left, and you’ll be less embarrassed when you are asked to move in any of those directions.

What other tips are worth reconsideration when you stand in again after a long hiatus? Post your tips in the comments below!