If you haven’t heard of the product ChatGPT from OpenAI, it is a chatbot that can answer questions in your natural language, based on information that has been fed to it. It answers these questions with varying amounts of detail very fast.

So, we at stand-in website resource Stand-In Central thought we would give ChatGPT a try to see how it responds to certain prompts related to TV/film stand-ins.

Below, we’ll show the prompts we gave ChatGPT, its response, then our feedback on its response.

Prompt: How do I find jobs for stand-ins in TV and film?

First, we asked ChatGPT, “How do I find jobs for stand-ins in TV and film??

Here’s how ChatGPT responded, pretty much immediately:

Finding jobs as a stand-in for TV and film productions can involve a combination of networking, utilizing online resources, and working with casting agencies. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Online Casting Websites: Register on websites like Backstage, Casting Networks, or Actors Access. These platforms often post casting calls for stand-ins along with other acting opportunities. Create a profile with your relevant experience and skills.
  2. Social Media: Follow casting directors, production companies, and industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. They often post casting calls and job opportunities for stand-ins and other roles.
  3. Casting Agencies: Reach out to casting agencies in your area and express your interest in stand-in work. They may consider you for upcoming projects or keep you in mind for future opportunities.
  4. Networking: Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars where you can meet casting directors, producers, and other professionals in the TV and film industry. Networking can often lead to job opportunities or referrals for stand-in roles.
  5. Production Companies: Research TV and film production companies in your area or the areas where productions are happening. Contact them directly and inquire about stand-in opportunities. Sometimes, they hire stand-ins directly or can refer you to casting directors or agencies they work with.
  6. Film Commission Websites: Check the websites of local film commissions or government agencies responsible for promoting filming in your region. They often list casting calls and production information for upcoming projects.
  7. Union Memberships: If you’re a member of a performers’ union like SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), utilize their resources and job listings for stand-in opportunities.
  8. Student Films and Independent Productions: Consider working on student films or independent productions as a way to gain experience and build your resume as a stand-in. These opportunities can sometimes lead to connections with industry professionals and future paid gigs.
  9. Persistence and Professionalism: Keep applying, attending auditions, and networking consistently. Stand-in roles can be competitive, so persistence and professionalism are key in landing opportunities.

Remember to always research and verify the legitimacy of any opportunities or individuals you encounter in the entertainment industry. Additionally, be prepared with a professional resume, headshots, and any relevant experience or skills that make you suitable for stand-in work.

Notice how ChatGPT formatted its answer with a numbered list and easy bolding to quickly identify its answers.  It provided an introductory paragraph, plus a conclusion paragraph that provided a word of caution.

As for these answers, they are nice, general answers. They might provide you with a starting point, but without the granular detail that, say, Stand-In Central provides for stand-ins.

Of these answers, from our experience, online casting websites are probably the best resource for finding stand-in jobs. Networking is another great way, though more from working on set, from gaining trust of casting directors with whom you have worked, and gaining a good reputation from other stand-ins who might refer you.

Perhaps the weakest answer, interestingly enough, is the advice that SAG-AFTRA has resources and job listings for stand-ins. That answer is largely incorrect. Furthermore, ChatGPT doesn’t consider that one can join SAG-AFTRA as a non-member (otherwise known as fi-core status) and be pretty much as eligible for stand-in work as a SAG-AFTRA member would be.

Prompt: What do I need to do in order to be a good stand-in in TV and film?

Next, we asked ChatGPT, “What do I need to do in order to be a good stand-in in TV and film?”

Here is how ChatGPT quickly responded:

To become a stand-in for TV and film, you’ll need to possess certain skills and qualities and understand the responsibilities involved. Here’s what you can do to be a good stand-in:

  1. Understanding the Role: A stand-in’s primary job is to take the place of an actor for technical purposes, such as setting up lights and camera angles. You need to understand the role you’re standing in for, including their physical characteristics, mannerisms, and any specific requirements.
  2. Punctuality and Professionalism: Being punctual and reliable is crucial in the film industry. Arrive on set early and be prepared to work long hours if needed. Maintain a professional attitude at all times.
  3. Physical Resemblance: You should closely resemble the actor you’re standing in for in terms of height, build, and sometimes ethnicity. This helps maintain continuity in scenes.
  4. Ability to Mimic: While you don’t need to be an exact replica of the actor, you should be able to mimic their movements and actions to help set up shots accurately.
  5. Communication Skills: You’ll need to take direction well from the director, cinematographer, and other crew members. Good communication skills are essential for understanding what is required of you and making necessary adjustments.
  6. Adaptability: Scenes can change quickly on a film set, so you must be adaptable and able to adjust to new instructions or changes in plans.
  7. Technical Knowledge: While not always required, having a basic understanding of camera and lighting setups can be beneficial. This knowledge can help you anticipate the needs of the crew and adjust accordingly.
  8. Networking: Building relationships within the industry can help you find stand-in opportunities. Connect with casting directors, agents, and other industry professionals who may be able to recommend you for roles.
  9. Patience and Stamina: Standing in for long periods can be physically demanding and mentally tiring. Patience and stamina are essential qualities for a stand-in.
  10. Respect for Confidentiality: Often, stand-ins are privy to sensitive information about the production. It’s crucial to respect confidentiality agreements and not share any behind-the-scenes details publicly.

To find stand-in jobs, you can:

  • Create profiles on casting websites specifically for stand-ins.
  • Network with industry professionals.
  • Reach out to casting directors or production companies directly.
  • Attend industry events and workshops to make connections.
  • Join relevant social media groups or forums where job opportunities may be posted.

Again, ChatGPT rapidly served up listed answers to help to easily take in the answer.

The concluding bulleted list is a general summary of the answer in the first prompt, but the numbered list is a fairly solid descriptor of the qualities that make a great stand-in.

However, ChatGPT doesn’t go into much detail, so websites like Stand-In Central that have tips and tricks for stand-ins in specific situations on set help to fill in the gaps ChatGPT’s answer naturally has. All in all, ChatGPT’s answer is a nice general idea about what makes a good stand-in in TV/film.

Prompt: What should a stand-in watch during a marking rehearsal?

Third, we went with a more specific prompt to see how ChatGPT answered.

Again, it served up this quick response:

During a marking rehearsal, a stand-in should watch and pay attention to several key elements to ensure they can accurately replicate the actor’s movements and positioning. Here’s what a stand-in should focus on:

  1. Actor’s Movements: Pay close attention to the actor’s movements, including walking, gestures, and any specific actions they perform in the scene.
  2. Blocking: Observe how the actor moves within the scene and interacts with other characters or objects. Note any blocking instructions given by the director or assistant director.
  3. Timing: Watch for the timing of the actor’s movements and dialogue cues. This includes pauses, entrances, and exits within the scene.
  4. Camera Angles: Take note of where the cameras are positioned and how they capture the actor’s movements. This includes tracking shots, close-ups, and wide shots.
  5. Lighting: Pay attention to how the lighting affects the actor’s appearance and positioning within the scene. Note any changes in lighting setups or adjustments made by the cinematographer.
  6. Props and Set Dressing: Take note of any props or set pieces the actor interacts with during the scene. This includes their positioning and how they are used within the scene.
  7. Reactions: Observe the actor’s facial expressions and reactions to other characters or events in the scene. This helps in understanding the emotional context of the scene.
  8. Spatial Awareness: Develop a sense of spatial awareness within the set, including distances between objects, actors, and camera positions. This helps in accurately positioning oneself during the actual filming.

By focusing on these elements during marking rehearsals, a stand-in can effectively prepare to replicate the actor’s movements and positioning during the actual filming of the scene. This helps ensure continuity and efficiency on set.

This is a fairly nice response that ChatGPT has given with respect to the more specific prompt regarding stand-in work. Generally, these are great tips for stand-ins when at a marking rehearsal.

However, the advice about lighting is probably the weakest answer, because rarely are lights set up yet by the time of marking rehearsal. The same with cameras, though you may have a sense of where they will be come the marking rehearsal, and such knowledge may be helpful for doing your job in the setup of the first and subsequent shots.

Prompt: How much money do stand-ins make in TV and film?

Finally, we asked ChatGPT a more specific question: “How much money do stand-ins make in TV and film?”

This answer varies from year to year, from job to job, whether the work is union or non-union, and from contract to contract. We were curious how ChatGPT gave its response, especially considering that the data on which it “trained” has a certain date associated with it — meaning it could possibly serve up old information.

Here is how ChatGPT answered this question:

Stand-in pay rates in TV and film can vary widely depending on various factors such as the production budget, the scale of the production, the actor being replaced, the stand-in’s experience, and the specific terms negotiated between the stand-in and the production.

As of my last update in January 2022, stand-ins in the United States typically earn hourly rates ranging from minimum wage to several hundred dollars per day. Some stand-ins may also negotiate flat rates for longer-term or recurring roles. Rates may be higher for stand-ins working on major studio productions or projects with larger budgets.

In addition to hourly or daily rates, stand-ins may also receive additional compensation for overtime, night shoots, travel expenses, and other factors.

It’s essential for stand-ins to negotiate their rates based on industry standards, their level of experience, the demands of the role, and any additional responsibilities they may have on set.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on stand-in pay rates, it’s recommended to consult industry resources, union guidelines (such as SAG-AFTRA in the United States), or speak with a talent agent or

talent representative familiar with the TV and film industry. Additionally, joining industry organizations or forums where professionals discuss rates and compensation can provide valuable insights into stand-in pay in specific regions or markets.

If you went to ChatGPT for this answer, this answer might have been frustrating. Hearing that stand-in pay “can vary widely” doesn’t really help that much when you’d trying to decide on whether you want to do it.

Fortunately, when it comes to union stand-in jobs, these rates usually have set minimum pay rates, so these rates can be found in a casting notice, researched on the SAG-AFTRA website, or by contacting SAG-AFTRA for the rate.

Note that ChatGPT dates its response to “As of my last update in January 2022.” Stand-In Central posted this article (and wrote this prompt) in February 2024, so there may be a noticeable datedness to ChatGPT’s current replies.

With that said, some of its answer here is probably slightly misleading, but not in a menacing way. Practically speaking, the pay rates for most stand-in jobs are not really negotiable.

Certainly, in theory, nearly all of these stand-in jobs’ pay rates may be subject to individual bargaining (and Stand-In Central hopes you would do such bargaining in the event a production is asking over and above what most stand-in work involves). But the ChatGPT response makes it seem pay rates are a bit more negotiable than what Stand-In Central has found.

From the experience of Stand-In Central, prior stand-in experience plays little into stand-ins’ pay rates (even though the Editor’s pay rate in some stand-in work may be related to his experience).

Conclusion

In the general and specific questions Stand-In Central posed to ChatGPT, the chatbot did decently in providing organized answers that were relevant, in general. When it came to specifics, ChatGPT didn’t perform as well, and it had a limitation to doing so because its source information is dated.

Websites like Stand-In Central may serve to flesh out more technical aspects of stand-in work and what, technically speaking, makes for a great stand-in in TV and film and provide more up-to-date information.

So, in the end, feel free to use ChatGPT for your stand-in related questions, knowing it may send you off in directions that may not be productive, or it may provide too general of answers to help a stand-in really be proficient at a job.

Have you used ChatGPT in relation to stand-in work? How does Stand-In Central benefit you? Share your opinions on the comments below!