Photo Double is a technique in filmmaking production.
Technical Details
Photo doubles must have a height within ±3 cm of the principal actor, similar shoulder width (±2 cm), and comparable proportions. Hair length, color, and texture are adjusted using wigs or temporary coloring. For full-body shots, silhouette matching is crucial, while for close-ups, specific body parts like hands, feet, or the back must be precisely replicated. Costume designers use identical clothing in the same ready-made size, with minimal adjustments made by tailors.
History & Development
The photo double system originated at MGM in 1923 when producer Irving Thalberg realized that expensive leading actors were not needed for all shots. The first documented use was in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1923) with Lon Chaney. In the 1940s, studios introduced systematic filing systems for photo doubles, categorized by body measurements, hair color, and type. Since the 1980s, specialized agencies have handled placements, with digital post-production reducing the requirements for exact matches since the 2000s.
Practical Use in Film
Photo doubles are used in over-the-shoulder shots, rear views, and wide shots. In "The Shining" (1980), Kubrick used photo doubles for 40% of the hotel scenes to reduce shooting time with the principal actors. Action sequences utilize photo doubles for non-dangerous portions, while stunt doubles handle the risky parts. The technique allows for parallel shooting at different locations and reduces downtime for lighting and camera setup by an average of 60%.
Comparison & Alternatives
Photo doubles differ from body doubles by being used exclusively for clothed, non-intimate scenes and from stunt doubles by lacking specialized training for action sequences. Stand-ins are only used for technical tests, not for actual filming. Modern CGI technology can replace photo doubles with digital face replacement, but this incurs additional costs of €15,000-€50,000 per shot. For low-budget productions, photo doubles remain the most cost-effective solution for continuity shots.