How to Be a Body Double

A body double replaces a featured actor for close ups of certain body parts. Body doubles first received media prominence after a model substituted for Julia Roberts in some opening shots from "Pretty Woman." Follow these steps to become a body double.

Instructions

1. Assess your body. Concentrate on your best feature. Hand, foot and leg models are always in demand. If you're really in shape, body doubles are used for nude scenes so consider the filming of your butt and ****s.

2. Find casting agencies that specialize in body doubles. Consult large modeling agencies and ask if they send models on casting calls for body doubles and specific body parts.

3. Stay in shape. Get regular pedicures if you're a foot model, manicures if you're a hand model. Get on the exercise bike if you're a leg model.

4. Look into print and TV work. Body double work is increasing, but it is hard to earn a full-time income doing it. Other mediums, including web, print advertising and TV commercials hire models to show off specific body parts.

5. Be prepared for on-call status if you are a performing body double. A musician may be called in to substitute for an actor who can't play playing an instrument. An athlete may be called in as a body double for an actor in a baseball scene.

Resources

• Read an interview with Body double Shelley Michelle.
• Learn more at the Filmmaking website.