How to Clone Characters in Movies Without CGI or Green Screen

This article will instruct you how to create a shot in a film where the same character can appear interacting with himself, or for the sake of this article, Present-Day characters can interact with their Past-Selves.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two actors
• Camera
• Location
• Two Wardrobes
• Proper practice

1. Decide what the end result will look like. For this tutorial, the Present Selves will be walking into a room where their Past Selves are sitting on a couch.

2. Figure out the end locations for the characters. If the Present Selves are going to walk into the right side of the frame, the Past Selves should occupy the left side of the frame.

3. Position the camera, lights, and other equipment. Film the Present Selves entering the room on the right side of the frame. Stop whenever you have everything you need.

4. Have the actors change into their past wardrobe. DO NOT TOUCH ANY EQUIPMENT. If the camera or lights move at all this will not work.

5. While in their past wardrobe, have the actors sit on the couch on the left side of the frame, leaving the right side completely empty. After you get what is needed, call "cut!"

6. When editing, layer the video tracks of both shots directly on top of each other.

7. Since everything in the room (camera position, lighting, furniture) stayed exactly the same, and the only difference deals with positions of characters, the end result will show the room in tact with both sets of characters in the same shot.
   
   You will literally be watching Present Day People walk into a room and look at/talk to Past Versions of themselves, without any CGI, Special Effects, or Green Screens.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice this a lot before deciding to use in an actual film.
• Lighting is key.
• You cannot touch the camera or lights because if they move, even a tiny bit, the shot will be compromised.