What is a stand in actor?

Stand-in actors are performers who take the place of principal actors during the setup of scenes, lighting, and camera rehearsals on film and television sets. They are used by the production crew to properly arrange lighting, camera angles, and focus before the main actors step in to perform. Stand-ins usually match the height, build, skin tone, and sometimes hair color of the main actors to ensure accurate technical settings. They do not appear on camera in the final cut, but their work is essential for a smooth and efficient filming process.