# Second team

Source: https://storiara.com/glossary/second-team
Last updated: 2026-09-14
Author: Spencer Kaufman, Storiara

> Second team is the set term for stand-ins, who take the actors' places while a shot is being lit and camera moves are rehearsed. They match the actors' height and coloring and walk the blocking so the crew can work without keeping first team under the lights.

## What second team actually does

After the blocking rehearsal, the script supervisor and 2nd AC have marked where the actors stand. The 1st AD calls "Second team in," and each [stand-in](https://storiara.com/glossary/stand-in) takes the place of the actor they match. The DP and gaffer light them, the dolly grip rehearses the move, and the camera operator and 1st AC check focus marks on a real body. When the director asks to see a camera rehearsal, second team walks the blocking at speed.

Stand-ins watch the blocking rehearsal closely, often with the script supervisor's notes, because they need to hit the same marks and turn at the same beats. A good stand-in saves minutes on every setup.

## Planning second team on paperwork

Stand-ins usually appear in the background section of the call sheet:

| Background / stand-ins | Call | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SI for Maya (5'6", brunette) | 6:45A | Wardrobe: dark top, jeans for color match |
| SI for Joe (6'1") | 9:30A | Matches Joe's first scene |
| Parking attendants (2) | 9:00A | Holding in lobby |

The stand-in's call time follows their actor's first scene, often a little ahead of the actor so lighting can start before first team has finished makeup. On shows that use background actor agreements, stand-ins are counted and paid under those rules, and they sign in on the background voucher system rather than the Exhibit G. Budget them from the [day out of days](https://storiara.com/glossary/day-out-of-days) for their matching actor.

## Mistakes with second team

Wrong size or color. If Joe's stand-in is 5'9" and Joe is 6'1", the lighting and headroom shift when Joe arrives, and the tweak that follows costs the time the stand-in was meant to save. Clothing matters too: a stand-in in a white T-shirt for an actor in a navy jacket gives the DP bad information.

On a set without stand-ins, the temptation is to keep [first team](https://storiara.com/glossary/first-team) on set during lighting. That tires actors, runs their hours, and can put them in the heat of lamps for long stretches. Even using a PA as a stand-in is better.

"Second team" also shouldn't be confused with a [second unit](https://storiara.com/glossary/second-unit), which is a separate crew shooting different material. Stand-ins are cast through the [extras casting director](https://storiara.com/roles/extras-casting-director) on most union shows.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does 'second team in' mean?

The 1st AD is calling the stand-ins to set so the principal actors can leave while the crew lights and sets the camera. Second team take the actors' marks and repeat the blocking as needed.

### Is a stand-in the same as a body double?

A stand-in is used during lighting and doesn't appear on camera. A photo or body double appears in the finished film in place of the actor.

### Do low-budget productions use second team?

Many don't hire dedicated stand-ins. Instead a PA, a background actor, or a crew member of similar height stands in, which works but slows lighting when that person is also needed elsewhere.