Maurice Vaughan , there are many ways to do this, I've done several of them. The most basic is split screen. Same actor, keep camera locked off and lighting and everything visual the same. The run the scene with actor playing both versions (or more). As long as they don't touch each other directly, it's easy to do the split in post, no special skills needed. Most of Phoebe and Ursula on Friends was done this way with a body double used for over the shoulder OOF shots. If they have to cross in front or behind each other, that's typically a rotoscope operation. If you make it short and limited (no hair, contrasting colors), it's a quick VFX shot. Add a motion-controlled camera to allow for dynamic camera movements (Michael Keaton's Multiplicity movie was one of the first to do this large scale). If you want characters to truly interact - kiss, fight, etc. then it quickly gets complicated and expensive and can involve 3D CGI, costumes, digital body doubles, face and/or head replacements etc. With all of this, the key is working with a experienced DP, production designer and VFX person who will want precise storyboards of the shot/scenes.
Ok, thanks, Stephen Van Vuuren. I'm glad the split screen option is zero cost (besides time) because I can write my short script and still pitch it to indie producers and directors.
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From what I've seen it can be done on set and in post, just depends on your preference and budget.
Ok, thanks, Daniel Husbands. I've wondered about it for a while.
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I watched this a while back, might give you a better explanation.
https://youtu.be/CSPYby_fbqY?si=6fMTsBuXMYUlC8Ce
One of the techniques for seeing double
Thanks, Daniel Husbands. I'll check it out.
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Great resource share, thank you Daniel Husbands!
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Maurice Vaughan , there are many ways to do this, I've done several of them. The most basic is split screen. Same actor, keep camera locked off and lighting and everything visual the same. The run the scene with actor playing both versions (or more). As long as they don't touch each other directly, it's easy to do the split in post, no special skills needed. Most of Phoebe and Ursula on Friends was done this way with a body double used for over the shoulder OOF shots. If they have to cross in front or behind each other, that's typically a rotoscope operation. If you make it short and limited (no hair, contrasting colors), it's a quick VFX shot. Add a motion-controlled camera to allow for dynamic camera movements (Michael Keaton's Multiplicity movie was one of the first to do this large scale). If you want characters to truly interact - kiss, fight, etc. then it quickly gets complicated and expensive and can involve 3D CGI, costumes, digital body doubles, face and/or head replacements etc. With all of this, the key is working with a experienced DP, production designer and VFX person who will want precise storyboards of the shot/scenes.
Thanks for the in-depth answer, Stephen Van Vuuren! Which method do you think is cheapest? Split screen?
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Maurice Vaughan for sure, split screen is zero cost other than time.
Ok, thanks, Stephen Van Vuuren. I'm glad the split screen option is zero cost (besides time) because I can write my short script and still pitch it to indie producers and directors.
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Wow! Thanks for sharing that information, Stephen Van Vuuren!