Sometimes the hands in the close-up are not the actor’s. That is what a hand double is for. When a scene needs an insert shot of hands that the principal actor cannot do, does not have time for, or should not risk, a hand double steps in and the audience never knows. Joe Cummings works as a hand double in Los Angeles for film, television, and commercials.
Hand doubling covers insert shots, pickups, and specialty action: writing, dealing cards, handling props, pouring, dialing, texting, or any hand action the story needs in close-up. Joe matches the action to the scene, works from the script and the director’s notes, and coordinates with the camera team on framing so the double blends invisibly with the master footage.
Continuity is the job. Joe repeats hand positions and gestures precisely across takes and setups, and as a working actor with 15 plus years on camera he understands set language, marks, and eyelines, so he slots into a production without slowing it down. His hands are clean and natural with no tattoos or scars, and he arrives camera-ready.
Based in Los Angeles / Southern California and available to travel for shoots. For hand double bookings, send the production, the dates, and a description of the hand action through the inquiry form.
Selected work
A slice of the portfolio for this specialty. See everything on the main portfolio.
FAQ
What does a hand double do?
A hand double performs hand close-ups and insert shots in place of the principal actor: writing, pouring, handling props, texting, or any hand action the story needs.
How do you match the actor?
I work from the script, the director’s notes, and reference of the actor’s hands and action, then repeat the gestures precisely across takes so the double blends invisibly.
Have you done insert and pickup work?
Yes. As a working actor with 15 plus years on camera, I understand marks, eyelines, and set language, so I slot into productions without slowing them down.
Book Joe for your hand double shoot
Tell him about the product, the shot list, and the date. He confirms availability himself, usually the same day.