MONDAY MORNING HOLLYWOOD
Who is that guy standing in the leading man’s light? On a typical day it’s professional stand-in Ben Hauck. He waits on the star’s mark until they get the light just right and the crew is ready to roll. Then the star steps in and Ben steps out of frame and into the rest of his life as the content Editor at Stand-In Central, a marathon runner and working actor. Ben has graced the sets of The Switch and Nurse Jackie, and recently had the good fortune to work both as a stand-in and an actor on the hit USA show White Collar.
What was the first job you ever had?
For summer income, I used to pet sit in my neighborhood for one dollar a day. I advertised in the local newsletter.
What made you pursue a career in Hollywood?
Remember those commercials for G.I. Joe toys in the '80s? Remember how excited those kids were, playing with those toys? I wanted to be those kids. I still do.
What was your first job in the movie/TV business and how did you get it?
While in college in Ohio, I landed an internship at a casting office in New York City. That experience led me to a casting assistant job at Lynn Kressel Casting, where they cast the Law & Order franchise. The day after I left my job there, I was offered an audition on Law & Order. I got that role, which got me into the Screen Actors Guild.
Do you have a favorite story from the trenches?
I do a lot of work as a stand-in. One of my favorite experiences was standing in for Jason Bateman on The Switch. One of the Assistant Directors wasn't getting genuine reactions from the background, so for one take he told me to read the lines off-camera, but to mess up and drop the F-bomb during the take in hopes of getting genuine reactions. I did it then went on to simulate a complete meltdown during the take, talking rudely to the background and complaining about the heat while we were rolling. Only three people on set knew I was acting this. Days later I heard stories that the actors thought I'd actually lost it!
What is your dream job?
Fundamentally, I'm a performer. My dream job right now would be landing the lead in a television series. I'm working in that direction. As a stand-in, my dream job would be standing in for Hugh Grant.
What or who makes you laugh?
What makes me laugh is making others laugh. Humor keeps things interesting for me.
What do you do on a typical day off?
I'm grateful to work as an actor or stand-in about 4-5 days a week. On my days off, I do long runs toward my marathon training goals, write entries for Stand-In Central, and nap.
What inspires you?
Belief in myself.
What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers?
A lot of the email that comes into Stand-In Central asks how to land a stand-in job for a particular actor. If you're in a big city like NY or LA, send a photo postcard to a production's background casting director with your interest, stats, and contact information. If you're in a smaller city, contact a talent manager or agent for guidance on how stand-ins are cast there.
What are you doing now?
Currently I am standing in for Peter Facinelli on the third season of Nurse Jackie.
If you won the lottery today, what would you be doing tomorrow?
I think I would continue my work. My dreams would not evaporate, though how I manage my time would. I would probably work less as a stand-in in order to free more time for a more targeted pursuit of my professional acting goals.
What do you hope to be doing ten years from now?
Ten years from now I'll have a couple of books published, one of which will be on long-form improv. I'll have landed television shows and be thanking my representation for many years of belief in me. I won't be standing in, but I'll be extremely grateful for the experiences I gained from working on set as a stand-in.
To learn more about Stand-In Central or join their blog visit www.standincentral.com.
To learn more about Ben Hauck visit www.benhauck.com.
The Column: From the Interns to the Talent to the Financiers everyone has a dream, and everyone has a story… and that's what Monday Morning Hollywood is all about. Subscribe to the feed or check back at Examiner.com every Monday to see who and what's coming up next in Hollywood.
Comments
Great Job you have Be! You are in the middle of the action!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!