The Texas Switch: How to Use the Stunt Technique

The Texas Switch is a stunt technique where a main actor is swapped for a stunt double in one continuous shot, often using pieces of scenery or other camera trickery to conceal the smooth swap. Stunt doubles are used in TV and film constantly, and the scenes containing the actor or their double are usually fairly obvious to keen-eyed viewers, concealed only by well-placed cuts and strategic body placement. But sometimes directors want to make these actor-to-stunt double transitions as subtle as possible: Enter the Texas Switch.

So, why’s it called the Texas Switch? Your guess is as good as ours—nobody seems to know. (If you know, we’d love to hear the answer!)

Why use a Texas Switch?

The Texas Switch was born out of necessity before the advent of digital techniques like CGI (computer-generated imagery) made switching between actors less of an on-set problem and more a matter of postproduction. In a world of rapidly advancing CGI, why would filmmakers bother with a practical effect? To be fully transparent, many don’t. Or at least, not entirely—some filmmakers enjoy a marriage of the two. For example, “Aquaman” uses the Texas Switch between two stunt doubles in an ambitious chase sequence. While purists may argue that the assistance of CGI keeps this from being considered a true Texas Switch, the use of special effects doesn’t equal a lack of effort. Just watch director James Wan discuss the lengths he went to pull off the shot in this interview with Vanity Fair:

But even if it’s no longer necessary, some modern filmmakers still stand by the old-timey technique, in short because it’s incredibly effective. In the “Aquaman” clip, the addition of the CGI keeps you from fully appreciating the artistry—if you can tell some things are digital, you may assume everything is. Ultimately, despite the additional effort required, well-executed, practical effects help keep the audience immersed in the film, prompting them to wonder just how the scene was pulled off—or, ideally, not notice it at all.

1. Plan out your blocking.

Blocking is everything when it comes to landing a convincing Texas Switch. Take time to map out precisely where each actor needs to be, identifying the exact moment the switch will take place.

2. Make sure to match.

The main actor and their stunt double should be of similar size and coloring and should be wearing the exact same costumes.

3. Pick the right time.

Look for a “blind spot” in natural moments of obstruction: passing cars, other actors, doorways, or even shadows. The switch should happen when the main actor is briefly hidden from camera view.

4. Practice makes perfect.

Practice the choreography with both actors multiple times, making sure to time everything down to the second. This isn’t the place for improvisation.

5. Land the stunt.

When you’re ready to film the Texas Switch, keep the camera rolling throughout the entire sequence as:

• The first actor moves into the blind spot
• And, at the same time, the stunt double emerges from the same spot

Maintain consistent lighting and camera movement to really sell the illusion.

6. Polish in post.

Finally, edit the clip to hide any telltale signs of the ol’ switcheroo. Often, a quick cutaway can help sell the transition.

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How to Become a Stunt Double

Here are a few famous examples, with the caveat that the Texas Switch was designed not to be noticed, so the “best” examples might be the ones that nobody’s pointed out yet.

1. “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)

While you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who isn’t familiar with the moment Dorothy first arrives in Munchkinland in “The Wizard of Oz,” some viewers might be surprised to find the scene contains a Texas Switch hidden in plain sight. The film’s transformation from sepia-tone to technicolor wasn’t a matter of colorization, but a practical effect that required a well-placed Texas Switch to pull it off. At the beginning of the scene, a performer stands in for Judy Garland, dressed in a black-and-white version of Garland’s now-iconic blue gingham dress. The scene is shot in color—but the dark lighting combines with the sepia-toned house set and body double to trick viewers into believing the scene is still being shot in sepia. As the double opens the door, revealing colorful Munchkinland, Garland steps into frame and through the door. It’s one of the most riveting transitions in cinema history, aided in no small part by the old reliable Texas Switch.

2. “The Place Beyond the Pines” (2012)

“The Place Beyond the Pines” opens with a nearly four-minute-long continuous shot depicting professional motorcycle driver Luke (Ryan Gosling) walking through a busy carnival. While it’s undoubtedly Gosling who begins the shot, first-time viewers might be shocked when “Gosling” suddenly begins doing an incredibly dangerous motorcycle trick. But he isn’t, of course. When Gosling first rides out of frame, he is quickly replaced by a stunt rider. Considering how briefly the character is out of the shot, it’s a tightly choreographed sequence, making sure that neither Gosling nor the stunt driver gets in any shot they’re not supposed to be in.

3. “Casino Royale” (2006)

“Casino Royale” is known for its action-packed opening sequence, but sharp-eyed viewers may notice a cleverly placed Texas Switch before the scene devolves into a fight on a crane. During the film’s chase sequence, Agent James Bond (Daniel Craig) jumps off the roof of a building and continues to run. But look closely: It’s actually Craig’s stunt double who makes the jump, conveniently landing slightly obscured by a tent and allowing Craig to jump out from behind it a split-second later. It’s a real blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, and it’s seamlessly executed. If you’re trying to spot it for yourself, the switch happens at the seven-second mark in the above video.

Hoping to be one half of a Texas Switch? Check out our stunt callboard here!