What Do Actors Drink Instead of Beer? The Secrets of On-Set Hydration and Realistic Performances
Actors often need to portray characters enjoying a beer, but for various reasons, substituting a non-alcoholic alternative is common practice. This isn't just about avoiding alcohol on set; it's about maintaining performance, health, and the overall efficiency of filming. Let's explore the reasons and the common substitutes.
Why Don't Actors Drink Real Beer on Set?
Several factors influence the decision to replace beer with a substitute:
- Health Concerns: Consuming alcohol on set can impair judgment, coordination, and concentration – all crucial for delivering a convincing performance. Maintaining professionalism and safety is paramount.
- Consistency: Real beer can vary in color, foam, and carbonation, making it difficult to achieve consistent shots throughout a long filming day.
- Legal Considerations: Filming locations and insurance policies often prohibit alcohol consumption on set.
- Multiple Takes: Retakes and long scenes require actors to repeat actions numerous times; consuming alcohol with each take would quickly lead to intoxication.
- Dietary Restrictions: Actors may have personal dietary needs or preferences that exclude alcohol.
What Are the Common Alternatives?
Several non-alcoholic beverages effectively mimic the appearance and even the mouthfeel of beer:
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Near Beer (Non-Alcoholic Beer): This is the most obvious choice. Many brands produce delicious non-alcoholic beers that retain the taste and aroma of their alcoholic counterparts, making them ideal for onscreen consumption. They offer a similar color, texture, and even slight carbonation to create a convincing visual effect.
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Root Beer or Other Dark Sodas: For scenes where the specific type of beer isn't critical, dark-colored sodas can provide a visually similar substitute, especially in dimly lit scenes or quick shots. The dark color masks the difference effectively.
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Tea or Water with Added Coloring: In extreme cases where even near beer is undesirable, a skilled prop department can use food coloring to darken water or tea to approximate the look of beer. This is less common due to the potential for a less convincing result, but it's a viable option for very specific shots.
What About the Mouthfeel?
The "mouthfeel" of beer is important for a realistic portrayal. Near beer replicates this best, but other techniques can help:
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Thickening Agents: In some instances, a small amount of a thickening agent may be added to non-alcoholic alternatives to mimic the viscosity of real beer. This is a specialized technique often used by prop departments.
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Carbonation: Maintaining a slight level of carbonation is crucial. While root beer naturally contains carbonation, near beers and even carefully prepared water/tea mixtures can be carbonated for more authenticity.
How Does the Director Influence the Choice?
The director plays a critical role in deciding what an actor will drink. Their primary concern is creating a believable scene; if the difference between a real beer and a substitute is noticeable, they will likely opt for a near beer or a visually convincing alternative. The importance of the drinking scene itself to the overall narrative will also influence the decision.
Does the type of beer matter?
The type of beer depicted in the script can influence the choice of substitute. If the script specifically calls for a light lager versus a dark stout, the prop department will select a near beer that closely matches the color and visual characteristics.
In conclusion, while the exact substitute varies depending on the specific needs of the scene and the director's vision, the goal is always to maintain a believable performance while prioritizing the actor's well-being and the efficient production of the film. The use of near beers is becoming increasingly prevalent due to their ability to accurately mimic the appearance and mouthfeel of real beer, thereby satisfying both artistic and practical considerations.
