Why Bottled Beer Is A No-Show In Movies

In movies, the beer that you see actors drinking is almost always a stand-in for real beer, primarily to avoid the effects of alcohol, especially during scenes that require multiple takes. The most common substitute is non-alcoholic beer, which looks and pours like traditional beer but doesn't intoxicate the actors. For scenes where the appearance of beer is needed but its unique characteristics (such as foam and exact colour) are not critical, coloured water or weak tea can be used. The film industry also relies on specialised movie prop companies that create non-alcoholic prop beverages designed to mimic the appearance and sometimes even the taste of beer.

Actors don't want to ingest large amounts of caloric drinks

Furthermore, it is important to consider the potential health consequences of consuming large amounts of caloric drinks. Excessive consumption of sugary drinks has been linked to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Drinking large quantities of juice or non-alcoholic beer could result in a significant caloric intake, potentially leading to adverse health effects.

Moreover, consuming caloric drinks can impact an actor's energy levels and performance. High-calorie drinks can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, affecting an actor's energy and focus throughout the day. Maintaining stable energy levels is crucial for actors to deliver consistent and energetic performances during long and demanding filming schedules.

In addition, actors need to be mindful of their physical appearance, especially if they are playing a character with a specific body type or fitness level. Consuming large amounts of caloric drinks can make it challenging for actors to maintain their desired physique and may require additional time and effort to counteract the extra calorie intake.

Lastly, drinking caloric beverages can impact an actor's vocal performance. Beverages with high sugar content can coat the throat and vocal cords, potentially affecting an actor's vocal clarity and projection. This is particularly important for actors who need to deliver clear and powerful performances, especially in musical or vocal-heavy productions.

It's illegal to consume alcohol or smoke cigarettes on film

It is not illegal for actors to consume alcohol or smoke cigarettes on film. However, it is a violation of union and studio rules. Actors are not allowed to use any kind of drugs or alcohol while at work, and most production insurance companies will not cover it.

If an actor had to take even a sip of beer 20 or 30 times, they would end up drunk or sick. This is why they don't actually eat or drink most of the time and use a spit bucket instead.

For alcohol, water is often used as a substitute, with food colouring added if necessary. Apple juice, Gatorade, and non-alcoholic beer are also used. For dark liquors, diluted black tea is a common stand-in.

For cigarettes, actors usually smoke herbal cigarettes, which contain no nicotine or tobacco.

Actors may have to take a sip of beer 20 or 30 times, which could get them drunk or sick

Actor Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) explains:

> When you consume something in a scene, you learn to be very circumspect because you may end up having to consume that amount 30 times. When you're young, you think, "Man, it would be really cool if I smoke in this scene." Then, on take 18, you're green and vomiting because you've been smoking for 90 minutes. So you learn with food: If you have to take a bite of something, don't swallow it, and get a spit bucket.

Actor Julia Roberts, in an interview about her movie Eat Pray Love, said:

> Did you have a spit bucket by your side for all of the food scenes? Well, first of all, that grosses me out. But the truth of the matter is, there probably would have come a point when I would have used it.

In addition to the risk of drunkenness or sickness, actors may have dietary restrictions or opinions about what their character would drink. For example, they might not want to ingest large quantities of caloric drinks like juice or non-alcoholic beer over the many hours or days it takes to shoot a single scene.

The props department is responsible for purchasing non-alcoholic beverages or creating a liquid that looks close enough to the real thing

The props department is responsible for creating a liquid that looks like the real thing and is safe for the actor to consume. They may purchase non-alcoholic beverages or create their own. For example, diluted black tea for whiskey, water for vodka, and non-alcoholic beer for regular beer.

The props team must also consider the actor's dietary restrictions and opinions about what their character would drink. For instance, an actor may refuse to drink a certain brand of soda or prefer organic beverages.

In addition, the props department must consider the lighting for the scene and whether the drink needs to be consumed or simply last through a long day of filming.

The use of alcohol as a prop is common in films and television, with alcohol marketing in popular films having doubled in the past two decades. However, the consumption of alcohol on set is rare due to health and safety concerns, as well as insurance and liability issues.

The choice of substitute depends on factors like the scene's requirements, the director's vision, and the need to ensure the actors' safety

When it comes to choosing substitutes for alcohol in movies, several factors come into play, including the specific requirements of a scene, the director's creative vision, and the need to ensure the safety and well-being of the actors.

The scene's requirements play a crucial role in determining the choice of substitute. For instance, if the drink is a central prop and needs to be featured prominently, the production team might bring in a food stylist or a bartender to create a more convincing replica. On the other hand, if the alcohol is only a minor detail, simpler substitutes like coloured water or tea might suffice.

The director's vision also influences the choice of substitute. Directors may have specific ideas about the type of glassware, garnishes, and flourishes they want to use, which can impact the choice of liquid inside the glass. Additionally, directors might make last-minute changes, requiring the prop master to be adaptable and quick on their feet.

The safety and comfort of the actors are also important considerations. Actors might have dietary restrictions, brand preferences, or specific opinions about what their character would drink. For example, an actor might request a non-alcoholic option or refuse to drink a particular brand of soda. Additionally, consuming large quantities of sugary or caloric drinks can be unpleasant for actors, so substitutes like coloured water or tea are often preferred.

Another factor to consider is the practicality of using certain drinks on set. For instance, milk or chocolate-based drinks can cause phlegm and make it harder for the actor to deliver their lines clearly. Therefore, these types of drinks are usually avoided.

Finally, the choice of substitute may also depend on the lighting and duration of the scene. If the drink needs to last through a long day of filming, the prop master might need to create a non-perishable option. Additionally, the lighting in a scene can impact the appearance of the drink, so the prop master must take that into account when preparing the substitute.

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