Tv Drinks: What's In The Glass Instead Of Beer?

On TV, actors rarely drink real beer, and instead, opt for non-alcoholic beer or other substitutes. This is primarily to avoid the effects of alcohol, especially during scenes that require multiple takes. The most common alternatives to beer include non-alcoholic beer, coloured water, tea, or carbonated coloured water for champagne. Specialised movie prop companies also create non-alcoholic beverages designed to mimic the appearance and taste of alcoholic drinks. These bespoke drinks are particularly useful for close-up shots or scenes where authenticity is crucial to the storytelling. Ultimately, the choice of substitute depends on various factors, including the scene's requirements, the director's vision, and the need to ensure the actors' safety and well-being.

Non-alcoholic beer

The choice of non-alcoholic beer as a prop is influenced by factors such as the scene's requirements, the director's vision, and the need to ensure the actors' safety and well-being. It is part of the intricate art of cinematic storytelling, where beverages play a pivotal role in setting the mood and providing insights into characters' states of mind.

In the popular TV show "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," for example, Captain Holt and Detective Jake Peralta celebrate a minor victory in their case by clinking bottles of Heisler Beer, a fictional brand commonly used as a prop in various TV shows and movies. Heisler Beer is crafted to mimic the appearance of real beer, with its iconic gold and red label becoming a subtle inside joke in the industry.

In addition to non-alcoholic beer, coloured water, herbal teas, and specialised movie prop beverages are also used as substitutes for beer in certain scenes, depending on the specific requirements and needs of the production.

Coloured water

In some cases, carbonated coloured water is used for champagne, adding an extra level of authenticity to the scene. The colour of the water can be adjusted to match specific types of beer, such as using weak tea or herbal teas for darker ales or stouts.

The use of coloured water allows the actors to maintain their composure and performance level throughout filming, as they are not impaired by the effects of alcohol. It also ensures that the actors do not consume excessive amounts of sugary or alcoholic drinks, which could be detrimental to their health and performance over time.

The choice of coloured water as a substitute for beer depends on various factors, including the specific requirements of the scene, the director's vision, and the need to maintain the actors' safety and well-being. While coloured water may not have the exact characteristics of beer, it effectively serves its purpose in creating the desired illusion on screen.

Tea

Coloured water is another popular choice for actors to use in place of alcohol, and this can be carbonated to mimic champagne. Actors are unlikely to want to ingest large quantities of caloric drinks, and non-alcoholic beer is often used for scenes involving beer.

Specialised movie prop companies also create non-alcoholic beverages designed to mimic the appearance and taste of alcoholic drinks, which are particularly useful for close-up shots.

Prop alcohol

Non-Alcoholic Beer

The beer that actors drink on screen is usually a stand-in for real beer to ensure the actors can maintain their composure and performance throughout multiple takes. Non-alcoholic beer looks and pours like traditional beer but without the alcohol content. This allows actors to stay sober while creating an authentic drinking experience for the viewers.

Coloured Water and Tea

For scenes where the appearance of beer is needed but the specific characteristics like foam and colour are less important, coloured water or tea can be used. Weak tea or herbal teas are ideal for mimicking the colour of darker ales or stouts while being safe for consumption in large quantities.

Specialised Prop Beverages

The film industry often relies on specialised prop companies that create non-alcoholic drinks designed to look and sometimes taste like their alcoholic counterparts. These bespoke beverages are crucial for close-up shots or scenes where the authenticity of the drink is essential to the narrative.

Heisler Beer

Heisler Beer is a fictional brand of non-alcoholic prop beer created by the Hollywood prop house, Independent Studio Services. It has become a stock prop beer, frequently used across various TV shows and movies. From "Grey's Anatomy" to "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," Heisler Beer has become a subtle inside joke in the industry. Using a fictional brand allows filmmakers to avoid legal and marketing issues associated with real products while maintaining a sense of realism.

Factors Influencing Prop Alcohol Choices

The choice of prop alcohol depends on various factors. These include the scene's requirements, the director's vision, and the need to ensure the actors' safety and well-being. The prop team also considers the glassware, garnishes, and flourishes available to them. Additionally, actors may have preferences or restrictions that influence the choice of prop alcohol. For example, an actor may request a specific type of alcohol for their character or have dietary restrictions that need to be accommodated.

In conclusion, prop alcohol plays a crucial role in cinematic storytelling, helping to create authentic and relatable scenes while ensuring the actors' safety and comfort during filming. The next time you watch a TV show or movie, pay close attention to the drinks in the characters' hands, and you might just spot some expertly crafted prop alcohol in action!

Actors' preference

The choice of beverage can be influenced by various factors, such as the actor's dietary restrictions, personal beliefs, or interpretation of their character's traits. For example, an actor may request a non-alcoholic option or opt for a specific type of alcohol that they believe suits their character's personality or backstory. This level of detail adds depth to their performance and contributes to the overall authenticity of the fictional world.

In addition to actor preference, the availability of glassware, garnishes, and the time period being depicted also influence the final choice of beverage. For instance, a vintage liquor bottle or a specific type of cocktail may be selected to match the era in which the scene is set.

It is worth noting that the use of real alcohol is often avoided to maintain the actors' performance and well-being throughout filming. Non-alcoholic beer, coloured water, tea, and specialised non-alcoholic prop beverages are commonly used as substitutes, ensuring that actors can deliver their lines and portray their characters effectively without the potential drawbacks of consuming alcohol.

While actors' preferences are considered, the ultimate decision is also influenced by the director's vision, the scene's requirements, and the need to maintain the illusion of authenticity on screen. This collaborative process ensures that the chosen beverage aligns with the narrative and visual elements of the production.

Frequently asked questions