How to Act in a TV Commercial
The acting industry is divided into several different categories, including theatre, film, television and commercials. To be a successful actor, you need super acting abilities. However, commercials are often cast based on how you look, rather than your acting abilities. To get a commercial gig, it's necessary to get your face in front of industry contacts.
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Instructions
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Visit a photographer to get some professional headshots taken. Keep it simple and look natural. Smile, show your teeth, keep the makeup and jewelry to a minimum, wear bright solid colors and avoid wearing distracting or busy patterns.
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Create an acting resume that highlights all of your acting experience, including television, film, commercials and theater gigs. Your acting resume should also list your name, contact information and demographics, such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, clothing sizes and shoe size.
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Browse for commercial casting calls through online resources, such as BackStage, NowCasting, Commercial Auditions and The Southern Casting Call. Read the casting call announcement for the name of the casting director responsible for casting the commercial, as well as casting instructions.
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Submit your professional headshot and resume to the address or email address that is provided in the casting instructions. If the casting director is interested in casting you in the commercial, you will be contacted. Otherwise, you may not receive further communication from the agency. There is no specific time frame for you to be contacted, unless indicated in the casting instructions.
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Sign with an agent or agency that specializes in casting commercials, once you have some experience under your belt. When you have an agent, she can submit your headshot and resume for casting calls that are announced by inside connections; some casting directors only use actors that have agency representation.
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Tips & Warnings
Most agents won't sign you until your resume indicates that you have been successfully booking gigs.
Before signing with an agent, consider consulting with an entertainment lawyer to ensure you fully understand the stipulations of your agency contract.
