How to get on Television, do commercials and more!

Years ago I worked at a mundane company in the contracts department. It was very boring. In the cubicle next to me worked a very nice woman. She was bright, energetic, and when she wasn't working with us, she was working in dance competitions, television commercials and eventually left her job with us to become a vj on music television. During the months I knew her, I asked her how she got into this business and after awhile she told me all her secrets. I'm going to share them now with you so that if television/acting is your passion, you too might have the same success and find your way into those bright lights!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Will power
• A positive attitude
• some acting ability
• thick skin
• some good friends
• a camera/photographs
• can-do spirit

1. 

   STEP ONE: Where do you want to act? The first step is to determine what kind of acting do you want to do? Do you want to be on television? Are you looking for a sitcom, soap, commercial? What is your dream. You need to get this down. Be as realistic with yourself as possible. I'm sure we've all seen those American Idol auditions, and fooling yourself isn't going to fool anyone else. If you aren't gorgeous, and perfect, don't go for that. Believe me, there is plenty of room on television for ordinary folks. Watch television for any amount of time and you will see people who look like people you know. Assess, figure it out, and write it down.

2. 

   The next step is to determine HOW to get where you want to be. If you're thinking about getting on a sitcom or reality show, do the homework. Look at the actors who are on the program and find out where they were and what they did to get where they are. Did they have acting ability? Did they study drama? Do you have what it takes to get on? Many of these shows are looking for a certain look? Do you have that look? Can you get that look? You should try to stick to areas where you might fit in. Are you the preppie type? Or maybe you are the Athletic type? Or perhaps you are more comedic - what is known as a character actor. If you want to get on a show, or commercial you need to find out what it takes to be there and then write down what you have and what you need to get there.

3. 

   EXPERIENCE: I always suggest getting some acting experience under your belt. Every audtion requires a Resume. This isn't the same as you would create for a regular job. The theatre/film/television is different. In order to put together a decent resume that will get you noticed you need to put on that resume any bit of acting experience you've had. But it's worded differently. If you've done High School performance, then put "regional" there many tricks you can do. I suggest going to the library and getting a book on acting resumes. Or you might be able to find quite a few examples on line. If you don't have any acting experience, get some. Join a local theatre group, or a church group, or do a commercial for a local company,whatever it takes. One trick I learned was to take a magazine article and read it. When you can say the lines of the magazine ad like you were "born" saying them, then you've got it down for t.v. Also practice reading lines/saying lines in front of the mirror. If all you want is a bit part on t.v., it isn't that hard to get, you just have to have the look, and be able to say the lines like you were born saying them. And you need to feel comfortable in front of the camera. I suggest setting up a dummy lens and practicing talking to it, reading lines, as if you were talking to a person.

4. 

   HEADSHOTS: Once you get your resume together, and your experience is in line, then you need a headshot, this is a black and white 8X10 photo. You can do it yourself with a camera, but it's best if you go to a seasoned pro and have them done. The resume is attached to the back. This is what you send casting agents, etcetera for a part. It is your look ultimately that gets you the audition and your ability to say lines that gets you the part. I once wore a t-shirt in a headshot for an audition for a military film. You headshot is your calling card.

5. 

   MAILING: Now my friend told me that the way she got onto Saturday Night Live, and MTV and numerous commercials was by sending a postcard with her pics on it and a note, "looking for me" and then following it up with a resume in the mail. She got the addresses from a publication known as "Ross Reports." There are several such publications which have ads displaying what different companies are looking for. It was one of these ads that got her a bit part on SNL. I didn't believe her until I saw her that Saturday Night on television! Another route is to get a manager or an agent. Managers can help, but get a hefty commission. Agents are also helpful, but an agent also charges and may require an audition. If all you want is a bit part, then do the "extra" work. Extras get paid scale, but who knows, you could become a star. Look at Joan Crawford who started in the chorus. Not everyone in theatre and film goes through the front door. You can find away. Use your intuition.

6. 

   AUDITION: You will get an audtion. There are casting calls all the time in these magazines and websites devoted to film/television/theatre. A casting call is generally looking for a certain type. You may not be actor's equity/or SAG (as some require) but if they don't require it, go for the audition. If they like you enough, or want you in the film, they will help you get there. You can not just pay and join, you have to have an acting job to get in, and you can't get the acting job without being in - a catch 22, but...this is your ticket around that, what we call a proverbial loop hole. The more auditions you go on, the better your chances are at landing something. If you live in a town in the middle of nowhere, approach your local television station. Offer to act for free. Swallow your pride and go for it. Have that resume in hand and it the ground running. And good luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be discouraged. You gain when you try
• Do not waste time thinking about how you failed
• The more auditions, the better your chances
• Have two recitable pieces (plays, etc) to be able to audition with
• Get books on acting, do the homework, get yourself ready
• Be ready to sacrifice everything for your craft, even eating. You have to want it badly enough and live, breathe and eat it, to really and truly get it, and when you aren't looking for it...when you're down to that last crust of bread and wondering how you'll pay for that rat infested room you're renting, that's when it will come, when it's the last thing on your mind. And when it does, baby, it will be sooooooooo sweet. Never lose hope.
• There are many other star struck types out there up against you, you have to shine brighter and be better
• work work work!
• Enjoy the experience. If you do it for the fun of it and don't get too serious about it, you'll enjoy it. I auditioned for Julliard, and even though I didn't get in (because I didn't have the Shakespeare memorized!) I enjoyed just living the life, auditioning with actors and having a blast. I loved it!

Resources

• Backstgage
• Casting call, agents, managers, etc.

[CBPope]

on 11/16/2008 If you're in Michigan contact The Talent Shop in Bingham Farms

[Ruthie]

on 3/11/2008 Excellent article ! Each and every one of us has a bit of " pure Virginia ham " in us, to imagine ourselves as the person we see on the TV screen, excited about our " softer-than-soft " toilet paper, or our " super-chic, non-run " pantyhose. Your absolutely brilliant article made me dream again, and reflect on what I had in mind......so many years ago. Thanks for the " déjà vu " .