How to Become a Commercial Actor

So, everyday you watch the television and wonder who those people are who are selling you cars, toothpaste and Diet Coke?
Most of them are professional actors who do commercials to make money "on the side" but lots of companies look for real people to sell their products.

How do you get started?

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 1. Get some commercial head shots. Any professional photographer or even a friend with a good eye and a digital camera can get you started. You'll need 2 different looks- one casual and one professional for the most part. ( If you have a special look emphasize it- hipster? retro? quirky?- all the better for commercials where companies are always looking for interesting characters who stand out from the crowd.)
   Make sure you have one shot that is smiling and approachable- and one that says business like and authority.

2. 2. Find a class that teaches how to work on camera or practice at home with your own video camera. Watch commercials- write down the dialogue and tape yourself doing it. Then watch it back and see how you compare. Often how we react in real life can seem too animated on a video when the camera is up close so it's a great learning tool to watch yourself.
   Most commercial and acting classes that are "On camera" do this very technique- give you material to work on, tape it, and then play it back to be critiqued. An experienced teacher can really help you fine tune your special skills and help you see what roles you'd be best cast in.

3. 3. Find a commercial agent. Take your new heads hot and resume ( which hopefully has your class experience on it) and pound the pavement. Agents deal with the best paying union jobs but there are also agents for non union work as well as agents who represent " real people". Search online and in the phonebook for agencies in your town. Beware: No reputable agency takes money up from to obtain you work! Agents get paid after you've gotten a job and then they take 10-15% of your gross.

4. 4.Every town and city has commercials of some kind- from radio ads to local stores to giant car companies and chain stores. Sign up for "Actors Access" online ( it's free) to see audition notices and get the newspaper "Backstage" which carries lots of great articles on being in the entertainment industry and audition notices as well.

5. 5. Be patient and get a thick skin. Rejection is the name of the game when you're doing auditions- especially in commercials when your "look" is often the most important thing. All you can control is what you do: so be prepared with whatever audition material you're given, show up on time, look like the part ( if you're a football player then wear a jersey, if you're a lawyer wear a suit, if you're a jogger wear gym clothes and sneakers- you get my point) and act professional. And have fun! Because that's the most important part.