How to Get Cast in Commercials
Have you ever dreamed of appearing on TV? Do you often think, when watching a commercial, that you could do as well as, or better than, the actors involved? Well, with a little luck and a great deal of dedication and persistence, it's quite possible you could get a shot at it. Commercials are among the most sought-after of acting assignments, because not only do they offer great exposure, they also pay well. As a commercial actor, you collect a residual every time your commercial airs, and that can add up to quite a bundle of money for a single day of shooting. If you'd like to pursue this lucrative and fun career, here's how to go about it.
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Instructions
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How to Get Cast in Commercials
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Train as an actor. You may hear stories about rank beginners making it big, and sometimes it does happen. But you'll improve your chances dramatically by being better prepared.
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Develop poise. Contrary to what you might expect, you don't have to be glamorous or perfect to land a job in commercials---commercials look for all types. It is important to be comfortable and expressive with your body.
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Practice for the camera. Record yourself and study the footage carefully to correct any problems you find in your presentation. Make certain that your speaking voice is articulate and pleasant to listen to.
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Create a photo package. It's a good idea to have a primary head shot that accurately presents your true appearance and personality, as well as a few shots showcasing your range in portraying characters. Note that photographers' fees vary widely. You don't have to go with the most expensive service available, but you do need excellent quality, which almost certainly means using an experienced photographer. A head shot is a powerful marketing tool that can get your foot in the door. It is no longer necessary to have massive quantities of these photos printed, as many submissions are now done online.
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Build a resume and portfolio of experience. For a commercial actor, this will include a video reel. Get whatever experience you can on camera, even if it means volunteering to do a promotion for a car dealership on a local TV station.
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Make certain you live in an area with a viable market. Even in this age of Internet communication, you won't find nearly as many opportunities in Kansas City as you will in New York, Los Angeles or Chicago.
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Get an agent. Admittedly, it's easier said than done; in fact, obtaining an agent can be as difficult as getting work once you have one. But without an agent, it's virtually impossible to succeed in the competitive world of commercials and film.
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Regularly scour the trade periodicals such as Back Stage for audition opportunities. Don't expect your agent to do all the work!
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a particularly expressive and versatile voice, you should consider additional opportunities in voice overs. Students at film schools frequently need volunteer performers for their projects. These unpaid parts are not as competitive as the ones found in professional films but can result in quality work that will help you build your portfolio.
Never pay an upfront fee to someone to find film work for you. There are all kinds of scams in this field, and you should be always on your toes.
