So ya wanna be in commercials? I think we all do! There’s good money in it and they will always be around; which, at this point, seems to be more than I can stay for scripted television. It’s also easier to get a commercial agent when you’re first starting out in Hollywood. Now, go back and re-read that, because I didn’t say it was easy. Just that it seems to be easier than getting that darn theatrical representation.
Commercials are certainly a whole other animal than “regular acting”. Auditioning for them is another skill set that you should perfect if you want to be successful. While I may not be a master on the subject, I have booked my share of commercial work and I’d like to help you do the same. In this series, I’m going to share the lessons I’ve learned while auditioning for commercials.
1. Watch commercials.
For the love of crap, people! How is anyone expecting to land a job in an industry they know nothing about. It just doesn’t make sense. You need to be up to speed on the current trends. What kind of humor is being used in the spots? Is “Deadpan” the new black? What hair styles/lengths are popular? Are there lots of men with scruff? And so on. It behooves you to know who and what is booking jobs.
2. Listen to commercials.
Commercial spokesperson copy almost ALWAYS sounds the same. For example in many ads, first we hear the negative then we hear the solution.
“When I have headaches, I use Advil.”
Another example is that, when saying the name of the product, their inflection usually goes up and they have “smile” in their voice. These are subtle nuances that help to make the ads more effective to the viewer. When you start listening to these ads over and over, you’ll start to hear the same rhythm and inflections. Learn it, know it, live it. It is THE KEY!
3. Know and respect the product.
If you’ve never heard of the product, do a quick google search so you can walk in with a little information. Know the name of the product! If you have nothing else in the entire script memorized, please memorize the product name. Can you imagine interviewing for a position at a Fortune 500 company and needing to refer to your notes to reference its name? Don’t be that person.
Speak about the product positively or don’t speak about it at all. I remember a few years back when I had a callback for Doritos. My “husband” in the spot walked into the room, said hello to the director and the clients. Then, for no reason that I can imagine, told all of them that he hated Doritos! He didn’t book the job.
4. Listen to the explanation carefully.
More often than not, the casting assistant will call you into the room to give an explanation. This is a very important moment and deserves its very own list of do’s and don’ts.
DO – Walk to the side of the room that the CAMERA is on. The casting director/assistant will be demonstrating what you will be doing from the actor’s point of view, facing the camera. So, you should watch him from the casting’s point of view.
DO – Stop having the conversation you were having in the hallway. This is where you stay quiet and listen to the very important instructions that casting wants to share with you. You know why? They WANT you to get the job. If you are amazing, everyone gets to go home. So, please, please, for the love of money, stop talking.
DON’T – Try to be witty or funny when the casting director is explaining the scene. You’re probably not that original and this isn’t your stand up show. This poor guy/gal has been explaining this exact same thing all day. Don’t make him work harder by fake-laughing at your lame joke.
DO – ask any questions now! You might not be the only one that has them.
DON’T – ask a question just to hear your own voice aloud.
5. Give a great slate.
Okay, now let’s work on your first impression. There are four common things you should be aware of.
- First, they will take your Polaroid photo. Look directly into the camera and give a nice, confident smile. After all, this photo will serve your headshot for this casting session.
- Slate – State your first and last name confidently and clearly. This will be the first time the decision makers will hear your voice. Give them a reason to sit up and listen, even though they’ve seen one hundred people before you. Say it with volume, and make it a statement.
Instead of “Tristen MacDonald?” – Do you like me?
Make it “Tristen MacDonald.” – I’m awesome.
Because you are awesome, right? Well, I think you are.
- Hands – Hold your hands directly in front of your face for two seconds and then flip them to the other side. We’re just checking for ten fingers, decently groomed hands and tattoos. Which reminds me, learn from my mistake, and don’t get tattoos on your wrists. It has cost me many jobs and it’s a real pain getting them removed.
- Profiles – Turn your head to look over to one side of the room for a second, then turn to look at the other side. Got both ears? You’re doing great! Make sure you move any hair away from your face while doing this. They wanna see your “money maker”!
That’s it for now. Join me next time for Part Two, where we’ll talk more about how to handle the actual audition and copy! YAY!