Welp, it’s time to wrap up this series. I’ve received so many amazing responses to the articles and I’m so happy that it has helped some of you navigate the waters of commercial auditions. Over the course of the series, I’ve received some specific questions that couldn’t quite fit into the previous articles. I will do my best to answer them here. And off we go!
“I’ve read all of your posts here on Ms In The Biz and think your tips make perfect sense. However, I feel as if I’ve been doing them already and I’m not seeing results. I’m a fit, attractive girl, in my 20’s. I thought I’d have no problem booking commercials. What’s wrong with me?” -Anna
Girl! I hear you. And I understand your frustration. There are many things that could be causing a problem but I’ll list a few of the more likely ones here. Before I do, go put your thick skin on. I’ll wait.
Option 1: You’re too attractive!
What?! In Hollywood?! There’s no such thing as too attractive! Well, there is in the commercial world. Commercials are NOT the same as movies or TV. Show runners and executives are looking for “people you’d like to sleep with” to be in their shows. They want you to tune in every week to spend some time with McDreamy/Steamy or any of those impossible good looking people on the CW. That is NOT what MCDONALDS wants. Or what BANK OF AMERICA wants. You get me. I would guess that 90% of the auditions I get say some version of the following.
“Attractive but quirky” or “Not too good looking” or “No model types”
I used to be offended. But hey, you gotta work with what you’ve got! They are generally looking for wholesome and aspirational types. They wouldn’t have Angelina Jolie in a TIDE commercial, they would rather have someone that middle America would relate to.
Now, I’m going to back up for a second to clarify that, of course, this doesn’t go for ALL commercials. For example, DISARONNO usually has drop dead gorgeous actors in their commercials. But these are not as common as commercials for, say, car insurance.
Option 2: Your age!
Early twenties can be a weird age for a lot of people when it comes to commercials. You have to ask yourself, who are most commercials targeting? The bigger portion of them that I see are targeting adults. In your early twenties, you are technically an adult, but I think you’re seen pretty young in the eyes of the whole country. Therefore, you are not a great representative for STATE FARM or DODGE. I bet in a few years, this will change a lot for you. Until then, enjoy all those CW auditions that the rest of us are too old for!
Option 3: It just hasn’t “clicked” yet.
You may be doing everything I said, but maybe you’re still not as confident as you could be. Or maybe you just haven’t been at the right place at the right time. Maybe for one audition, you were too tall and for another you were too blonde. Who knows. There is a particular commercial casting office in town that, I think, loves me. Sometimes I get called in for them multiple times a week. I always feel great, I usually get a callback, many times I even get on avail. I’VE NEVER BOOKED A SINGLE THING AT THEIR OFFICE! This has been going on for almost two years. But, they haven’t given up on me yet. Sometimes, it’s just timing.
I hope that helps a little. Just keep doing good work and the good work will find you!
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“I was on set last week and I heard people arguing with the Second AD about their contract not being right. I don’t even know how to read those things. What should I be looking for?” -Gregg
Very good question. To be honest, those things may as well be written in Kanji as far as I’m concerned. They are very hard to understand. This is where a good agent is crucial. However, if you don’t have a shark of an agent yet, here’s my quick and dirty thought about what to look for.
– Does your pay rate match what was listed on the original breakdown. I don’t notice this happen very often but every once in a while it does. Sometimes there are different roles receiving different pay, so it can be an honest mistake. But you need to catch it if it’s there.
– Scan all documents for the term “in perpetuity”. These words equal DANGER! “In perpetuity” means for ever and ever, until the end of time. That means that they reserve the right to air this commercial until the end of time without paying you again. Let me think…um…NO! You are NOT this desperate to be on TV. This is going to be your livelihood and the way you support your family. Do not sell yourself out for a quick $400!
There have been SEVERAL times when, on the day of the shoot, I find this written into the contract. I will book something that is supposed to run for one year, and then on set, they sneak those two little words in there hoping you will not notice. Always scan for these words at the very least. Many times, they will hand me the contract as I’m walking to set and ask me to sign. Nope. You should have received that right when you arrived on set, if not before. And if they try to guilt you into it by saying “We can’t shoot until you sign.” Politely tell them that it is your right to make sure that this is correct before you sign.
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“I’m always being called in for “mom” roles. I’m only 28! I’m never going to book a commercial being a mom. What should I say to my agent?” – Brittany
What you need here is a change of perspective. Like the person in the first question, you’re making the mistake of thinking TV moms and commercial moms are the same. They are not. Commercials are trying to sell their products to middle America. Not just us crazy LA and NY types. And, where I come from, everyone my age is a mom. It’s no longer an “old” thing. You’re going in because you are probably the youngest, hippest, and prettiest “mom type” they could find. It’s a compliment. Plus there are a lot more “mom” commercials than “young mid-twenties” ones. And if that still doesn’t make you feel better, just think about cashing a fat check. It takes the sting out of getting older…a bit.
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“I never know what to wear to my commercial auditions. I can’t afford to buy a ton of different outfits. What do I do?” -Erin
You don’t have to spend a lot, but you should buy two or three of, what I like to call, “booking shirts”! Target is THE BEST. Get yourself one brightly colored, fitted sweater. Not TOO form fitting, though. Remember, commercials are pretty modest. Maybe grab a fitted navy polo shirt. This can work for many of the “employee” roles. Lastly, get a nice, brightly colored T-shirt. Between all of these, you’re covered for most auditions.
I wear the same darn shirt to almost every audition. It’s not a fashion show and if it ain’t broke, I ain’t gonna fix it. Casting knows that there will be wardrobe provided on set anyway. Just do your best to look clean and polished, and you’ll be set to go!
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“In one of your previous posts, you talked about improv in commercial auditions and how to be a good scene partner. I seem to always get stuck with those people that steamroll over everyone and make it all about them. What should I do in this situation?” – Melissa
Welp, to be honest, you’re screwed. There’s really nothing you can do. You can’t stay behind and ask to audition again. You just got dealt a bad hand today. This is why I think that learning about improv is so important to commercial actors. If we all knew a little something, we wouldn’t have as many of these experiences.
You just have to trust and hope that the person watching the auditions can see that is wasn’t your fault. And really, this happens a lot. You’ve got to give casting a little credit. They watch enough auditions and can tell when this is happening. Your job is to just be a polished, positive professional and let the chips fall where they may. Then pat yourself on the back for never doing that to your scene partners. Because it stinks!
Okay, my little darlings. That’s it. If you have any more questions for me, feel free to leave them in the comments.