If you are a struggling actor, looking to make it big, you could try getting cast in commercials. Many famous actors have climbed up the rungs to reach the film industry from featuring in advertorials. These advertorials have gotten them noticed by Hollywood casting directors and the rest is history!

Not just as a stepping stone to Hollywood, but commercial videos provide a great platform for actors wishing to explore their range while getting compensated in a just manner. Commercial adverts pay actors well and the actor can continue to pursue his/her dream by appearing in commercials from time to time.

How do you get cast in a commercial video? You can visit the office of a video production agency. A video production company gets commissioned to develop marketing videos. They usually announce casting calls for actors to come audition for the parts in these commercials.

What it takes to be a good commercial actor

A commercial has a runtime of less than 30 seconds on an average. So, any actor cast in a commercial has only that much time to believably portray a character. Besides this, casting directors casting for commercials tend to cast personalities over actors.

It is a given that the individual who will eventually be cast will have to possess acting ability. They will also need to render credibility, so that they fit their role in the eyes of the audience. It’s an added benefit for them if they are able to think on their feet and improvise in the moment.

Commercial acting is a competitive space and an actor must not lose hope despite the lack of callbacks. You will face numerous rejections before you get a callback. Casting comes even later.

As an actor, you are a public persona, and as such, you must socialize freely with people. It’s the only way you will get leads on casting calls and vacant roles. For this reason, you will need to invest in grooming yourself to be presentable to the public too.

Some tips to aid commercial acting hopefuls

·             Prepare for the role – If you want to get cast in that commercial you’ll be auditioning for, you have to prepare. You can’t walk into the audition without learning your lines or having an idea of the expressions you will portray. Commercial scripts are usually not very wordy. The actor’s job is to use his/her acting ability to fill in the gap. You can’t afford to forget or mispronounce your lines. But at the same time, the lines are not the most important part of commercial adverts.

·             Carry all necessary documents – Have a copy of your resume and your headshots with you when you go for any casting call. Also, wear character-appropriate clothing. When you do so, you are conveying to the director that you are dedicated towards bagging the role.

·             Groom yourself before appearing for the audition – An advertorial is a short affair, and because of this, the actors in it have very little time to establish their characters. Looking the part helps. So if you know about the kind of look that the role demands, try to groom yourself accordingly. You are more likely to be looked at for the part if you have a positive and cheery disposition.

·             Remember to leave a good impression – The video agency producing the commercial may not have thought you right for their current casting call, but they will be hosting casting calls in the future. So, try to leave a favorable impression on them. Maybe they’ll remember you for a role the next time they’ve been commissioned to make a marketing video.

·             Be a good listener – It’s important to listen carefully to the directions you are being given during an audition. Don’t behave like a know-it-all and speak more than required. Listen to the advice you are being given and then incorporate it into your acting. If needed, ask questions for clarification. Being dismissive towards feedback isn’t the best attitude for an actor to have on set.

NYC has many video production agencies providing commercial video services. Keep a tab on any news from them and try to remind yourself of the tips shared above to become a better commercial actor.