Photo Credit: Adapted from ColumbusCameraOp via cc
How should I audition for commericals and adverts
I am just the first part of the process. I am step one. It is up to the ad agency and the director.
And if there is a call back, I’d consider it a gift. It is a gift for actors, it shows they are doing something right.
And if there is a call back, I’d consider it a gift. It is a gift for actors, it shows they are doing something right.
Anyone who has ever been for a commercial audition will tell you that they are a whole different ballgame to any audition you have experienced before. They usually involve a long wait, they usually involve you doing something completely bonkers and they usually make you feel more like being at a cattle call than being a handpicked actor.
However, the benefits of getting cast in an advert are huge. They normally pay very well for just one or two days work. They introduce you to fresh new exciting directors who you might later meet in both television work and movie work too. They can be a lot of fun. They get your face seen on tv, and whilst you might not be recognised as ‘the guy from the yogurt ad’ people will associate you with being on tv and their confidence in casting you will grow.
Commercial auditions can be a lot of fun if you stop ‘dreading’ them before they even happen, look upon them as an opportunity to have a laugh and to do a little of what you do best: act, impro and have fun.
You need to know the best way to behave at a commercial audition if you are ever going to succeed in booking the job so here are our top ten tips for commercial auditions.
Top Ten Tips for Commercial Auditions
Acting at a casting for a commercial requires the same level of professionalism as any other audition. Here is how we believe you should behave if you want to start booking those adverts!
-
Be EarlyBeing early is being on time, arriving exactly on time for your slot is late! Be friendly but not overly. Dress in suitable clothing and be ready to wear the exact same outfit to a callback.This is your business and you are representing yourself – act like a professional not an amateur. -
ListenThe casting director or assistant who is running the audition will have spoken to the director and/or clients and will know what they want.Many actors will be filling out the artist information sheet, chatting to fellow actors or running through the lines and not completely listen to any instructions/advice that the CD might be giving to the waiting room.Give them your full attention if they are describing the scene, the shots and the choices that the director wants – they know what they want to see from you don’t miss out on hearing that.
-
Look like your headshotIf you do not look like your current headshot then everyone’s time is wasted.Casting directors use headshots to know what roles you are suitable for, so make them truthful. Wrinkles, moles, bags under eyes – these are all signs of you and your character so don’t try and hide them.
-
Have FunAuditioning needs to be fun, especially with adverts.However long you might have waited to be seen, don’t bring that into the casting room. The people who book the jobs bring joy and a positive energy in to the room.Be positive, smart, happy, prepared and relaxed.You are a supporting role to the star – the product – so don’t act like a diva.
-
SlatingYou will need to give your name, agent and maybe a bit of chat to the camera before you audition. This is for the director and clients to ‘meet you’ (they will not be at a first audition).Face the camera with a pleasant expression and talk down the lens, and don’t project – the camera will pick up your voice at a normal conversational level, remember this is a screen audition.
-
Be PreparedYou most probably have been sent some lines the day before, or if not you will get the sides when you arrive. Read these thoroughly and memorise them as best you can – it’s a commercial so it won’t be reams of dialogue – use the time in the waiting room to prepare yourself not to schmooze with the other actors.Really look for the clues from the director on these sheets which tells you what they are looking for.
-
Saying Sorry or SwearingIf you mess up don’t let it phase you, we all slip up a little. Just start again without saying a word about it.Don’t apologise or start swearing – it doesn’t project a professional image at all.
-
ChoicesCommercial casting directors will sometimes see 100 actors for one role – you need to be able to come in and do what you need to do in the first take, you might not get time for a second one.If you do have a choice for the second take then ask if you can try it another way, but do what is asked of you first.
-
ImproviseKnowing how to impro well is one of the best skills for advert auditions. Very often the whole audition will involve improvising around a set of circumstances.Be ready to tell a story without taking focus from the star – the product. Be ready to help impro with your scene partner if they are getting lost, but work with them don’t throw them a curve ball. If you have been paired up then make the CD know that this pairing is actually the best choice for the product – work as a team.Taking an impro class is a great idea if you want to get better at commercial auditions.
-
ConfidenceWalking in to a casting studio confidently will always elevate your standing in the eyes of the director – confidence shines through when you feel prepared.Remember that there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance – you always want to appear like the kind of person who would be fun to have around on a working set and would bring confidence and professionalism to the commercial.
