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Acting Advice , Commercial , The Daily Roundup

Getting Started With Commercial Auditions 


September 24, 2024

Getting into the flow of commercial auditions can be jarring if you’re coming from a strictly film or theatre background. Commercials are the bread and butter of the trade for many working actors, and developing the skills necessary to turn in a great commercial audition is a huge asset. Here are a few things to consider when getting started.

Think About the Product the Commercial is Selling Before Your Audition

Remember, you’re here to sell something. Sometimes it’s not as cut and dried as a product — it may be a service, institution or idea. Whatever it is, be very clear about what you’re selling and make sure there’s a bit of sparkle when you say the name of the product. We’re not talking about anything over the top, just infusing it with genuine warmth. You don’t want the product to sound like an afterthought, you want it to sound like the solution to a problem.

What is the Tone of the Ad?

Not all commercials are the same! If you’re able to research previous advertising for the company or product ahead of time, you will notice that commercials often have repeating themes, gimmicks and structure. If you can’t do this, figure out the tone from the script, just like you would with any scene. Fitting into the world of the commercial is essential.

Avoid Talking to Camera

More often than in film and television, you might find yourself talking directly to the camera. Make the camera your scene partner. Just like any self tape, you have to be specific about your imagined scene partner. Who are you helping? Confiding in? Celebrating with? Many commercials are looking for actors who feel like “real people.” This means grounding yourself in a genuine voice and finding a way to believe in what you’re selling.

Plan Ahead for Your Callbacks

More and more, the virtual callback is the way of things. With commercial callbacks, scripts are often zippy. That means you may get one line to sell yourself, and your ability to nail the tone, quickly implement additional direction and remain unflappable throughout will put you ahead.

Planning is your friend. Test the zoom framing, double-check the timezone, unlock your phone orientation and have a backup filming plan. The last thing you want is to be fussing over tech when you’re trying to keep your head in the game.

What to include on your Casting Networks Profile to Help You Land More Commercial Auditions

Now that you have more tools in your chest to help you in your commercial auditions, you may be wondering how to incorporate that into your Casting Networks profile in order to see more commercial auditions. Here’s what you should include to increase your chances and build out your profile:

  • Make sure you have a headshot that is wholesome, approachable, friendly and smiling with teeth.
  • Headshots showcasing various types are great, but if you’re just starting or are on a budget, don’t feel pressured to showcase every profession out there. You don’t need a doctor and a teacher and a construction worker, etc.
  • If you have a reel, include it. Even better if it includes commercial work.
  • Clips are great. If you have clips of just commercial work, independent of a full reel, definitely put it up!
  • Don’t forget voiceover (VO) work. Many commercials utilize VO, and having audio clips at hand is a great asset.

Don’t forget to have fun. If you’re not used to commercial work it’s easy to get stressed over the “rules.” But it can be a fun silly time if you let it, and great work if you can get it.

Thinking about joining Casting Networks? Sign up for a free trial today!

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