1. How To Build The Performer’s Foundation And Acting Portfolio?
While it is not that far-fetched to possibly get a part in a national-level commercial without any prior experience, having laid the career foundation for a step towards such a gig can significantly improve the respective performer's chances. Despite surely making only a relatively brief appearance over the course of such a short-length project, the commercial’s staff will likely still look for a performer who already has a certain level of experience and potentially knows how to conduct themselves in a major-level production.
Aspiring performers can improve their chances by working on their acting skills with industry professionals through individual training and acting classes. Amongst the key aspects that any actor should look to develop is their monologue work to better showcase their emotional depth and range of potential. While it is doubtful that the monologue skills will be put to a full display for the commercial, it does teach the actor how to have a more dominant stage presence and more efficiently convey the given project’s narrative. Similarly, a clear articulation and vocal control are two more things that can help a performer to deliver messages during commercials more effectively if necessary.
Often, commercials might have a full voiceover with the respective message, which means the actor has to rely only on their movement and physicality. Performers can also improve their ability to deliver a strong performance only through conveying emotions and movements by receiving training in specific movements, as well as dancing and stage acting. While establishing the foundational acting skills, it is important that the actor has experience with performing in front of the camera, as commercials require a nuanced skillset without which acting training and stage experience may not be sufficient. Luckily, some classes specifically focus on on-screen acting and teach about such things as adjusting the performance for various filming technicalities, including adjusting to the camera framing, e.g., going for close-ups, and learning about “hitting their marks”.
Similarly, aspiring performers can take part in workshops that focus specifically on advertising commercial acting to gain a better understanding of this performative field, its specifics compared to traditional acting, and trends for the given moment.
All of the aforementioned should be compiled into a professionally made acting portfolio, which will serve as the first introduction to casting directors and other industry professionals who are in charge of the decisions that ultimately can make or break a performer’s chances of getting the part in a national commercial. Besides listing all of the basic information, their training and skill list, actors also include their experience in the portfolio, including even minor projects like school plays or student films - every bit of extra experience may help to stand out amongst the competition. Of course, professional high-quality headshots that highlight the respective actors' looks and personality are also an absolute must to have a good chance at getting cast for a national commercial.
2. How Can I Find A Casting Call For A National Commercial?
The ambition to get a gig in a national commercial is quite a hefty one. Due to its nationwide reach and often major budgets, it is a desirable goal for numerous performers, yet it is also highly selective with its castings, looking for a commercial face that aligns with the product or brand they potentially will be selected to represent. Thankfully, the market for national commercials has never been bigger than it is right now, so by regularly checking updates for new casting calls, enough any type of actor should be able to find a project that they can apply to and have a realistic chance at getting cast for.
New casting calls can be found by working with talent agencies, as well as by browsing social media, yet the most convenient path for most will be through registering at a casting call-focused online platform. With new casting calls added on a daily basis, it is important to regularly check for the specific type of project - in this case, a national commercial - appearances. In some cases, alerts about specific types of casting calls can be set to remain ready to apply as soon as possible.
3. How Can I Apply To The Casting Call For A Role In A National Commercial?
Once the right casting call for a national commercial has appeared, and the performer believes they can check out all of the requirements listed in it, it is time to send in the submission for the respective role. As mentioned before, casting directors for a project of such nationwide scale will expect a professional acting portfolio with all of the relevant information about the candidate and their experience, high-quality headshots, as well as a performance footage compilation, if possible, included.
Before clicking on the submission button, actors should make sure all of the information is up to date and all their newest career developments are listed in the portfolio as well. Once the file formats and naming conventions for the files are also completed, and the submission deadline is not over, all that remains is to finally submit.
Depending on the particular project or platform, the submission may receive a confirmation email of successful actions. Following the application submission process, all that remains is to await the response from the casting staff while continuing to search for other casting call opportunities.
You might also be interested in:
4. What May Be The Auditioning For A Part In A National Commercial?
The response every application will be awaiting is the invitation to audition for the role in a national commercial. Usually, there are three ways things can continue from there - audition may take in person, online, or as a self-tape.
Auditioning in person in front of the casting director will require not only prior preparation, including potentially learning the necessary lines, but also being punctual, dressing appropriately, and maintaining a professional demeanor over the course of the event. Auditioning online has similar requirements and expectations from the performers, with the key difference of the performance takes place through an online conference call. This means the performer also must ensure the place they are auditioning is fit for it, as well as provide clear visibility and sound over the course of the process. Finally, a self-tape audition means the performer has to record their audition on their own and submit it to the casting directors without them being present over the course of the performance.
5. What Are My Next Steps During The Post-Audition Period?
Following the audition for the national commercial casting, performers can take time to reevaluate and reflect on their performance while awaiting the verdict from casting directors. It is advised to be patient and await the response rather than actively seek it on their own, as it would be rare for auditioned candidates to be left without at least a formal rejection. The final casting decisions are rarely immediate and usually take a while, so actors should continue to look for new casting calls and other opportunities, as well as further improving their skill set, for their career in the meantime.
If the final answer turns out to be a rejection, aspiring performers should try to handle it with grace as it is not personal, and still serves as a useful learning opportunity. If the answer is a callback, it is preparation time again with the aim of improving previous audition performance. Finally, if the role is being offered to the performer, they should carefully go through the legal aspects of it before deciding whether to accept or reject the offer for the role in a national commercial.
