For actors, commercial auditions can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the industry, it’s important to feel confident and prepared for when you enter the audition room. That’s why I’ve put together this article just for you on the top tips for commercial auditions. From researching the types of commercials out there, to demonstrating confidence and authenticity, I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to feel prepared and confident for your next commercial audition. These tips are sure to help you shine, so let’s dive in!
The 3 Main Types of Commercials
Depending on the goal they are trying to accomplish, advertisers employ a range of strategies and techniques to market their goods. Some companies want to show how their product can enhance customers’ quality of life or assist them in solving a particular issue. Recognizing these differences can help a commercial actor give a powerful performance. The three primary types of ads are spokesperson, problem/solution, and slice-of-life.
Spokesperson Commercials
In a spokesperson ad, you as the actor will be the brand’s spokesperson and face. You’ll frequently have to recite lines that persuasively market the good or service from memory. This style of advertisement is often employed for goods that demand a powerful brand image or a close relationship with the consumer. Think “Jake” From State Farm, Flo from Progressive or the GEICO Gecko.
Problem/Solution Commercials
In a problem/solution commercial, you will play a character who has a problem that the advertised good or service can fix. The advertisement then demonstrates how the good or service may effectively address the issue. This style of advertisement is frequently used for goods that offer a special answer to a particular problem or address a common issue with consumers.
Slice-of-Life Commercials
In a slice-of-life advertisement, you will play a person who makes use of the good or service being promoted in a realistic and commonplace situation. By demonstrating how the product or service fits into the consumer’s daily life, the commercial aims to build an emotional bond between the product or service and the customer. This style of advertisement is frequently used for goods that people use on a daily basis, such as food, drinks, and home furnishings.
You may develop a successful plan to land the part by knowing what kind of commercial you are auditioning for, so understanding the different types can be an invaluable tool for you.
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Tips for Having Successful Commercial Auditions
Commercial auditions are an essential part of landing a job in the industry, and it’s important to know how to make a lasting impression. With the right preparation, practice, and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of success in commercial auditions.
Research the Brand and Product
Having a good grasp of the product or brand that is being promoted by conducting research on it is important. You’ll be able to speak confidently and intelligently about the features of the product during the audition, which will help you in providing more compelling and genuine performances. Figuring out the specific brands ‘voice’ can also help you stand out by giving you an idea of how to deliver words, employ facial expressions, and adopting a certain voice tone to match the brand’s.
Actors can produce a more impactful performance by harmonizing their performance with the brand’s voice and image. You may even find certain props or wardrobe choices are better suited than others to elevate your audition to mesh with the brand or product further.
Make Sure You’re Prepared to Deliver Your Lines
This should, of course, go without saying, but be sure to memorize your lines, and be ready to deliver them. Since commercials are often going for a more ‘real’ feel, don’t overdo it. Unless the role you’re going for specifically wants you to be over the top, it’s better to keep it more natural and organic.
Don’t Talk More Than You Listen
One of the quickest ways to hurt your chances in commercial auditions (or any audition) is by talking more than you listen, it can literally cause you to be eliminated from consideration entirely. You are judged on a variety of factors during an audition, including the quality of your performance and your general demeanor. Your ability to follow and execute direction is one important aspect that will determine whether you get a callback. In the end, each of these variables will determine if you are able to secure the job.
Be calm and pay close attention to the director’s instructions in order to increase your chances of booking the job. Many actors commit the error of immediately reacting with words like “Yep, got it!…” without actually understanding what the director is attempting to say. You can show that you can take direction by remaining silent, paying close attention to the director’s adjustments and then repeating back the directions to the director so you’re on the same page.
Don’t Be Discouraged If You Don’t Get the Role
The truth is, you may not be cut out for the role you were going for, but that doesn’t mean you didn’t do well in your audition. By continuing to prepare for other commercial auditions, you show your commitment, and the casting director may put in a good word for you or remember you from your previous auditions. The more effort you put into auditions, even if you don’t get the first, second, or even third job, the fourth one may just be the one that is right for you, so keep trying and honing your on-camera, self tape audition skill set, you’ll eventually be rewarded for your efforts!
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