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How Does a TV Commercial Actor Spend a Workday?
Saturday, January 03, 2009
InstructionsPress KitStep 1: A large part of the TV commercial actor's workday revolves around building and refining hia press kit. A press kit is much like a resume for a traditional job including past experience, education and references. However, along with the normal aspects of a resume, a press kit includes promotional head shots, and may in some cases also involve a DVD of previous commercial performances.
Working With an AgentStep 1: A TV commercial actor will also spend much of his day working with an agent. Though some actors choose to research casting calls and commercial leads on their own, an agent quite often has access to listings and contacts that most independent actors do not. The actor will spend much of the day working with an agent to find out how to best sell his talent, and also will go on numerous auditions as recommended by the agent.
AuditionsStep 1: Auditions are another large part of a commercial actor's workday. Auditions may be set up by an agent, or discovered on classified postings in magazines, newspapers and websites that list casting calls. Once in the audition, an actor will be expected to present his press kit, and read through a portion of the commercial script. The actor may be asked to read the script in a few different ways to see how well he can take direction. If the casting director likes the actor, he may be offered the part, or may be asked to return for a callback audition.
UnionsStep 1: Many commercial actors choose to join a union. As such this also becomes part of a commercial actor's workday. A commercial actor can consider joining the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. This may make the actor eligible to move from commercials to sitcom and other TV work, but it also comes with monthly dues and hefty membership fees.
MemorizationStep 1: Once a TV commercial actor gets hired for a commercial, hid workday begins to include memorization of the script. Different actors choose different ways to help them memorize including practicing with others, or just reading the script over and over to themselves. It is the duty of an actor to be fully prepared before entering the set.
TakesStep 1: The next part of the workday involves time spent on the set actually performing the commercial. This can be a long and tedious process depending on how many scenes and locations the commercial takes place in.
Taking DirectionStep 1: An actor will be required to do many takes in many ways. The actor must also be willing and able to adjust his skills to the desires and leading of the director. The actor may also have to alter his looks to fit the direction of the director and creative staff. This may mean many hours in makeup and wardrobe to look the part.
PromotionStep 1: After a commercial has been completed, some commercial actors may be required to do follow up promotional work. This is especially the case where you have become the face of the brand. You may be required to do press trips or other promotional activities to continue your work for the company you shot the commercial for. If you are not longer needed after the commercial, the work day will return to adjusting your resume and going out on new auditions.
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