5 Tips to Nail Your First TV Commercial Shoot

Landing your first TV commercial job is one of the best things that can happen to you if you are a young, aspiring actor. It is a great way to demonstrate your acting skills, capability, and versatility. And even if the commercial only lasts a few seconds or a minute, it will give you the exposure that will help you break into the entertainment industry.

More importantly, this acting gig will be a welcome addition to your portfolio – one that will enable you to land more jobs.

Getting your first TV commercial job, though, is different from nailing it. Before you can call this gig as your crowning glory, you need to execute the commercial shoot successfully.

The best acting agencies in Sydney share some tips below that will help you nail your first TV commercial shoot:

1. Be prepared

If the commercial involves saying lines, you will most likely be given a script you need to be familiar with before shooting day. Make sure you memorize your lines by heart before the schedule.

It is also important that you ensure you have the right facial expressions and body movements as you deliver your lines. As such, you have to spend a lot of time rehearsing your part.

Practice in front of the mirror to see if you are making the right expressions and actions. Another technique would be to rehearse your lines with a parent, friend, or any other person. Ask them for their feedback and take note of them so that you can polish your acting and perform your best during the shoot.

Lastly, work on your articulation and diction. Make sure the director and viewers will understand everything that you say. Practice controlling your voice volume as well so that you will have an easier time doing this during the actual shoot.

2. Get enough rest

The night before the commercial shoot, get plenty of good quality sleep. All directors love energetic and enthusiastic commercial actors. You can be sure you will be all revved up and ready to act if you get enough rest the night before the shoot.

Additionally, eat a healthy, filling meal before the commercial shoot. This will ensure you will have extra energy to spare in case the schedule gets extended. Don’t forget to drink water and munch on something in-between takes to stay energized as well.

3. Show off your enthusiasm and personality

As already mentioned, directors love energetic, eager actors. As soon as you step on the set, show how ready and pumped up you are to star in your first commercial.

In addition, let your personality and talent shine through during the shoot. Always smile and be nice to everyone: the director, makeup artists, your co-actors, and crew. Work well with everyone to ensure the success of the commercial.

Try to stay as energetic as you can throughout the shoot. If you feel your energy ebbing, relax, hydrate, and eat something during breaks.

4. Listen to directions

Even if you already have a prepared approach for delivering your lines and portraying your character, be ready to drop them if the director gives you specific instructions on how to do them.

The director already has a vision for the commercial in mind. If the director thinks you need to change some things, listen to him or her and follow the instructions.

In case something is unclear to you, ask the director for an explanation. You can also practice the line or performance in front of the director and ask him or her if it is what he or she is looking for. If the director is still not satisfied, he or she will continue to communicate the required adjustments to you.

5. Be natural and spontaneous

Lastly, unless the director specifies otherwise, act naturally. Many commercial directors are now avoiding putting too much stock in theatrical-style performances. This is because they believe that the more natural actors are, the more their performance will be believable.

Additionally, aside from following the instructions of the director, be prepared for the unexpected. You may be asked to switch to another role, shoot the commercial at a different location, or be given a new set of lines.

Whatever happens, be professional, enjoy the experience, and have fun. By doing so, you will be remembered as a consummate professional and a great actor to work with.

As a final tip, don’t forget to stay focused throughout the shoot. This will further cement your reputation as a serious aspiring actor. This will, then, open more opportunities for you in the exciting world of entertainment.