How to get into commercials with no experience

To get into commercials with no experience, use this guide:

Consume literature and media on acting

You may think acting in commercials is different from films, TV, or theater, but the principles of good acting are universal and utilized just as much in commercials as they are in other formats.

There are many renowned books on acting and even ones that apply to short-form acting, like commercials. Do some research and read as much as you can.

In addition to books, there is a wealth of free knowledge about acting in other formats. Check out different podcasts and tutorial videos on the craft, and seek to learn as much as possible.

Join a community theater program

These are ideal opportunities for people wanting to pursue acting but without any experience. It gives you the ability to develop confidence in front of an audience and in general as an actor.

You may think that commercials are different because you are acting for a camera, not an audience, but commercials typically have large film crews, so you need to get comfortable performing in front of large groups of people.

Theater acting will also help you polish your delivery with specific emotions, which is crucial in commercials.

Sign up for acting classes

Many communities have small acting workshops that are appropriate for beginners and these usually aren't very expensive. Acting classes can enhance valuable skills like focus, memorization, and improvisation.

Again, you may think that improvisation is not used in commercials, but this is also untrue. While you should always stick to the script in a commercial, sometimes forces beyond your control prevent this. If you seize the opportunity to improvise, you will be considered a professional.

Sometimes these moments even make it into the commercial. Scenarios like this will almost certainly result in you obtaining more commercial work.

Apply to a formal acting program

This is not a requirement, however, if you want to start an acting career in commercials and then move on to TV and films, it is recommended.

Another huge benefit of a formal acting program is that it will present you with networking opportunities.

Create an acting reel

Student films, short films, and tapped theater productions are also great ways to start building an acting reel. An acting reel is an edited video of your strongest work as an actor. You must develop one.

The great thing about acting reels is that they are just clips, so even if the production was lacking, you only need a piece of it that showcases your abilities as an actor.

Acting reels are often the factor that closes the deal on you getting a commercial acting gig.

Establish a strong social media presence

Social media represents a unique opportunity for actors in particular. Many can become self-made this way by gaining large amounts of followers or paid subscribers.

You could create spec ads. These are mock advertisements for real products. These have the advantage of showing casting directors what you would be like in a commercial.

Get professional headshots

Obtain headshots from a professional photographer. Headshots are used when submitting for auditions.

Sign up for commercial casting websites

Once you feel like you have enough knowledge and acting experience, log on to some commercial casting sites and start submitting applications. The truth is you don't need heaps of training to do this, but it can help you stand out.

Attempt to submit 40 to 50 commercials per month. You will be able to quickly gauge if your marketing materials (headshots, acting reel) need improvement or not based on the number of auditions you get.

Go on auditions and get rejected

Auditioning is one of the hardest parts of being any kind of actor. Learn to deal with rejection and use it as a motivator.