Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Choosing Good Commercial Acting Class

3:45 PM
By Maggie Flanigan


Through intense Meisner training, many student actors find themselves well equipped for commercial acting. Because commercials are cast so quickly, it is necessary for actors to be able to adopt the appropriate persona spontaneously.

Because a commercial acting class that utilizes the Meisner technique focuses on imparting students with a vast arsenal of imagined experiences, actors become very well prepared for commercial auditions. This allows the commercial actor to create a thoroughly realistic performance.

A commercial acting workshop must impart other necessary skills as well. On-camera skills is one such area of emphasis. Because they are so short, commercials require that actors create their characters in a short period of time which necessitates expert camera interaction. Commercial actors must also learn how to interact with a third party, the "product".

In order to successfully sell a product, actors must also learn how to effectively utilize product placement. Although subtle, these skills are essential when it comes to separating you from the other aspiring commercial actors.

Everyone, from agencies to producers, put a lot on the line when they choose a commercial actor. Producers, agency executives, as well as casting agents have a huge investment in choosing the right actor for their commercials. Along with acting skills, a commercial actor should develop their interpersonal skills.

Another essential part of being a commercial actor is always being ready for the camera. As is the case with other types of acting, improvisation is key as well. Despite the fact that commercials are scripted, the roles typically call for more on-the-spot actor improvisation. Actors should be able to take the character and truly make it their own.

Being aware of the commercial's objective is essential to a genuine performance. Naive actors all too often focus on convincing other people. This "understanding" creates a fake performance. Belief in the product is something that that actor must convey himself. Only when the character believes in the product can they attempt to convince others to reap the benefits as well. Some commercials will call for the actor to portray a character who has lost out due to not using the product. Being prepared for both types of characters is essential.

Other required skills include: Learning how to interact with products as well as how to use stereotypes. Framing, the formation of storyboards, how to highlight products, triangular technique, how to create certain characters, and scooping. Being a commercial actor also requires that the camera be treated and interacted with as another character.

The best actors know that they have never learned all there is to know. The commercial actors who remain dedicated to their work are the ones will gain the experience necessary to become truly successful.




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