Friday, December 23, 2011

Commercial Acting Class Features

4:43 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 ensures that students are able to provide the director with a genuine performance within minutes.

There are also other skills that must be acquired through a commercial acting class. On-camera skills is one such area of emphasis. This skill is especially vital due to the fact that the actor only has a very limited amount of time to bring a character to life during a commercial. 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. Being successful in the realm of commercials also requires expert interpersonal skills.

Actors must also always be ready for the camera as auditions and call backs can occur at any time. The ability to improvise can also come in handy. Although commercials do have scripts, actors are often given the opportunity to bring their own take on the role. Actors should be able to take the character and truly make it their own.

A genuine performance requires that the actor be familiar with and remain faithful to the commercial's objective. Naive actors all too often focus on convincing other people. If this is the case, the result will always be fake. The purpose of a commercial is to bring a character to life who truly believes in the product. The character must believe in the product so much that he or she wishes to invite others to enjoy the benefits themselves. Depending on the commercial, the actor may need to portray someone who has neglected to use the product and has consequently lost out. Make sure that you are prepared for this as well.

Other skills that are required include: Using stereotypes and being knowledgeable about how to handle products. Storyboards, framing, product placement, triangular technique, scooping, and specific character formation. Being a commercial actor also requires that the camera be treated and interacted with as another character.

Expert actors know that building a strong foundation and constantly working to improve are both essential to success. Dedicated commercial actors are the ones that will ultimately be successful.




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