The Meisner technique has proven itself to be highly effective in preparing actors for commercials. Due to the fact that the commercial industry is incredibly quick paced, actors have to be able to immediately adopt the required persona during an audition in order to land the role.
Actors who are trained in the Meisner technique acquire necessary commercial acting techniques including the ability to spontaneously "create" their character. This allows the commercial actor to create a thoroughly realistic performance.
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. In addition, the actor must also interact with a third party or the "product" that they are selling.
In order to create a connection between the character and the product, actors must learn correct product placement. These subtle skills can make all the difference between landing a commercial role and being rejected.
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.
Being 100% ready to be in front of a camera at all times is another integral skill. 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. Some actors are able to take the roles they are given and impart them with personalities that even the producers did not anticipate.
A genuine performance requires that the actor be familiar with and remain faithful to the commercial's objective. Many unprofessional commercial actors are under the false impression that their objective is to convince others. 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. 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 required skills include: Learning about the product and stereotypes. Creating storyboards, framing, product placement and highlighting, scooping, triangular technique, and how to play different types of characters. Commercial actors must also learn to treat the camera as another actor and interact with it accordingly.
In order to succeed, great actors know that they must constantly work to improve their already strong foundation. Taking commercial acting seriously and staying dedicated can help actors advance their way up the ladder.
Actors who are trained in the Meisner technique acquire necessary commercial acting techniques including the ability to spontaneously "create" their character. This allows the commercial actor to create a thoroughly realistic performance.
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. In addition, the actor must also interact with a third party or the "product" that they are selling.
In order to create a connection between the character and the product, actors must learn correct product placement. These subtle skills can make all the difference between landing a commercial role and being rejected.
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.
Being 100% ready to be in front of a camera at all times is another integral skill. 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. Some actors are able to take the roles they are given and impart them with personalities that even the producers did not anticipate.
A genuine performance requires that the actor be familiar with and remain faithful to the commercial's objective. Many unprofessional commercial actors are under the false impression that their objective is to convince others. 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. 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 required skills include: Learning about the product and stereotypes. Creating storyboards, framing, product placement and highlighting, scooping, triangular technique, and how to play different types of characters. Commercial actors must also learn to treat the camera as another actor and interact with it accordingly.
In order to succeed, great actors know that they must constantly work to improve their already strong foundation. Taking commercial acting seriously and staying dedicated can help actors advance their way up the ladder.
About the Author:
The Maggie Flanigan Studio is the best two year acting program in New York City for serious actors. To learn more about the four week commercial acting workshop you can visit the studio website.