Commercial Acting: How I Booked a Commercial (Step by Step Walkthrough)

This video documents my journey on the last commercial I booked from the audition process to wardrobe fitting to being on the set and everything that goes into all of that. It's something I've wanted to film for a long time -- showing other actors how it really goes, not my opinion or idea of how it goes, but how it actually goes.
As I teach and learn more about what’s out floating around on the internet, I feel the need to warn new and experienced actors alike about the latest “Acting Coaches” and acting “Guru’s” who are popping up. Covid-19 gave birth to a new onslaught of acting coaches, teachers, and “Master Classes” that are people in the industry who have had limited experience and are trying to make a quick buck in tough times. The problem with this is that a flood of bad information is swirling about, and if you’re new and don’t do your homework, it can set you back or have you going the wrong direction. Before you sign up for any “online workshop” for auditions, self tapes, and the like, please use IMBD.com and research the person(s) putting on these classes. Do your homework and only take advice from people with at least 10 to 20 years experience to start, and least 40 to 50 credits on IMDB. Always check IMDB.com for credits and credentials.
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MORE HELPFUL VIDEOS:
✅ Acting Mistakes: 3 Things Actors Should Avoid on Their Reels: bit.ly/3042rdq
✅ The Acting Process: How Callback Auditions Work: bit.ly/3bRhJoA
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✅ The Acting Process: How to Keep Your Acting Career Afloat During the Pandemic bit.ly/2NW5FcV
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[@finallyfree2BMe]

Oh and I was like "pick the yellow shirt! Pick the yellow shirt! So I was happy when they chose the yellow one 💛

[@finallyfree2BMe]

Thank you so much for taking us on set with you! This was one of the most exciting videos I have seen. Nobody usually shows us that much behind the scenes!

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks Shannon. Glad you liked it!

[@underh76bvc]

Really great video! The closeup trick is a great idea. Congratulations on the booking. Looking forward to seeing your next video with the commercial!

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks so much!

[@lynmarrero4302]

So excited 🤔🎯

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks Lyn!

[@charlita25]

Thanks 🙏🏾 for sharing your experience

[@ActingCareerExpert]

My pleasure, thanks for watching Charlita.

[@lucyloves7739]

Excelente thank you for sharing your experience. So helpful!! Days and days for looking a video with an actual exorbitance and found nothing like this. Thanks again and wishing you lots of success!!

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Glad it was helpful Lucy! If you go to my website now and enter the code: NEWYEAR you'll get 75% off right now. Hope that helps. www.actingcareerexpertstudio.com

[@madisonmyers]

How fun. Thank you for all your advice. I just got a New Commercial Agent. I'm Soo excited can't wait to book multiple commercials. Super motivated 😁💜💜💜

[@ActingCareerExpert]

You are so welcome Madison. Congratulations on your new agent! Keep me posted on your progress.

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Hi Madison, I'm sending this to my subscribers and I hope I'm not sending you this more than once . Just wanted to thank you for watching and showing your support for my channel over the past 2 years, and I’m glad my videos have helped. I also wanted to give all my subscribers a chance to sign up for the website I’ve been building that’s finally complete. As a subscriber/supporter I wanted to give you guys huge discount which is my way of saying thanks! Just go to www.ActingCareerExpertStudio.com and click "register now” Then use the code: STARTTODAY to get the subscriber price of just $49/mo which gives you access to: 50 workshop videos, all the resources including a resume template, audition tracker, 7 steps to nail any scene or audition, as well as an audition checklist, 5 self-tape secrets, and free Zoom coaching once a week! It’ll be like having an acting coach right in your house. Hope to see you inside… Thanks again!

[@AussieGirl235]

More of this stuff where you take us along for the ride

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks! Yeah, I'll try to do more of that. I'm glad you like it.

[@BruceVail]

Congratulations on booking the commercial, Dan! I really enjoyed this and thank you for always sharing your experiences and the super helpful info. Thanks for sharing the video of part of the set, your dressing room, all those different t-shirts(wardrobe challenge), slate with the tilted camera, camera with the long arm and the juice set. I just love this stuff! I can't wait to see the finished project!

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks so very much Bruce! Yeah, this was a fun one to make. Some people know about the inner workings of the process and some don't and I just wanted to shed some light on this so the dredded trial and error phase was taken down a notch. Thanks again.

[@BruceVail]

@@ActingCareerExpert You're welcome.

[@ajsway6320]

Thanks for all the great advice Dan !!! You are very experienced and wise in the field of acting/TV/Film/Commercials. It has helped me and I can’t wait to get booked for commercials. I also just saw you pop up on an Instagram add commercial for a new ruffles lime and jalapeño flavor. You always knock it out of the park. People see a 30 second commercial, but if only they really knew the hard work that goes into getting booked and preparing for the role. I also use your slogan of being a real person in a real place having a real experience. Keep up the great content 👍

[@ActingCareerExpert]

That's awesome AJ! Thanks for all the kind words and I'll keep making these helpful videos. I'll have content on my website soon that goes even deeper and explains more. I'll also be doing workshops via zoom in about 2 weeks. Thanks for your support.

[@finallyfree2BMe]

I didn't even notice that your shirt was inside out until you told us. At the end of the video I went back to take a look at the audition video and notice it was! That's for being so real and transparent and teaching us how to improvise if need be!

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Yeah, it was a game time decision on what to wear. You always just have to do the best you can with what you have to work with.

[@ashabrandiearley7206]

This was so cool. Thank you so much

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Glad you liked it AshaBrandi! Thanks for watching.

[@mikekillagreen9432]

This is really cool. Thanks for posting. My brother did a commercial and recorded but he doesn't have a KZbin channel.

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@finallyfree2BMe]

I was thinking how ARE they going to deal with the car sounds and the street noise...Im so glad you addressed that

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Whenever it's close to a lot of noise, there's probably going to be no dialog or they'll be doing a VO.

[@kevinmullen9677]

Awesome , Thank you☘️☘️☘️

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

[@finallyfree2BMe]

I was laughing so hard at the 2020 shirt 👕 situation!

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Yeah, it was a pretty funny situation. Just gotta think on your feet for sure. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@HyperSpaceUniverse]

Hey there! Came across your video looking for acting/auditioning tips. I got called back for a Zoom commercial audition that doesn't have any dialogue but reacting to examples like twisting your ankle etc. I've looked up a bunch of your other videos as well - great information! Thanks!

[@ActingCareerExpert]

That's great! Congratulations on your callback! Keep me posted on your progress and thanks so much for watching.

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Hi HSU. Just wanted to thank you for watching and showing your support for my channel over the past 2 years, and I’m glad my videos have helped. I also wanted to give all my subscribers a chance to sign up for the website I’ve been building that’s finally complete. As a subscriber/supporter I wanted to give you guys huge discount which is my of saying thanks! Just go to www.ActingCareerExpertStudio.com and click "register now” Then use the code: STARTTODAY to get the subscriber price of just $49/mo which gives you access to: 50 workshop videos, all the resources including a resume template, audition tracker, 7 steps to nail any scene or audition, as well as an audition checklist, 5 self-tape secrets, and free Zoom coaching once a week! It’ll be like having an acting coach right in your house. Hope to see you inside… Thanks again!

[@robmontesinos]

Thank you so much for this video Dan. I love how calm you are and the obvious pleasure you take in complying with and adapting to the process. Great advice and insight on the difference between what they ask for in an audition and what happens on set. Bravo Zulu!!

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks so much Roberto! Yeah, it’s a process, and it’s different now so you have to always adjust and adapt and stay calm. It’s all gonna work out.

[@ChanonFinley]

Congrats on the booking! And thanks for walking us through the whole process!

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks so much Chanon ❣️

[@honeyjalafofficial]

So helpful 🙏

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks so much Honey. Also, Here are some tools to help you with your Self-Tape auditions. Secrets to Self-Tape success guide (FREE) These are tips directly from casting directors. www.actingcareerexpertstudio.com/self-tape-secrets-unlock And, My new book, ”5 Crucial Elements To A Killer Self-Tape” I’ve priced it for everyone. This can help you with your Self-Tapes and your outlook regarding your auditions and self submissions. If you’re tired of sending in their self tapes and not hearing anything back, this will help. a.co/d/0pxOCCG

[@oscarC3905]

You're amazing 👏 I don't understand why you don't have thousands of views and thousands of likes. I've seen dumb videos with no real life value to them with tons of likes lol. Today's generation is weird lol. Anyway, you are truly a great source of years of experience, knowledge and wisdom in this industry! I personally thank you for these videos sir! 🙏

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks so very much Oscar! It's kind words like these that keep me wanting to share more with my subscribers. Thanks for watching. Also, maybe check out my website www.ActingCareerExpertStudio.com It has everything you need to move your career forward. Use the Code: NEWYEAR to get a 75% discount. Thanks again for watching!

[@yunusquddusofficialactor]

Thank you for sharing your experience....much appreciated

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Just wanted to thank you for watching and showing your support for my channel over the past 2 years, and I’m glad my videos have helped. I also wanted to give all my subscribers a chance to sign up for the website I’ve been building that’s finally complete. As a subscriber/supporter I wanted to give you guys huge discount which is my of saying thanks! Just go to www.ActingCareerExpertStudio.com and click "register now” Then use the code: STARTTODAY to get the subscriber price of just $49/mo which gives you access to: 50 workshop videos, all the resources including a resume template, audition tracker, 7 steps to nail any scene or audition, as well as an audition checklist, 5 self-tape secrets, and free Zoom coaching once a week! It’ll be like having an acting coach right in your house. Hope to see you inside… Thanks again!

[@tonisawyer2701]

So interesting to see what's going on now regarding auditioning for a commercial. When I started out it was just before they taped you. No camera in the room and some improv on my part. Most importantly, just be you and always conduct yourself in a professional manner.

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Yeah, those were the days Toni. It’s all a bit different now. But those were certainly good times.

[@almostfame86]

Hey Dan, "Congratulations" I will use the Trick Shot for the Close-Up and the Body Shot. I struggle with this but I feel good now going into my next Audition. Also thanks for the background video so that I know what will happen when I book.

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks Peter! Glad it’s helping. Also, if you practice the slate a. Few times before your next audition you’ll have it down when it comes time 👍🏼

[@almostfame86]

@@ActingCareerExpert I will be working on this today so I get in the habit and when my next Audition comes I'm ready.

[@ActingCareerExpert]

@@almostfame86 Excellent 👏🏼👏🏼

[@nickcimmento7001]

Had to come back and watch again. Wondering what the commercial is for so I can watch it.

[@ActingCareerExpert]

The commercial was for WorkDay, but as it goes in this business, it has still not aired yet. I've been getting holding checks for over a year now. I'm hopeful that it runs at some point, so I can attach it to the end of this video. I'll keep you posted NIck.

[@nickcimmento7001]

@@ActingCareerExpert thank you so much. I will keep an eye out if they ever release it. Holding checks must be nice!

[@melvayaredaguilar]

I luv ur shirt

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks!

[@lynmarrero4302]

Awe sweet 🍭

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks Lyn~!

[@JC-gy5bh]

Lately I've been getting commercial auditions and some specifically say they want you to slate name and agent and that's it or name and height and cut , but sometimes they only give instructions that they want slate in medium-close up shot , so what is the "standard" that you say , obviously your name but do I say where I'm based or my agency or height and do I also show profiles if they're not specifically asking for those? Also i've seen some where people show the front and back of their hands. Hope you can help me out on that one, Thank you!

[@ActingCareerExpert]

If they’re not specific I just slate my name my height and the city that I’m working out of or where I’m from. I would only do profiles or show your hands if they ask for that, if not it’s just name, height, and city.

[@DavydKevyn84]

My agent advises her talent to wear all black when doing auditions… which I feel plays a big factor of whether or not I get booked she said that by doing so we make ourselves a canvas and their painter creating art. I dont like dressing like I’m going to a funeral every audition. Please explain what the correct way is? Cuz I feel like I’m being set up for failure.

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks for that question! I’m not really sure why on earth your agent would recommend all black. That seems quite ridiculous to me. Casting is very specific about the suggested wardrobe that they want you to wear for the audition. Wearing all black is a bad idea in and of itself, but when you factor in that they'll look at the actor wearing all black and say, "They can't follow simple instructions" it's a much more glaring mistake. You should wear the appropriate wardrobe for the character period! You are being set up for failure by wearing all black. I'm sorry your reps are not savvy about what you're supposed to do as an actor and are so out of touch with the process. Hope this helps.

[@WillKalili]

I'm on Casting Networks but I'm only finding background and smaller roles. Do I need an agent to get access to auditions for larger brands?

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Have you tried Actors Access? Or possibly Backstage?

[@WillKalili]

@@ActingCareerExpert I will try these as well. Thank you!

[@debbymodlinne7077]

Hi how do i see more of your video?

[@ActingCareerExpert]

I go into much greater detail and in depth in my workshops on my website. Along with a weekly live Zoom meeting where I answer any question and do self-tape exercises. I'm doing a Cyber Monday Special that gives my KZbin followers 50% OFF Just go to www.actingcareerexpertstudio.com and use the code: CYBER and get the discount for a 6 month membership. Let me know if you have any questions about that. Thanks for watching.

[@TennantMary]

Who paid the testing

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Covid test? The production company paid for all of it.

[@underh76bvc]

Really great video! The closeup trick is a great idea. Congratulations on the booking. Looking forward to seeing your next video with the commercial!

[@ActingCareerExpert]

Thanks so much! It should be airing soon 👍🏽