Ever wonder where they get those people that look like you and your neighbor in all those magazine ads and commercials? If you live in one of the major urban areas, i.e., New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, you can make money as one of those people in the commercial print and film industry. Who knows, you might even end up on the big screen!
Call The Agencies For Open Call Days
This tip will only work if you live in the major cities because this is where the advertising agencies that develop the projects that you'll work on are. If you can commute or wish to re-locate, see if you can check out you potential for earning income first.
Most agencies have what are called open call days where you'll be seen with maybe up to fifty people. They may take a polaroid shot of you to see if you are photogenic. People who may not appear attractive in person may look great in a photo and vice versa.
If you are photogenic, you'll have a good shot in this business. The next thing the agent will tell you, if you don't already have one, is to get a headshot.
Beware Of Scam Agencies!
No legitimate agency will ask you for money to "register" with them. Never give any agency money. All legitimate agencies make money when the client of the product books their model or actor.
Get A Great Headshot
To increase your chances of success in this industry, get a great headshot. This is not something you should try to save money on. Look up professional photographers and tell them what you want a headshot for print ads and commercials. This can run you about two to five hundred dollars depending on how great and experienced the photographer is.
In the major cities, there are photographers that specialize only in actors headshots. That is exactly what you want. Your headshot will be your business card and will be what makes you stand out from the hundreds of others that are auditioning for the same job you are.
Getting Through The Door; The Audition or "Go See"
Now that you've gotten a great headshot, you'll need to get a few hundred copies of them so you agency or agency will pass them out to prospective clients. Look for photo houses that do mass reproductions on the internet; they do this specifically, so you can great-looking copies at an inexpensive price. If the client likes the way you photograph, you'll get a call to meet the client in person. this is called a "go-see", audition or interview. this is why it is important to live where the agencies are located. You have to be ready to go at a moment's notice. If you turn down go-sees on a regular basis, the agency will cease to call you.
The agency will tell you how to dress and what the client is looking for. Follow these guidelines:
Be on time
Dress appropriately
Be cheerful and do not speak ill of anyone
Be yourself!
What To Expect
You will be mostly likely gong to the studio of the photographer that has been hired for the job or the client's office. There will be anywhere from 10 to 100 people vying for the same job.
Quick go-sees entail the photographer taking you headshot, and maybe taking a digital shot of what you look like right then and there. Longer go-sees entail the client maybe asking you about your experience. Contrary to popular belief, don't lie. If you think you can do what they are asking for say something like " I never have done it, but I certainly am willing to give it my best shot if you hire me." Clients like honesty and candor. If you say you can do something that you really can't and get hired for the job, when you show up and truly cannot do what they ask, you will waste the client's time and money and you start giving yourself and your agency a bad reputation.
It May Take A While, Persevere!
You may have to go on several go-sees before you actually book a job. Dustin Hoffman went on 500 commercial auditions before he finally booked one, so if you really want to do this it may take a while.
Some performers get instant success like the elderly lady who was know for saying "Where's the beef?!"
Make sure you have a flexible job that provides an income while you are pursuing your dream. Meanwhile, there are no sweeter words for an actor to hear than "You're hired!"
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