How to get in commercials is a question many aspiring actors ask, and the path is more straightforward than you might expect. 

Commercial acting offers a quick way to gain on-camera experience, catch the attention of casting directors, and earn a steady income. These short but high-visibility roles can put your face in front of millions, providing a huge opportunity to generate income while pursuing your legit acting career.

Acting courses in NYC can give you the skills and confidence to shine in commercial auditions. The Maggie Flanigan Studio, known for its rigorous training, can help prepare you to stand out and succeed. Keep reading to learn the key steps to landing your first commercial role.

Key Takeaways

• Catch the eye of casting directors with a standout reel, genuine headshots, and strong improvisation skills.
• Deliver quick, authentic performances that make a lasting impression in commercial auditions.
• Use each commercial job to build momentum, grow connections, and keep your acting career moving forward.

What Makes Commercial Acting Unique?

Commercial acting stands apart from other forms of performance due to its fast-paced, personality-driven nature. You’ve got mere seconds to make a connection with the audience, sell a product, and leave a lasting impression. 

Here’s why it’s different from film or theater:

It’s about look and personality: In commercials, casting directors seek actors who can instantly connect with the audience through likability and relatability. You are selling a product and viewers must be drawn to your relatability and your truthfulness.

Your role could range from a friendly neighbor to a confident professional, but the main goal is to come across as approachable and genuine. Authenticity is essential—casting directors want someone who embodies the brand without needing to dive into deep or complex character development.

Quick delivery is essential: TV commercials require you to make an impact quickly. There’s no time to develop intricate character arcs. Mastering subtle cues like facial expressions and body language is crucial to conveying the right emotions without overdoing it.

You’re selling a product, not just acting: Commercial acting is about striking a balance between being natural and effectively promoting a product. Your performance needs to feel genuine while convincing the audience to believe in whatever you’re endorsing.

How to Break Into Commercial Acting

If you’re looking to break into commercial acting, it’s all about being prepared, getting noticed, and staying flexible. From putting together professional, polished assets, to learning how to cold read and memorize quickly, these steps will help you stand out, book more roles, and get your acting career moving in the right direction.

1. Make your materials unforgettable

To grab the attention of casting directors and commercial agents, your marketing materials need to reflect your professionalism and readiness for commercial work. Here’s how to make sure you leave a lasting impression:

Capture the perfect headshot

In commercial acting, your headshot is your calling card. It should exude warmth, trust, and approachability. Great commercials headshots pop with an enthusiastic smile or a quirky look.

Casting directors for TV commercials are looking for a natural, relatable vibe—avoid overly dramatic or staged poses. Be yourself, and make sure your headshot feels genuine, and that your personality shines through the shot

Build a resume that looks professional

It’s important that your resume is organized well, easy to follow, and has no typos. Make sure you are always honest about what you have accomplished. Many an actor has had their reputation tarnished, lost a job, or been dropped by an agent because of lying on a resume. 

The general rule to follow is that you will eventually get caught. Highlight any relevant acting experience, including acting classes, professional training, or important teachers. Also don’t forget to list any special skills that might be useful for commercial work.

Talents like sports, musical instruments, or fluency in other languages can set you apart from other actors and increase your chances of landing a commercial audition.

Create a dynamic commercial reel

Your reel is a quick showcase of your on-camera abilities. If you haven’t booked any commercials yet, you can always create mock ads that show your range. However, these should be done well, edited and polished with a sense of artistry.

Make sure your reel aligns with the types of commercials you’re aiming for by blending upbeat energy and more subtle performances to reflect your versatility.

2. Get yourself in front of casting directors 

Now that your materials are ready, it’s time to put yourself out there and start submitting for auditions. Here’s how to find commercial casting calls and get noticed by the right people.

Use online commercial casting websites

Online casting platforms are essential tools for finding commercial auditions. They give you direct access to roles that match your profile and allow you to submit your materials with ease. Here’s how to make the most of them:

• Explore the top platforms: Websites like Actors Access, Casting Networks, and Backstage are loaded with commercial casting calls, from small local ads to national commercials. These platforms allow you to upload your headshot, reel, and resume, making it easy for casting directors to find you.
• Keep your profile current: Make sure your headshot, resume, and reel are always up-to-date. Casting directors need to see the most accurate version of you and your skills, so don’t let outdated materials hold you back.
• Check regularly for new opportunities: Consistency is key. Commercial auditions are posted frequently, and checking in often ensures you don’t miss any roles that are perfect for you.

Work with a commercial agent

While online casting websites are important, having a commercial agent can significantly increase your chances of landing more frequent, and more substantial auditions. Here’s why an agent can be a game changer:

• Access to larger opportunities: Commercial agents often have connections with an ad agency as well as casting directors that you won’t find on your own. They can open the door to higher-paying gigs and more professional roles, including national commercials.
• Direct submissions to casting directors: Many casting directors prefer working with agents because they trust the talent they represent. A commercial agent can submit you directly for roles, giving you a leg up in the audition process and increasing your visibility in the industry.

Leverage casting networks

Casting networks are invaluable for building connections that can help you succeed in commercial acting. Here’s how to use them to your advantage:

• Make meaningful connections: Casting networks give you access to casting directors and ad agencies that specialize in commercials. By getting your name out there, you increase your chances of being considered for more commercial casting calls.
• Nurture relationships with casting directors: Show up consistently, be professional, and even if you don’t land a part, make sure to leave a lasting, positive impression. This can lead to more audition opportunities in the future.
• Participate in industry events: Many casting websites offer online and in-person workshops, Q&A sessions, and networking events. These are excellent opportunities to meet industry professionals and learn firsthand what they’re looking for in commercial auditions.

3. Hone your skills with acting classes

While commercial acting may look straightforward, it requires sharp skills and specific training to stand out in the audition room. Here’s how acting classes can give you the edge:

Master improvisation

Commercial auditions often involve unscripted moments, and many commercials rely on impulsive, spontaneous reactions rather than heavily scripted dialogue. 

Taking improv classes can help you develop the quick thinking and spontaneity needed to handle unexpected situations. This training will allow you to stay flexible during auditions and on set, giving you the confidence to respond naturally and effectively.

Sharpen your on-camera techniques

Commercials may be short, but they require precise, and sometimes subtle behavior. On-camera acting classes can focus on fine-tuning your body language, as well as the clarity and execution of what is expected. Timing is also very important in commercials, so honing your ability to be clear and specific in just a few seconds is important.

Mastering these techniques allows you to portray authentic, relatable characters that connect with audiences. This level of skill will distinguish you from other actors, whether you’re auditioning for a national commercial or a smaller local ad.

Build confidence for auditions

A big part of succeeding in commercial acting is the ability to walk into an audition room feeling prepared and confident. Acting coaches and acting teachers at reputable studios help you not only perfect your technique but also present yourself professionally during auditions. 

The right training helps you act naturally on camera, interpret a brand’s message, and portray a character in a way that connects with the audience.

4. Stand out in your commercial auditions

Commercial auditions move quickly and require a different approach than film or theater. To stand out, preparation is key. Here’s how you can make the most of every audition and leave a lasting impression.

Research the brand

Get to know the product inside and out. Understanding what you’re selling can go a long way to helping you deliver what the client is looking for.  

Watch the brand’s previous commercials to get a sense of their tone and message. If the brand has a playful, professional, or serious approach, tailoring your behavior to match their style will help you stand out to the casting director.

Be flexible and adaptable

During auditions, be ready to adapt. Commercial directors often ask for quick adjustments, and showing that you can easily shift your tone or energy on the spot demonstrates your professionalism. Sometimes it can be really absurd things, like falling in love with a strawberry or talking to a roll of toilet paper. The key is to commit, and not judge what you need to do.

Flexibility is essential—being able to respond confidently to directions will leave a strong impression.

Show genuine enthusiasm

Commercial acting often calls for energy and excitement, even if the scene feels simple. 

If you can make your connection to the product feel authentic, you’ll engage both the casting director and the audience. Your genuine approach will make your connection to the product  more believable, which is key to most commercial success.

5. Use your first commercial to build momentum

Booking your first commercial is a huge step, but it’s only the beginning. Here’s how to use that experience to keep moving your commercial acting career forward:

Update your reel with your latest work

Once you’ve wrapped your first commercial, be sure to update your reel with the new clip. A reel showcasing your experience will make you stand out and catch the eye of ad agencies and casting directors seeking dependable, professional talent.

Keep auditioning and stay persistent

Even after landing your first job, building a steady flow of work might take time. The industry is competitive, and most actors go through many auditions before booking consistent gigs. 

Each audition—successful or not—is a valuable learning opportunity, bringing you closer to your next role. Use the feedback you receive to refine your skills and improve your performance for the next audition opportunity.

Maintain professional relationships

Building strong relationships with casting directors, talent agents, and production teams is necessary for securing more commercial roles. 

When you impress them with your performance and professionalism, it can lead to future casting calls for other commercials or even bigger projects like national ads. 

Staying connected and nurturing positive relationships with industry professionals ensures your name stays top of mind for future opportunities.

Succeed in Commercial Acting with Maggie Flanigan Studio

The Maggie Flanigan Studio takes a deeper approach to commercial acting by focusing on the Meisner Technique which will help ground you in the moment, get you out of your head, and onto your spontaneous impulses.

Commercial casting directors aren’t just looking for someone who can sell a product—they want actors who connect with their audience on an emotional level. 

Our training goes beyond surface-level techniques. The Meisner Technique ensures you have the emotional depth and authenticity to stand out in the competitive world of professional acting in any medium, including commercials.

We specialize in honing your improvisation and on-camera skills so you’re ready for the fast-paced demands of commercial auditions. With every class, we push you to develop the confidence and versatility needed for commercial work and a well-rounded acting career.

If you’re ready to step up your commercial acting game, give the Maggie Flanigan Studio a call today. Let’s get you on the path to real success in the industry.

Summary

Breaking into commercials takes more than just talent—it demands preparation, persistence, and the right skills. 

Understanding the nuances of commercial acting, acquiring professional level assets, and impressing casting directors with your versatility will put you on the path to success. Starting with smaller roles or aiming for a national commercial, following these steps will help you stand out in any audition.

The Maggie Flanigan Studio is dedicated to helping actors thrive in the world of commercials and beyond. Our Meisner-based training develops the emotional depth and authenticity that most casting directors look for. 

Take the next step in your commercial acting career—reach out to Maggie Flanigan Studio and let us help you achieve your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get a job doing commercials?

Create professional quality assets like a polished headshot, resume, and commercial reel. Join online casting websites such as Actors Access and Casting Networks to find audition opportunities. 

Working with a commercial agent can increase your chances, as casting directors often trust the talent that agents represent. Regularly audition, stay persistent, and build relationships within the industry to get noticed.

How much do you get paid for commercials?

Commercial pay can vary widely depending on the project. For a national commercial, actors can earn anywhere from a few thousand dollars to six figures, especially if the ad runs frequently. 

Most actors working under union contracts like SAG-AFTRA are guaranteed minimum rates, with residuals offering ongoing pay as the commercial airs. For smaller local ads, payment is typically lower but can still offer a decent income.

How do you get into producing commercials?

Start by gaining experience in video production, marketing, or advertising. Working with an ad agency or production company can offer valuable insights into the process. 

Building a portfolio that showcases your ability to manage budgets, crews, and scripts will help you gain credibility. Networking with brands and industry professionals is key to moving up to larger projects.