12/23/2011

Rumors, Lies and Commercial Acting Class

By Maggie Flanigan


The Meisner technique has proven itself to be highly effective in preparing actors for commercials. Commercials are fast paced productions that require actors to adopt their character's persona immediately.

Actors who are trained in the Meisner technique acquire necessary commercial acting techniques including the ability to spontaneously "create" their character. This ensures that students are able to provide the director with a genuine performance within minutes.

A commercial acting workshop must impart other necessary skills as well. The actor's on-camera skills must also be improved. Because they are so short, commercials require that actors create their characters in a short period of time which necessitates expert camera interaction. Commercial actors must also learn how to interact with a third party, the "product".

Product placement is another essential skill that actors must acquire during a commercial acting workshop. 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.

Being 100% ready to be in front of a camera at all times is another integral skill. Actors should also be experts at improvisation as commercial acting largely relies on this. Although commercials do have scripts, actors are often given the opportunity to bring their own take on the role. Some actors are able to take the roles they are given and impart them with personalities that even the producers did not anticipate.

Commercial actors must also be very much aware of the objective of the commercial. Naive actors all too often focus on convincing other people. If this is the case, the result will always be fake. Belief in the product is something that that actor must convey himself. 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. 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.

Expert actors know that building a strong foundation and constantly working to improve are both essential to success. The commercial actors who remain dedicated to their work are the ones will gain the experience necessary to become truly successful.




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