The Financial Potential of Commercial Acting 💲

-- By Faith Hibbs-Clark

So you're interested in commercial acting?

Congratulations on taking the first step towards a potentially lucrative career in the entertainment industry! Whether you use it to promote your film acting career, create a lucrative career just in commercials, or use it as a well-paid side hustle, commercial acting has a lot to offer.

But first, let me tell you a story from my casting career. In 2009, I cast an actor in a golf commercial. He was a local actor with a very modest resume but he knew how to believably swing a golf club. With his tacky print golf shirt, adorned with an explosion of neon hues that could practically be seen from outer space, and his Bermuda shorts, seemingly inspired by a tropical luau gone wrong, this man swang a golf club and smiled at the camera three times and then left my office.

This man was booked! He worked 1 hour on set and received a full day's pay of roughly $700. Not bad right? But, I continued to see his "15 seconds of fame" as his commercial aired over and over again on the golf channel. Knowing that he probably received "residual" payments, I was curious how much money he made from this commercial.

Then one day, I ran into him at Costco and decided to ask him. "How much did you make from that commercial that I cast you in last year?" His answer might surprise you ... "$170,000 last I checked," he replied, "but I am still getting checks so I am not sure."

The Value of Opening Doors

Commercial acting provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your talent to a vast audience. Commercials have the power to reach millions, allowing you to gain exposure and recognition beyond traditional acting platforms. It's a chance to captivate viewers with your charisma and leave a lasting impression.

Brad Pitt, known for his charming charisma and captivating screen presence, leveraged his talent through commercials to build a successful film career. Early in his career, he appeared in a Pringles commercial, showcasing his natural charm and acting skills. This commercial not only helped him gain exposure but also demonstrated his potential as an actor, leading to more significant opportunities in the industry.

As a Career Choice

Commercial acting, with its wide reach and potential for exposure, offers actors the opportunity to showcase their talent and leave a lasting impression on viewers. While it can serve as a stepping stone to a successful film career, it can also provide financial stability and recognition for those who choose to focus primarily on commercial work.

Stephanie Courtney, famously known as Flo from the Progressive Insurance commercials, is a prime example. Her portrayal of the enthusiastic and quirky character has made her a household name and has led to a successful and lucrative career. Although specific figures for her earnings are not readily available, it is estimated that she earns a substantial income, and her net worth is reported to be around $6 million.

The Lucrative Side Hustle

When it comes to financial rewards, commercial acting has the potential to be highly lucrative. While individual earnings may vary depending on factors such as experience, the scale of the production, and usage rights, successful commercial actors can earn substantial income.

To put things into perspective, established actors can earn anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars per commercial depending on factors such as their level of fame, the brand they are endorsing, and the scope of the campaign.

While ZipRecruiter cites the average commercial actor salary in the U.S. as just under $57,000 per year, it's important to note that commercial actors are typically paid per gig rather than receiving a consistent salary. Like the story, I told you earlier in this article, residuals, or use fees, also contribute to actors' earnings based on prolonged usage of their work. What is nice about this ZipRecriter information is that the hourly rates cited are based on all the work that the actor does including your time and work off-camera as well. After all, there is more to your acting career than just the time you spend working on the set.

How to Get Started

Embracing commercial auditioning as a specialized skill set is a wise move for actors looking to broaden their horizons and reach new heights in the industry. By learning the ins and outs of this unique aspect of acting, you can captivate wide audiences, build connections, and unlock a world of exciting and potentially lucrative possibilities.

So, why wait? Equip yourself with the tools and techniques needed for success in commercial auditions. The journey to becoming a thriving commercial actor awaits!

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Faith is a body language expert who specialized in deception detection before becoming a casting director and working in the film industry for over 25 years. She is the founder of the Communication Method for Actors, LLC & the creator of the Acting Science Method ™.

3 ways to improve your Audition to Booking Ratio 📈

-- By Faith Hibbs-Clark

If you are not booking 1 in 10 auditions, it is time to take heart. The working actors that I train report that they are booking about 1 in 6 auditions. That is much higher than the average and you can make this happen too. Here is how:

1) Get more auditions. I know it sounds simple but getting more auditions improves your odds. Simply stated, the more auditions you get the better the odds are that you will book them. You can find more auditions by networking, getting or expanding representation and searching the web and casting platforms like ActorsAccess and others.

You can also get more auditions by either getting professional representation with an agent or expanding your representation. Many actors falsely believe that they can only get one agent. What you don't know, might be costing you more auditions. Depending on your area, state, or country, you might be able to have more than one agent or more than one type of talent agent.

Finally, get out there and network. Attend film festivals, and conferences like the Southwest Actors Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, and interact with other actors and film professionals. Get good at networking to build relationships. If you want to become a pro at networking and learn good body language for networking events, check out my eBook, The Actors Guide to In-Person Networking.

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2) Get called in for the right auditions. No matter how good your audition is, if you are not right for the role, you probably are not going to get cast. Make sure your headshot and your marketing materials accurately depict you and showcase your marketing strengths. This will help you get called in to audition for roles that are a good fit for you and help you avoid doing auditions for roles that don't fit you.

Additionally, you can talk to your representative about auditioning for different types of acting work. For example, union actors can also do print work. If you are non-union, you can consider asking your agent to submit you for lower-paying jobs as well.

3) Train for auditions. Acting is one thing but you also need to train specifically for auditions. It is its own medium and requires specific skills and abilities. There are standard protocols that should always be followed. For example, a prop can add to the visual communication of your audition but it can also be a "deal killer." Knowing some simple protocols will help you never make that mistake (download my FREE props checklist)

But beyond the audition basics which you can read about for free online, you have to learn how to psychologically get inside the head of the person judging your audition.

You have to know how to use scientific principles such as body language and communication to neural-couple with the decision maker to get them to take the action and pick you. When you use The Acting Science Method ™, this is much easier than it sounds. All you have to do is use my science-based proven formulas and add your own creative twist to the audition and BOOM! It is like having a cheat code for a video game or a magic spell book.

So that is it! Simple! Your booking ratio can blow up overnight with a little help from science.

Faith is a body language expert who specialized in deception detection before becoming a casting director and working in the film industry for over 25 years. She is the founder of the Communication Method for Actors, LLC & the creator of the Acting Science Method ™. www.cmfatraining.com 

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The Science of Comedy for Film Actors

Discover the neuroscience behind comedy and learn how to master the art of comedic acting

By Faith Hibbs-Clark, Founder

"Funny People are everywhere." - Adam Sandler

Do you think you have comedic chops?

After 25 years of casting for film and television, and as a body language expert, I have found that the actors you least expect to be funny, are the funniest. Is this you?

In this quote by Adam Sandler, I am reminded that anyone can possess the gift of comedy. Yes! even you!

Comedic ability is not limited to a select few; instead, it resides within all of us. By tapping into the scientific principles that underlie comedy, you can unlock your own comedic potential and bring laughter to audiences worldwide.

In this article, I will share tips on the fascinating world of comedy from a neuroscience perspective and demonstrate how film actors can use body language expertise and professional guidance to master the art of comedic acting.

The Neuroscience of Comedy

Comedy, as it turns out, is not just a simple expression of amusement; it profoundly affects our brains and bodies. When we laugh, our brains release a cocktail of chemicals that contribute to feelings of joy and well-being. Dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins flood our bloodstream, replacing the stress-inducing cortisol and promoting a sense of happiness and relaxation.

Research has shown that laughter has a direct impact on our neural pathways and can even influence our brain structure. The social laughter that you create on-screen has been found to increase opioid release in the anterior insula and anterior cingulate, suggesting that laughter acts as a neurochemical mechanism to enhance social bonding.

Understanding the neuroscience of laughter provides valuable insights into the art of comedic acting. By tapping into the power of laughter, you can create genuine moments of hilarity that resonate with audiences. Whether it's timing your delivery for maximum impact, introducing unexpected twists, or customizing Acting Science Method ™️ comedic formulas to suit your style, you can leverage the science behind laughter to create unforgettable performances on screen.

Unlocking the Comedy Formulas

Many aspiring film actors falsely believe being naturally funny is a prerequisite for comedic success. However, with the guidance of a body language expert and professional casting director, comedy can be reverse-engineered and taught through accessible "formulas." These formulas provide a framework for you to understand the underlying mechanisms of comedy and apply them in auditions and on-set performances. By customizing these formulas to suit your unique style, you can develop your own individual comedic voice and confidently bring laughter to the screen.

Observing Body Language and Communication

As a body language expert and casting director, I have spent years meticulously observing the nuances of audience connection and laughter. By deciphering the intricacies of body language and communication, I have distilled actionable insights that can be shared with film actors seeking to excel in the realm of comedy. These observations, combined with the understanding of scientific principles, form the foundation for teaching you the art of comedy. But before you can learn my "Acting Science Method" comedic formulas, you must first understand these principles of humor:

1) Timing: The Comic Symphony

In the symphony of comedy, timing takes center stage. Just like a conductor expertly orchestrates the tempo of a piece, film actors must master the art of comedic timing. The perfect awkward pause, the well-timed punchline in the story formula, and the skillful use of silence combined with a dead stare can transform an ordinary scripted moment into uproarious laughter. Understanding the science of timing enables you to separate your visual performance from your vocal performance to create beats that can create comedic magic on screen

One noteworthy example of a comedic scene that cleverly employs awkward pauses for comedic timing occurs in the mall scene from the movie, "Superbad", where the two boys coincidentally encounter the two girls they have an interest in. As the scene unfolds, a series of casual and conversational exchanges take place, leading to a decision to switch partners and accompany their respective crushes. It is within this amusing exchange that the perfectly timed awkward pause in the dialogue comes into play, contributing to the comedic effect and enhancing the overall characterization.

2) Surprise: The Unexpected Twist

Comedy thrives on surprise. Unexpected twists, clever wordplay, and surprising outcomes have the power to catch audiences off guard and generate laughter. As you embrace the element of surprise, you keep your performances fresh and engage viewers in delightful and unexpected ways. Something as simple yet surprising as delivering a line with an opposite emotion or with exaggerated emotion can provide a delightful comedic twist.

One example of a comedic scene with an unexpected twist can be found in the popular TV show "Schitt's Creek." In a Season 2 episode, the character Moira Rose, played by Catherine O'Hara, has an emotional breakdown over her missing purse. As Moira frantically searches for her purse, her reaction escalates from mild frustration to a full-blown meltdown, exclaiming, "No, no, no, NOOO!" It's a hilariously unexpected response highlighting Moira's dramatic and eccentric personality.

This scene showcases the power of surprise in comedy. The unexpected twist of Moira's emotional breakdown over a missing purse takes a seemingly ordinary situation and turns it into a laugh-out-loud moment. It's a testament to Catherine O'Hara's comedic talent and the show's ability to deliver unexpected surprises to its audience.

3) Incongruity: When Opposites Collide

Incongruity lies at the heart of comedy. It involves the unexpected juxtaposition of ideas, situations, or characters. In the Acting Science Method ™️ I refer to it as Deviation from Normalcy. The brain is always predicting what is going to happen next logically, but when a situation creates a different response, it temporarily gives the brain a brief moment of relief from its constant survival instinct. By skillfully blending conflicting elements, you can create comedic gold. Embracing incongruity allows you to tap into the absurdity of life and present it in a way that resonates with audiences, generating laughter and leaving an indelible mark.

In the hit television show "The Office," incongruity plays a central role in creating comedic situations. One memorable example occurs in Season 3, Episode 15, titled "Phyllis' Wedding." During the wedding ceremony, the character Dwight Schrute (played by Rainn Wilson), who takes his job as Assistant Regional Manager very seriously, decides to perform an impromptu fire drill. This unexpected and disruptive action deviates from the normalcy of a wedding ceremony, causing confusion and chaos among the guests. The incongruity of Dwight's decision, juxtaposing a joyous event with a mock emergency, results in a hilarious outcome that leaves both the characters and the audience surprised and in stitches.

Crafting Your Unique Comedic Style

While hot-wiring your film and television auditions with my Acting Science comedy formulas will provide you with a solid framework for comedic acting, and an almost unfair advantage over your competition, it is essential for you to inject your own personality and style into your auditions and on-screen performances. This customization allows you to create a unique comedic voice that resonates with audiences. With my expert guidance, you can navigate the delicate balance between following established Acting Science Method ™️ comedy formulas and adding your own personal touch, resulting in performances that are both authentic and hilarious.

The Special Topics Workshop: Your Path to Comedic Greatness

Do you want to use science to unlock your own comedic potential? Join me for a 4-week live on Zoom workshop, where you will be able to work with me to unlock your own comedic potential. As a body language expert and professional casting director, this workshop offers comprehensive training on the neuroscience behind the comedy, the art of timing and surprise, and the customization of 25 comedic formulas. Join me on this transformative journey, and let the science of comedy guide you toward comedic greatness.

"Funny People are everywhere." - Adam Sandler

With these inspiring words from Adam Sandler, we are reminded that comedy is within reach for all film actors. By understanding the neuroscience behind comedy, learning proven Acting Science Method ™️ comedic formulas, and customizing them to create individual comedic styles, you will have your audience in stitches

About Faith Hibbs-Clark

Faith is a body language expert who specialized in deception detection before becoming a casting director and working in the film industry for over 25 years. She is the founder of the Communication Method for Actors, LLC & the creator of the Acting Science Method. www.cmfatraining.com

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