Let me tell you, auditioning for commercials is extremely challenging. Not only are you given an oftenly-vague script, but you're also given less than 5 minutes to show yourself to the casters. Every movement, every smile, every second really matters. The first few times I auditioned for commercials, I was so nervous I think my smile was crooked and trembling. After your performance, (setting aside the fact that at least 100 other people are auditioning for the same part)， the casters send the top 3 or so performance videos to the actual business shooting the commercial and the director himself chooses the best candidate. What are the chances?
So, after saying all that, I wanna offer some helpful tips I have for anyone who may want to audition for commercials someday. I, myself am not a pro at auditioning yet, but I think I can speak for the noobs out there and maybe make the initial starting process a bit easier to slide into:
1) Get plenty of sleep the night before. When you wake up, go to the mirror and practice certain expressions and movements you might need for the audition (for example: if it's a toothpaste commercial, practice smiling or holding a toothbrush and finding the right angles) Angles and being natural with a product is EXTREMELY important.
2) If your audition requires speaking, try verbally saying aloud some slogans or words that are related to the product to set your brain in the right track. It helps to be ready for the script they give you at the auditions, especially since most of them don't give it to you prior to your audition.
3) Put on light make-up, and do your hair. Nobody wants to see a sleaze audition! Also make sure you bring the appropriate attire!!!
4) Do some research. Go on youtube and look up videos of the product of the audition, or similar ones. What kind of actors get the part? Study everything - from the way the actors carry themselves, how they hold the product, etc. etc.
5) At the actual audition, whatever the caster says to you, make sure you LISTEN. They are usually quite helpful, but obviously they can sometimes get irritated and make rude remakes; just smile and be polite. NO ONE LIKES an audition candidate who has attitude. You have to understand; these casters have to see 100 other auditions in just one day, so anyone in their shoes would be agitated. Don't take anything they say too personally.
6) Believe in yourself. When you walk in to the audition, be polite. Don't spaz out and look like a deer trapped in headlights. Relax, smile, and stand up straight. When you see the caster pull out the camera, look into the lens as if your are looking into the eyes of someone you know really well (a good friend, a family member, a lover). It will help you relax.
7) NEVER be embarrassed about your own performance. Don't waste the caster's times OR your own time. When you need to do something, do it without doubting yourself. This is easier said than done, but take pride in what you do. Each time you audition, you have to promise yourself you are gonna get better and better at it. If you are continually not being chosen, it might not necessarily be your fault, but it might also be a sign you have a big room for improvement.
8) If you are able, bring your manager/friend with you to the audition. Make sure you ask if it's ok if they come into the audition room with you (some casters are fine with this as long as no one gets in the way). Ask your friend/manager to watch your performance and even tape it if they can. Make sure you ask for their feedback and watch your own performance. Study yourself. What are your strengths? Keep those. What are your weaknesses? Find a way to fix them and make them your strengths.
Alright, well, that's about all the tips I give at this moment! I hope it's been somewhat helpful and I wish you the best of luck if you are planning on auditioning for something. If not, I hope this was fun to read anyways. :P
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