Introduction
Are you an aspiring actor looking to make a breakthrough in the commercial industry? Having a well-crafted resume is essential to showcase your talent and land the roles you desire. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips and samples to create an impressive commercial actor resume that will catch the attention of casting directors and help you secure auditions.
1. Format and Structure
The first step in creating a commercial actor resume is to choose the right format and structure. Keep it simple and professional, ensuring that it is easy to read and navigate. Begin with your name and contact information at the top of the page, followed by sections such as:
Objective Statement
Include a concise objective statement that highlights your career goals and aspirations as a commercial actor. This will give casting directors an idea of what you are looking for and how you can contribute to their projects.
Experience
List your acting experience, starting with the most recent projects. Include the name of the production, your role, and the production company. If you have any notable achievements or awards, mention them in this section to stand out from other applicants.
Training
Include any acting training you have received, such as workshops, classes, or courses. This will demonstrate your commitment to honing your craft and improving your skills as an actor.
Skills
Highlight your relevant skills, such as improvisation, voiceover, or dancing abilities. Mention any additional talents that could be valuable in the commercial industry, such as playing musical instruments or speaking multiple languages.
Education
Provide details of your educational background, including the name of the institution, the degree or diploma obtained, and the year of graduation. If you have any relevant coursework or projects, mention them as well.
Special Skills
In this section, mention any special skills or attributes that could be beneficial in the commercial industry. This could include sports abilities, accents, or unique talents that set you apart from other actors.
2. Tailor Your Resume
When applying for commercial acting roles, it is crucial to tailor your resume to each specific audition or casting call. Research the production company and the type of commercials they produce. Customize your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that align with their requirements and preferences.
3. Include a Headshot
Attach a professional headshot to your resume. This will give casting directors a visual representation of your appearance and help them remember you. Make sure your headshot is up-to-date and showcases your personality.
4. Emphasize Your Unique Selling Points
Identify your unique selling points and highlight them on your resume. This could be your physical appearance, a distinctive voice, or a particular skill that sets you apart from other actors. Use these selling points to your advantage and include them prominently in your resume.
5. Proofread and Edit
Before submitting your resume, proofread it thoroughly to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Pay attention to formatting and consistency. Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review it as well, as they may catch any mistakes or provide valuable feedback.
Sample Commercial Actor Resumes
Here are five sample commercial actor resumes to give you an idea of how to structure and present your own:
1. John Smith
Objective: Dedicated commercial actor with a passion for bringing products to life through engaging performances. Seeking opportunities to showcase my skills and contribute to successful advertising campaigns.
Experience:
- Commercial for XYZ Company - Lead Role - XYZ Productions
- Commercial for ABC Brand - Supporting Role - ABC Productions
Training:
- Acting Workshop - XYZ Acting School
- Voiceover Course - ABC Voiceover Academy
Skills:
- Improv
- Dancing
- Accents: British, Southern
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting - XYZ University (Year of Graduation)
Special Skills:
Playing Guitar, Basketball, Fluent in Spanish
2. Emily Johnson
Objective: Versatile commercial actor with a knack for comedic timing and a passion for storytelling. Seeking opportunities to showcase my skills and contribute to memorable commercials that leave a lasting impact.
Experience:
- Commercial for XYZ Brand - Lead Role - XYZ Productions
- Commercial for ABC Company - Supporting Role - ABC Productions
Training:
- Comedy Improv Workshop - XYZ Comedy School
- On-Camera Acting Class - ABC Acting Academy
Skills:
- Comedy
- Impersonations
- Accents: French, New York
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Theater - XYZ University (Year of Graduation)
Special Skills:
Singing, Painting, Fluent in Mandarin
3. Michael Davis
Objective: Energetic and charismatic commercial actor with a natural ability to connect with audiences. Seeking opportunities to bring brands to life and captivate viewers through compelling performances.
Experience:
- Commercial for XYZ Product - Lead Role - XYZ Productions
- Commercial for ABC Brand - Supporting Role - ABC Productions
Training:
- On-Camera Acting Workshop - XYZ Acting Studio
- Commercial Audition Technique Class - ABC Acting School
Skills:
- Host/Presenter
- Sports: Basketball, Soccer
- Accents: Australian, Southern
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting - XYZ University (Year of Graduation)
Special Skills:
Stand-up Comedy, Guitar Playing, Fluent in French
4. Sarah Thompson
Objective: Talented and versatile commercial actor with a strong presence and a passion for creating memorable advertising campaigns. Seeking opportunities to collaborate with industry professionals and contribute to successful brand promotions.
Experience:
- Commercial for XYZ Brand - Lead Role - XYZ Productions
- Commercial for ABC Company - Supporting Role - ABC Productions
Training:
- On-Camera Acting Class - XYZ Acting Academy
- Commercial Audition Workshop - ABC Acting Studio
Skills:
- Drama
- Modeling
- Accents: British, Spanish
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Theater - XYZ University (Year of Graduation)
Special Skills:
Dancing, Singing, Fluent in German
5. David Wilson
Objective: Dynamic and versatile commercial actor with a natural ability to connect with audiences and convey emotions effectively. Seeking opportunities to collaborate with industry professionals and contribute to successful advertising campaigns.
Experience:
- Commercial for XYZ Product - Lead Role - XYZ Productions
- Commercial for ABC Brand - Supporting Role - ABC Productions
Training:
- On-Camera Acting Workshop - XYZ Acting Studio
- Commercial Audition Technique Class - ABC Acting School
Skills:
- Drama
- Voiceover
- Accents: British, Irish
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting - XYZ University (Year of Graduation)
Special Skills:
Stage Combat, Martial Arts, Fluent in Mandarin
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What should I include in a commercial actor resume?
In a commercial actor resume, you should include sections such as objective statement, experience, training, skills, education, and special skills. Tailor your resume to each specific audition or casting call.
2. How should I format my commercial actor resume?
Keep your commercial actor resume simple and professional. Use a clear and legible font, and make sure the format is easy to read and navigate. Include your name and contact information at the top of the page.
3. Should I include a headshot with my commercial actor resume?
Yes, it is recommended