How to become an actor in television commercials?

How does someone get to be in television commercials or do voice overs? Many of the people in TV ads do not look like models, meaning they are average looking. Do you have to be a professional actor with a resume? What are the steps to getting into the business? Would you need an agent and how would you go about getting started?

There are as many answers to this question as there actors doing commercials and voice over work. There a number of trade publications available - depending the area of the country you live in, some are more useful than others - Variety, Backstage, Etc. 50% of obtaining a job in that industry is just getting out there and sending demos or auditioning, 40% is purely luck that you are exactly what they are looking for or listening for. 10% is all the other stumbling blocks.

You do not have to a professional actor for most commerical work - you just have to get to the auditions. Some may require that you are a member of an affiliate union such as AEA (Actor's Equity), SAG (Screen Actor's Guild), or other releated unions.

Unless you are working full time and need contract negoitations or someone to manage your workload, you do not need an agent. Agents are useful, but not necessary when you are starting out. Agents basically do your homework for you - if you are just starting out - you should be doing you own homework.

Pick up a copy of Variety or Backstage and read thru them for a better idea of what is out there.

by going on google and typing in acting...

Or by getting a manager..

or getting in S.A.G. which is screen actors guild..

Hope this helped!!!

Yes you need to be a professional actor with a resume and an agent. Unless there is an open call that's the only way to get into commericals.

I guess you have to audition and put yourself out there. A lot of people start out on commercials and such, who knows, it might take you to bigger things. Good Luck!!!