I’m sure every actor, director and acting coach has used this expression, but what does “owning the audition” really mean for the commercial audition? First, let me tell you what it does not mean; it does not mean it’s always about your acting choices. I know this idea may oppose what you have been told by your instructors and even other actors, but the truth has to be told and put into appropriate perspective. In television and film auditions, it is all about your acting choices, your ability to demonstrate your understanding of the character, the relationship to the other characters and the overall story. But commercials are very short concise stories that deliver a precise message, concept, feeling and tone. Your acting skill may not even matter as much as your ability to understand and serve those elements. The most important and unique quality any actor can bring to the commercial audition is the core of who they are.
What will separate your performance from the other actors is you.
There will be some commercial auditions that will be all about the actor’s choice in delivery . However, unlike film and television auditions, commercial auditions are usually about what is needed to make the commercial work. Therefore, it’s often about the director’s choices. When you prepare for your audition, you should have a few options in mind, but you should also be willing to let go of any choice you come in with and just go with what the director is telling you to do. Most actors feel obligated to prepare something they think is original and brilliant. Unfortunately, those “brilliant” choices are sometimes so far from the intended concept that the actor looks like they ended up at the wrong audition. Those actors who think they are doing something original and clever usually appear to be re-writing the concept. Many actors will come into the commercial audition and actually fight with casting director arguing, “This is my audition, my choices, not yours!” These unfortunate actors believe this attitude is what “owning the audition” means; they are tragically wrong, particularly when it comes to the commercial audition.
Ownership: Alternative Pronunciation: \’own-your-sh*t\
Ownership means you know how to apply the essence of who you are to the commercial . Ownership means you may have to include the less attractive aspects of who you are. All the actors competing for the same role are required to do what the commercial director wants in order to bring the concept to life. You and those other actors may be required to do the exact same thing. Actors often focus only on what they have decided they’re going to do, and they forget about being who they are. Despite giving a brilliant performance, it will come down to whether or not you are that part. “Owning” the commercial audition means, you get the concept and brought yourself to the role.