Comments on: When to Say “Yes” and When to Say “No” in Commercial Acting

By: Adam H

Adam H — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 18:30:52 +0000

In reply to Lou sones. Hi Lou! Thank you for your comment. We'd recommend reaching out to SAG-AFTRA directly to ensure you get the most accurate information. Have a great day!

By: Lou sones

Lou sones — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 19:59:32 +0000

Is it true that if you live in Florida, you can do both Union & Non Union. I’m a SAG/AFTRA member who recently moved to Florida and thought I still could only do Union jobs

By: delores bryant

delores bryant — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 18:51:31 +0000

submit

By: Renee Despins - SAG-AFTRA

Renee Despins - SAG-AFTRA — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 00:39:29 +0000

I say yes to SAG- AFTRA work . Everything else is a no. Recently an agent wanted me to audition for a non-union gig in Chile where he said I could “ do away” with Union rules! Hello, I am a proud SAG-AFTRA actor… I don’t cheat. I fired the “agent” gezzz….who ate these people!?

By: Phyllis Brown

Phyllis Brown — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 23:22:17 +0000

We are living longer and commercials who ask for seniors in their 50’s need to realize that seniors are now into their 60’s even 70’s. Hard to say yes to an audition when they don’t realize 50 is still young and they want a senior.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 22:38:26 +0000

As has already been alluded to by the Big Pharma and cigarette examples, above, an obvious reason to say “no” to commercials is that all the work we’ve done to hone our craft and deepen our artistry, all the deprivations we’ve subjected ourselves to, all the disappointments we’ve endured, all the mental and emotional anguish we’ve chosen to invite into our lives—it wasn’t so that we could shamelessly shill for some corporation and sell people crap they don’t need (and in most cases would probably be better off without). That might be a good reason.

By: Derek L.

Derek L. — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 22:37:37 +0000

I’ve been a commercial actor for over 18 years. Have done hundreds of commercials, union and non-union (I live in Florida, which allows me to do both) including a Super Bowl commercial . I have made and continue to make enough money to keep my wife home from work for over 11 years to raise our daughter since the moment she was born. The union commercials have allowed me to get the SAG insurance and participate in their pension plan too. I don’t accept every casting that comes along. My criteria are rate, terms, duration (no perpetuity), anything I find morally wrong for ME, and no conflicts with past jobs that are still under contract. Yes, I’ve done pharma (I was one of those guys in the bath tub for Cialis), but only if there is no consumer deceit involved. The money allowed me to go to acting workshops, networking and not have to take a 9-5 job that wouldn’t allow me to attend castings. Casting Directors get to know you and I began booking co-star and guest star roles on network shows. Look at the resume of a lot of the A-listers…they started in commercials. Laurie is right…great money and it can lead to other things.

By: Philip

Philip — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 21:49:50 +0000

In reply to Jerry August. Exactly. It's great work, and the money ain't bad. This article is nutty.

By: Stephen F.

Stephen F. — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 21:45:53 +0000

Thank you for your words of encouragement Laurie.

By: Marilynn

Marilynn — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 21:14:26 +0000

I agree about pharma, and would add cigarettes, among others. More important, it depends on the terms of the contract. If you do a commercial for a particular type of product and you sign away your rights “in perpetuity,” you may not ever be able to work with a competitor product or class of products.