56?!

I just took a commercial class taught by an actress who herself has booked 56 national commercials!

Yes, I said it. FIFTY-SIX...FIFTY-SIX!!!

That can't be a coincidence. What's her secret?

You know...I'd love to book just ONE National! Maybe two? Five? But 56?! How?! How is that possible?!

I've been auditioning for commercials for years. I've booked wild spots, regionals, industrials, and even sang for a commercial Ridley Scott directed for Reuters.

And I have been on 'avail', 'hold', or what they call 'first refusal' almost every time I have auditioned for a national, but then, something happens and I get released.

I'm sure I'm not the only actor who feels this way. What gives?

I know the commercial world will never be the same with internet advertising. And since the strike almost ten years ago, non-union work seems more prevalent than union work.

But so what?! There are still people out there booking their 56th national commercial!

I'm sure if you saw her, you'd recognize her. (See below) Jill Alexander's class is small, informative, creative and fun! There is lots of one on one time on and off camera.

She breaks auditioning for commercials down to some very simple truths; simple truths, that for some people, are not so easily lived or realized. 

She also helps 'actors' figure out why sometimes 'acting' doesn't sell the product or book the spot.

There are lots of things about commercials that Jill sheds the light on, obvious things that actors tend to complicate; things that make you go..."DUH!"

After taking her class and being around her and her energy...I get it. Number 57 is probably on its way. Jill is very clear. All of us in the class felt it.

She has a clarity that is noticeably captivating, particularly important and necessary for a thirty second spot national.

I spotted her in two different commercial spots and one guest star, all in one night. It was a Jill-a-thon.

I asked if she meditated.

    "No. But I do believe in positive thinking and...the one thing no one else can bring to the audition is you. Just continue to be uniquely you, Ann, and the role will find you." 

Again, another person I wish I had met years ago. I went, I saw and I vote...for Jill for Prom Queen.

56 going on 57. Me? Fingers crossed...I'll take #1 to start. And I know, I need new headshots...again.

 (photos courtesy of Trevor Oswalt and Jill for Prom Queen)

Yours Truly -- Ann Hu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Julian]

Thanks for the post Ann. Jill is indeed in many commercials, and thank you for sharing her advice.

Just curious, why do you need new headshots?

Thanks.