Although appearing in a TV commercial isn’t “modeling” (it’s “acting”), it’s a logical and common cross-over for models.
The majority of commercial print models are also professional actors. That serves two purposes: acting is a supplemental
income for when there is a flat spot in modeling, and acting skills are very helpful in modeling. Print ads are usually little slices of a make-believe situation, and the model needs to be able to portray a realistic role in that situation. Acting helps.
TV commercials are the only area of professional acting where lots of training and skill are not necessary. Acting classes
are advisable for any model, especially a commercial model who wants to get into TV commercials. But all you need to get started is a short course on auditioning for TV commercials, which shouldn’t take more than a weekend and a small amount of money. Your model agency might have a TV commercial (or “on camera”) division or you may need to be listed by a talent agency which specializes in commercial work. Most model agencies, even those with exclusive contracts, will allow this kind of dual representation, although a few will not. Because Promotional Modeling and TV Commercials are outside what is normally considered modeling, we will discuss them in less detail than the more accepted forms.
