Commercial Headshots

Commercial/comedy/sit-com headshots

Unlike Theatrical Headshots which can have a more serious and "raw" feel to them, Commercial headshots are for advertising products all throughout the US and casting opportunities for commercials so they tend to be brighter and expressions are warmer and overall more approachable. They also transfer over well into sit-coms, dark-comedies, stand-up comedy and most lighter genres. There is a forward energy and relatability as well as a more specific character accessibility that shows a fun or quirky energy or edge. Commercials play all over the country so Commercial Headshots tend to be more conservative as far as wardrobe goes (not too sexy or revealing) and generally warm or with a full smile, hint of a secret or small smile. Your commercial headshot is almost never printed so the thumbnail really needs to pop when it is submitted online by your agent.

Agencies, casting directors and managers talk about Headshots "popping" and that just means that your energy and eyes really pull attention in a small thumbnail on casting websites. The process of casting a Commercial happens much faster than a film, so casting is making very quick decisions. Generally, you need to show what you are selling in a broader more specific way with your commercial headshots. Popping a headshot is something your photographer really needs to know how to do. The light needs to balance your skin and hair and background to make sure your eyes and your energy are the focus of the headshot. If you bring a lot of energy into a room, then your commercial headshot should really reflect that. If you are a more subdues, sarcastic, quieter, warmer etc... actor, then your commercial headshot should tell that story. There should always be a spark in your eyes.

Your age category will usually help with Headshot "looks." If you are in the "young-mom" or "mom" category, then that should be a look for you. Kids are simpler and should look their age. I am not a fan of little kids overly dressed up and styled for their actor headshots. For commercials that take place in offices, however, wardrobe tends to be more stylized and less conservative than a traditional office. There are lots of "healthy lifestyle" commercials for older actors and bright/colorful quirky style, sports fan, neighbor, consumer, family oriented product commercials for all age actors. You need to know what you could reasonably play and what your casting is. Watching commercials for your "type", talking to your actor friends, agents and teachers will help. Sometimes it is easier to start with categories you are not right for and narrow them down that way.