You can actually get paid more than $30,000 for appearing in a 30 second TV commercial.
Of course, you will have to work for longer than 30 seconds, but usually it’s only for a day or two.
So, how is it possible that you can get paid so much, for so little work?
Actually, it’s pretty normal for people to get paid $5,000 or $10,000 for a lead role on a TV Commercial, but that’s just the beginning.
This Mars commercial was so successful that our actor was paid far more than $30,000 for his appearance. You can check out the full commercial on youtube.
Just last week we had talent going on auditions for six different commercials paying this kind of money.
The money goes up further if the advertiser wants to lock you into an exclusive agreement. For example, you might be restricted from appearing in other food commercials for two years.
Your agent should be negotiating a higher fee when this has been requested.
Our very own Iron Jay had almost no experience when he was selected for the crispy fish fingers campaign. He was paid for many appearances and even paid extra when they decided to re-run an old campaign.
After the commercial goes to air, there are other ways you can get paid more too.
Your agent should have agreed with the advertiser that your image can only be used in a particular geographic region and on certain types of media.
If the campaign was originally for TV in Australia and the advertiser decides to put your image on billboards in the UK, you should be paid extra for that too.
Once the first year is up, the advertiser may decide to continue the campaign for another year. If they decide to do that, your agreement will usually specify another fee similar to your original fee.
Would you kiss a dog for $5,000? What about $10,000, don’t you love these games?
So, how much experience do you need to get a great gig like this? Do you need to be a trained actor?
Amazingly, the answer is no!
Take a look at this interview with a casting director in the UK. She says “being too well-trained can actually hinder your chances of getting a role in an ad”. You really just need to be yourself and be lucky enough to match the particular character look they are after. A great example used in the interview where they were looking for a young woman with a “rock ‘n’ roll attitude”, who was prepared to dye her hair, and get tattoos.
We are always looking for characters who are confident and have flexible work/study arrangements. If that sounds like you, why not come in and have a chat. Apply for an interview now.
