Actingbiz - Commercial Modeling Composite Sheets

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Commercial Modeling Composite Sheets

by Aaron Marcus

Excerpts from this article are taken from Aaron Marcus’ book How to Become a Successful Commercial Model. To learn more about commercial modeling visit: www.howtomodel.com.

You have seen them thousands of times, in magazines, newspapers, on billboards and posters. The "real" faces that entice you to buy everything from food to shampoo. Many of them are well trained and skilled actors. These are commercial models, and they earn between $50 - $250/hour).

Commercial modeling is a still picture of a commercial. It is acting without words. One of the great aspects of commercial modeling, unlike fashion, is that there are no height, weight, or age restrictions. Photographers love hiring actors, because they can take direction, and provide a variety of layers of believable emotions.

There are many beautiful women and handsome men who are commercial models. However, you do not need to have the "perfect" look to succeed. They are cast to appear in ads as the doctor, student, teacher, plumber, athlete, banker, farmer, nurse etc. Open any magazine you will see commercial models working in many different types of ads.

A composite sheet is the primary way commercial models get bookings. It is a collection of photographs that shows the variety of ways you can look. The most basic composite sheet will have a head shot on one side and two or three different types of photos on the back. The most common size is 5 x 7, however there is no set rule on how a comp must look.

Here's How You Can Create Your Own "Ad" Photos For Your Comp
Deciding on the image or images that fit you best might be the hardest part of the whole process of putting together a composite sheet. You must figure out how you want to present yourself to the world. Are you a grandparent type, teenager, salesperson, nerd, mom, mechanic? Do you look right drinking beer around a campfire, or sitting behind an office desk - or both?

Think about the types of photos that would best display those images. To help with ideas, look through:

Magazines
Agents' talent books (these publications show photos of the models they work with)
Newspaper ads
Junk mail
Photographers' showcase books (photographers pay to have their work shown in the books to generate business for themselves)

Planning Your Shot
Since the shots for your composite sheet don't have words, make sure each photograph itself tells the story. Take your time and be creative in thinking of different scenarios for your shots.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to make the photos look like ads. Do not pose for the camera. Show a wide range of expression for the different photos.

Having strong pictures for your comp will give you your greatest chance for success.

Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor and commercial model since 1986. He has been cast in 1030 (to date) projects. You have most recently seen Aaron on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, HBO’s, The Wire, The West Wing, and ads for companies such as: AT&T, McDonalds, Molson Beer, Acura, Disney World, Nissan, Ruby Tuesday’s, United Way and K-Mart. Aaron has been cast in Broadcast News, Cry Baby, Korea Gate, Stage Fright, America's Most Wanted, and General Lee. He has been hired as a stand-in on projects such as: Silence of the Lambs, Guarding Tess, The Pelican Brief, Twelve Monkeys, Syriana and Runaway Bride.

Aaron Marcus has written what many consider the most important book for commercial modeling entitled, How to Become a Successful Commercial Model. This informative book can be purchased through Aaron Marcus’ web site, www.howtomodel.com. He also publishes The Tear Sheet newsletter, a quarterly commercial modeling/acting newsletter.

Mr. Marcus travels throughout North America teaching people how to become successful commercial models with his 6-hour "How to Become a Successful Commercial Model Seminar." For additional information about Mr. Marcus’ book, newsletter, or workshop contact: Aaron Marcus 410-764-8270, marcusinst@erols.com or visit www.howtomodel.com

Copyright © Aaron Marcus. All rights reserved. Used with permission of the author. Not to be reproduced or distributed.