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Question
I'm just wondering, what's the average salary for acting in a average TV commercial, if you have an average amount of lines. Does it depend on what your doing in the commercial? If you could just give me a range, that would be great!
Thanks!
Hi Elizabeth,
There are so many pay scales for commercials I couldn't begin to give you a definite answer.
You see, there are union and non-union commercials, buyouts (one time, larger lump sums -indefinite use), regional commercials, national commercials, and local commercials. There may even be some I am not aware of. You could try researching SAG scale rates online...
As to what you are doing, yes! there are differing rates just like in movies. You could be an extra or "featured extra" or a principle. If you are doing a commercial involving water or cold or something unusual (a stunt?) they often boost your pay (a "bump")because of the adverse conditions. Imagine shampooing your hair for a few HOURS!
Sorry I couldn't be more help!
Taylor
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Answers by Expert:
Taylor Sheppard
Expertise
I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.
Experience
I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.
Organizations
Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).
Publications
Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.
Education/Credentials
I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).
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