This Acting Technique Got Me Upgraded On A TV Spot

Many years ago I used this acting technique and it got me upgraded while working on a TV spot.

I Had No Idea I Got Upgraded On The TV Spot

Normally, when an extra gets upgraded to a principal, the actor is told and
has to fill out some paperwork. I left the set of the TV spot and had no
idea I was upgraded.

I am guessing that the upgrade was not finalized until the director was looking at all of the footage from the TV commercial.

I Was One of Hundreds of People Working On This Spot

We were shooting a health care commercial in a large theater. I was seated way up in the balcony. My spot was very very far away from the 3 principal actors in the TV spot.

When I was doing extra work, I always treated it the same way I would as a principal. Morally, I felt like I am being paid to perform. So, I did everything I can to help make the project look good (even if I don’t think I would be seen.)

And, I find it much more enjoyable to really act, even though no one might see me.

This Is The Technique I Used to Get Upgraded

As one of the principal actors was saying her lines on stage, another principal began coughing. This interrupted the performing actor. Then, a third principal (who was supposed to work for this health care system) walked over to the coughing audience member to help him.

The technique I used to get upgraded was simply acting in the moment. Even though I knew I was so far away from the action, I angrily stared at the coughing audience member. I did not like the fact that he was disturbing the performance and my experience at the theater.

I was just an extra on the TV spot, and it was a fun day for me.

How I Heard I Had Been Upgraded

A few weeks after the shoot, I saw one of the producers of the TV spot
in the same studio where I was doing some voice over work. She saw me and said “Congratulations.” I said thanks, but asked her why? She told me that during the shoot, when the camera was panning the audience, the director saw my reactions, loved them and had a camera shoot close ups of me.

I had no idea I was being filmed. I certainly could not see the camera pointing towards me while being way up in the balcony.

This Acting Technique Will Make Your Time
On The Set Much More Enjoyable, Even If You Aren’t Upgraded

I don’t want to give you the impression that by using this acting technique, there is a good chance you will be upgraded. It does happen, but only every
once in a while. But, you will be helping out production by giving it your all and you will have a much more enjoyable time on set.

Have You Ever Been Upgraded On a Set?

If you have ever gotten upgraded while working as an extra, please share your experience in the comment section of the YouTube Channel.

Another Great Video For You to Watch

Should Actors Accept Extra Work on Film,TV or Commercial Projects

Click on the link below to watch.

Should Actors Accept Extra Work On Film, TV or Commercial Projects

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Looking forward to talking with you again soon.

Aaron

About the Author: Aaron Marcus

Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor and commercial model for over 36 years. His new book, How to Become a Successful Actor and Model is an Amazon Best Seller. Aaron has given his seminar: "Book the Job" over 800 times spanning 3 continents. He also offers online workshops. Aaron saves 5 days each month to give private on-line coaching sessions. Subscribe to his Acting and Modeling Quick Tips Channel and have free access to 270 + videos <ahttps://www.youtube.com/c/aaronmarcusactingandmodelingquicktips?sub_confirmation=1.