Getting a copy of a commercial you worked on always requires some effort. Your agent might be able to help, but ultimately, tracking down a copy of the work is your job, not theirs. Here’s a shortlist of your best contact options.
1. The Production Company.
This is your best bet. The company name should be on your call sheet from the job (always keep your call sheets!). Most production companies have websites with basic contact info on them, so send them an email request for a copy of the commercial. Be sure to mention that you are a principal actor who appears in the spot.
2. The Ad Agency.
The ad agency’s name should also be on the call sheet. If you can find a general contact for the agency, ask for the Traffic Department or the Traffic Manager. They should be able to help connect you with a copy of the project.
3. The Director.
Most of the time the director’s info will not be on the call sheet, so you’ll need to search online and see if they have a website or a social media presence. Keep your correspondence with directors exceedingly short, sweet, and professional. Don’t reach out to a director unless you have truly hit a dead end with the production company and the ad agency.
Keep in mind production companies, agencies, and directors will generally not share a copy of the commercial with you until the spot has aired. Post-production timelines can vary greatly (especially if special effects are involved), but generally, a commercial will start airing two to five months after the shoot date. For most network and cable broadcast commercials, you can chart if, when, and where a spot has aired at iSpot.tv. Best to not even make a request until five to six months have passed since your shoot date.
Also, it’s never a good idea to contact the client directly.
Happy hunting!
-Matt Miller is a director and occasional instructor at ASC