What I Learned From Filming Commercials

Hi everyone! Commercials have been such a big part of my acting journey, and every single one has taught me something new. I wanted to put together a list of the biggest lessons I've learned from filming commercials, in case they help other kids (and parents!) getting ready for their own shoots.

Lesson one: being on time actually means being early. On a commercial set, so many people are working together — the director, the camera crew, hair and makeup, and other actors — and everyone's schedule depends on everyone else showing up ready to go. I've learned to always plan to arrive early, with plenty of time to get settled before it's time to start.

Lesson two: listening to direction is everything. Directors and photographers often only have time to explain something once or twice before the camera starts rolling again. I've learned to listen closely, ask a quick question if I'm confused, and then really try to apply the direction right away on the next take.

Lesson three: doing many takes is totally normal, not a sign that you did something wrong. My first time on a commercial set, I thought if we redid a scene it meant I messed up. Now I understand that directors redo scenes for all kinds of reasons — lighting, sound, camera angles, or just trying something a different way. Staying relaxed through every take, instead of getting nervous, makes each one better.

Lesson four: staying positive changes everything about a shoot day. Commercial days can be long, with lots of waiting between takes and setups. I've learned that keeping a good attitude, even when I'm a little tired or a scene takes a while to get right, makes the whole day easier for me and for everyone else working with me.

Lesson five: preparation makes confidence. Before any commercial shoot, I like to review whatever lines or actions I've been given, get a full night of sleep, and pack snacks and water so I have energy for the whole day. Feeling prepared going in helps me feel calm once the cameras start rolling.

Lesson six: every commercial is a chance to practice real skills. Hitting your mark (that's the spot you're supposed to stand), reacting naturally, and repeating an action the exact same way multiple times are all skills that take practice. Each commercial I film makes me better at all of those things.

A note for parents: encouraging your kid to focus on effort, not perfection, makes such a difference. My parent always reminds me that doing my best and having a good attitude matters way more than whether a specific take turns out perfect. That kind of support helps take the pressure off.

I've built these lessons from real commercial work, including projects you can see listed on my Credits & Press page. If you want to read more about my very first time in front of a camera, check out my post about my first headshot day, or if you're curious what filming looks like closer to home, take a look at my post about being a child actress in Richmond, Virginia.

I hope these lessons help you, whether you're a kid getting ready for your first commercial or a parent supporting them! Thanks for reading, and I'll see you back on my homepage or in the next post. Love, Eleaya

P.S. I'm represented by The Brock Agency, Inc. — casting directors, please contact my agency for auditions and bookings!