Hire actors for commercials, branded video and training films
To hire actors for a video, search ShootModel by date, city, hours and budget. You see verified adult actors who are free on your shoot day, with their reels, rates and the total for your hours. Book directly, sign the agreement and usage license online, and pay through the platform.
Actors for commercials and other video work
Commercial spot
- What the actor does
- Delivers lines, reacts to the product, hits marks
- What to check in the profile
- Reel with dialogue, comfort with retakes
Branded video for social
- What the actor does
- Speaks to camera in a natural voice
- What to check in the profile
- Short clips that feel unscripted
Corporate video
- What the actor does
- Plays an employee, customer or host
- What to check in the profile
- Clear speech, neutral look, steady pace
Training or safety film
- What the actor does
- Acts out scenes step by step
- What to check in the profile
- Patience with many short setups
Explainer with a presenter
- What the actor does
- Reads from a prompter or memorized script
- What to check in the profile
- Prompter experience
Need people in the background only? Book Extras instead. They cost less and do not deliver lines.
From script to booked actor
Write the role in two sentences
Who is the character, how old do they read, and what do they need to do on camera. This helps you filter fast and gives actors a clear picture.
Search and shortlist
Choose Actors, set the date, hours, city and age range. Watch reels on profiles and save the people who fit to a shortlist. On a plan, AI casting can rank actors against your moodboard or reference frames.
Book or request
Book now with actors who have instant booking on. For others, send a request with your script pages attached in the chat. They accept or decline within 24 hours.
Union and non-union actors
Some actors are members of a performers' union, and union productions follow that union's rules on pay, hours and paperwork. Bookings made on ShootModel are direct, non-union bookings between your production and the actor, unless you and the actor arrange something different between yourselves.
If your project is a union production, talk with the actor about it in the booking chat before you confirm. Union members know the rules that apply to them. We do not give legal or union advice, and nothing on ShootModel changes an actor's union status.
Usage terms that fit the way video travels
Video gets cut down, reposted and turned into ads. Pick the buyout at checkout to match where the footage will run: web and social, paid media, broadcast, or all media. Set the territory, the term and whether the use is exclusive. The actor sees those terms before accepting.
The booking then creates the booking agreement, a release and a usage license with those terms. Both sides sign online. Download the PDFs whenever your editor or client asks.
Keep the day on schedule
Send the call sheet, scenes and wardrobe notes in the booking chat. On the Production plan you can build call sheets inside ShootModel and route bookings through an approval step before they are paid. If the actor cancels, you get the full charge back and we help you find a replacement, with priority help on Production and above.
Tips for casting actors for video on a budget
A small budget does not mean a weak cast. It means planning well.
- 01Book the hours you need on camera, plus time for wardrobe and a short rehearsal.
- 02Group scenes by actor, so each person is booked for one block rather than a full day.
- 03Use extras for crowd and background, and save actor rates for speaking roles.
- 04Keep the buyout narrow if the video only runs on your site or social channels.
- 05Ask for a self-tape of one line in the booking chat if you are unsure, before you confirm.
Actors for commercials often have reels that show both dialogue and reactions. Watch for both. A great reaction shot can carry a spot with no lines at all.
FAQ
01How much does it cost to hire actors for a commercial?
Each actor sets their own hourly, half day and day rates. You see the total for your hours, then add the buyout that fits your media plan.
02Can I hire actors for video without an agent?
Yes. You book the actor directly on ShootModel, with the contract and payment handled by the platform.
03Are ShootModel bookings union bookings?
No. They are direct non-union bookings unless you and the actor arrange otherwise. Union productions follow their union's rules.
04Can actors read the script before they accept?
Yes. Chat opens with your request, so you can share script pages before the actor decides.
05What if I need the footage for more uses later?
The license covers what you chose at checkout. Plan your media up front, or agree on a wider buyout with the actor for a new booking.
06How are actors checked before you book them?
Every actor's ID and age are checked before the profile shows the ID verified badge and takes paid bookings.
07Can I book several actors for one scene?
Yes. Book each actor for the same date and hours, or send one shoot request to all matching actors and collect their confirmations.
Your next shoot, booked today
Pick a date, a city and a budget. See who is free and book in one step.