When casting talent for a TV commercial, agency folks go to great lengths to find the right actor for the part. Creative teams pour over hundreds of headshots, view hours upon hours of audition videos and scrutinize assorted actors’ reels for days on end. After what seems like an eternity of hunting for the quintessential look, personality and acting chops, creatives finally agree on the ideal actor/cast to get the job done (in this case, it was a commercial for reputable charity). Once the spot is shot there’s usually a shared sense of relief and accomplishment among all involved. “That dude really pulled it off” a copywriter will whisper to his art director. “She totally nailed it” a satisfied client will remark to the creative director. Pats on the back are a plenty as the creative team responsible for the ad sits back and enjoys the showering of praise that feeds their insatiable egos. Then, while kicking back and watching the tube later that evening, the usual assortment of abysmal ads appears. Only this time, there’s something different. “Hey, I think I know the guy in this erectile dysfunction ad” you think to yourself. “Geeze, that chick hawking herpes medication looks so familiar” you muse. And suddenly you realize that your meticulous search for the perfect talent to bring your dramatic charity ad to life led you directly to the Boner Pill Guy and the Crab Queen. You sink into your Lazy Boy knowing that a steady stream of jibes from friends and co-workers are on the way. Advertising has a funny way of keeping that ego in check.
