Dos and Don’ts for TV Lawyers

by David Rumsey | December 20, 2013

Being a lawyer who advertises ain’t easy. You work your ass off  building and maintaining a top law practice 364 days a year. But then on day 365, you have to transform into a polished TV spokesperson. Pressure? Not with Creative Services watching your back.

Nothing makes us happier than helping you say a killer line the way it needs to be said. Our producers and crew work tirelessly so that, after a shoot, you return home a conquering hero.

Even though we go over all the details well ahead of time, the more you know the better. As you ponder New Year’s resolutions for 2014, here are the essential dos and don’ts of a lawyer commercial shoot.

Dos and Don’ts

Do arrive fresh, clean, and ready to be spruced up by our glam-squad.

Don’t overdo it with excessive tanning or teeth whitening. Just like it adds 10lbs to your figure, the camera makes sun worshippers look radioactive.

 

Do get your hair cut (dudes) or done (dude-ettes) a few days before your shoot—but not RIGHT  before the shoot. My mom’s rule of thumb is a 72-hour minimum for men’s haircuts.

Don’t try a new hair style for the first time, and for gawd’s sake, don’t make a detour to the salon on the way to the shoot.

 

Do get a good night’s sleep.

Don’t roll out of bed late and show up bleary-eyed and disoriented. And don’t even think about catching a nap on the green-room couch.

 

Do wear contacts instead of glasses.

Don’t eschew any corrective lenses if you have to squint to see.

 

Do familiarize yourself with the scripts.

Don’t over-rehearse or attempt to memorize the copy.

 

Do bring a couple of clean and crisp options for shirts, ties, shoes, and TAILORED suits.

Don’t do the opposite of this.

 

On camera, do act naturally and pretend that you’re speaking to a prospective client.

Don’t ignore your producers when they tell you to slow down AND give more energy.

 

Don’t spike your Diet Coke with Crown Royale after the first shot.

Do break out a bottle o’ bubbly when the Producer calls “wrap!”

 

In the studio or on-location, Creative Services loves helping lawyers become superstars. If you have any tips you’d like to share, please comment below.

Yoda image from osukaruart on deviantart.