I am interested in a non-paying gig, however, it would cost me nearly $40 a day in gas to get to the shoot. The shoot is scheduled for "somewhere between" a 7-day date range.

Does anyone have any advice on how to approach this when dealing with casting decisions? I know some people will say, if I want it bad enough, I will suck it up, but in this economy, it isn't that cut and dry. And we all know that sometimes, one role can lead to other opportunities.

If anyone cares to share their experiences or opinions, I welcome feedback.

I would ask for a mileage reimbursement. It's not unreasonable. If they refuse I would say no. I wouldn't worry about losing other opportunities. If the project is so low-budget they won't pay mileage, I doubt it is going to be of a very high quality.

How about car pooling w/someone(s)?

I know gas is expensive, but $40 a day? that must pretty far and in that case I wouldn't accept it. I would look for similar or better opportunities nearby. If they really want you to be part of it, ask them for some mileage reimbursement like LADelight suggest. If they say no, then say no too. Good Luck!

Yeah, it's about 70 miles each way. 140 miles a day is half a tank of gas, which is about $40.

There is not a ton of work in my state, but more and more coming each month, so right now it's taking what I can for the experience until I build up my current resume.

I ended up with an under-5 role (so one day of driving), and the director is pretty connected here, so if the project is optioned for a feature length film, it will be well worth it.

Thanks for the replies.

Glad you were able to do it!

It would have to be an awesome part that would actually have a chance of going somewhere for me to take a role that far away, and without gas money being provided.

Is it a great part that might be going places?

quote:

Originally posted by Iceman:
It would have to be an awesome part that would actually have a chance of going somewhere for me to take a role that far away, and without gas money being provided.

Is it a great part that might be going places?

It's a few lines, so it would only be one day of driving. Although this is a short "indie" film, they are planning to do a feature-length version.

The director and production crew are top-notch. The level of work that they do at their day jobs (no conflict of interest, fyi) speak volumes about their production quality and credibility.

So, yes, it has the potential to go places. And if it does not lead to a full-length feature, then I will have had the experience of working with a talented crew.