Yeah, we've all heard it. "Can you work as a local?" In other words, we're not paying for any of your housing or gas etc. I am in the fortunate situation that I have family and friends I'm close enough to stay with, in every major market except, for some reason, Chicago.
The majority of my acting work has been in New York, Atlanta, or here, where I actually live, in Central Pennsylvania. But I have worked in California, Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, Massachusetts, Florida, Alabama, and a whole host of other places.
I'm also retired (twice!) and love to travel anyway, so for me, it's never really been a big deal to scurry off on a moment's notice (preferably 48 hours) to another part of the country for a one day job, enjoying the drive. But I'm curious for everyone else NOT in my position. How far will you go for a gig?
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That's a good question. Im in the UK and so far any work I've had has been London based so it wasn't too hard to get there and back again. I think for me the deciding factor would be the part itself.. how much would I enjoy playing it, if Im playing a part that excites me then Im not sure there's any mountain I wouldn't try to scale to do it.
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Yeah, I guess there are those parts that just call to you. I had an audition for Cobra Kai on Netflix a while back and told my Agent he could have a reverse split on it if I got that. He'd take 90% and I'd take 10% of the earnings. He laughed of course. And no, I didn't get the part.
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Yea... I guess ultimately it comes down to what you want and how far you're willing to go.
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What a fantastic question, Brandon Keeton and thank you for sharing your perspective! It’s so valuable to hear from someone with that kind of flexibility and experience across so many markets. For many, it often comes down to weighing the exposure and opportunity against the financial and logistical strain. And let’s be honest, self-funding travel for a one-day gig can add up quickly if it’s not something sustainable long term.
This is why building a network in multiple markets, like you’ve done, can be such a game-changer. And for actors without that built-in flexibility, it’s so important to be part of a community like this where we can trade resources, housing tips, or even just moral support.
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I've had fewer than 48 hours notice--twice. I made it work because I could drop everything the minute I was officially booked and arrange flights, a rental car, etc. And of course last minute flights are usualy more expensive.
Even though I have somewhere to stay, I've chosen a hotel because that somewhere can be far from set and I'd rather not drive strange roads in the wee hours . Another time they changed the shoot date after I'd made my arrangements, so I had to pay some fare changes, and I had to stay for 8 days to film one day.
It's not for everyone. And I've heard a few casting directors say they've been burned by actors saying they were in city A when they really were in city B, so to me pays to be honest even if in the end they might choose a true local over you.
I'd go as far as necessary if I really want to be part of that project.
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As an actor, I did not set boundaries for my acting job. Local as well as remot I am ready for. If there is a boundary, it got to do with the contract conditions. If the conditions are ok, and I like the part then no boundary I jump in and do the job.
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Hello, my dear
We can't put ourselves in your place because we haven't walked in your shoes, but if I have to answer your question one day, I'll say I'm happy that I'm having fun, I'm happy that my family is with me, I'm happy that I have food, and I'm thinking about the future, not like the people of Africa, not like the people of Gaza, not like the people of Ukraine, not like all the weak groups who have nothing, and I'm trying to help them too.