Resolve traveling costs to LA studios from N. Calif.?

Question

I've started acting in student films, a feature, some extra work, local theatre, etc. During an audition and callback I found that the cost of travel to LA is staggering. An 800 mile round trip costs me 3 to 4 times what the job would pay. I've started to concentrate on gigs up here, but eventually I'll have to deal with the travel issue. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I think you probably have to look at the travel costs as "tuition" and be grateful that you have any income at all coming in at all to help cover them. Many of us have found that sacrifices need to be made in the name of our art.

Are local airlines available or the train? Or, maybe you could find someone else to go with you on auditions to share the costs.

Answer 2

You can deduct your travel costs, and can continue to deduct all costs associated with your acting for (I believe) five years; after that, you have to show a profit--making more money than you're deducting--or your career is considered a "hobby," and expenses are not longer deductible.

Here's some tips on how to run your acting career as a business:
http://www.hollywoodnexus.com/ArticlesView.php?articleID=14&commID=0&sid=0

Answer 3

I wouldn't make the trip for less than a principal role in a union film. Until you have the resources to move, concentrate on building your resume where you are.