I'm sure this has been talked about ad nauseam here, but I'm hitting a boiling point at understanding how ENG mixers doing doc/tv work are accepting rates of $500 for themselves and gear. I'm being asked to mix a major brand road trip spot that is branded doc content for a week on the road, with 3 x wireless, 633, boom, hops etc for $500 (meals paid, but no per diem). The producer has mentioned that mixers in LA, the Midwest and Northeast are accepting rates of $500 for themselves with package (no travel days paid).
Does this seem logical? Am I confused? Sorry for the rant, but I feel like I'm in the upside down parts of Inception.