When is "exposure" actually worth it? A framework for deciding

We all joke about exposure not paying rent, but I've had exactly two gigs where exposure was genuinely worth it. Both times they shared three things in common: (1) the project had confirmed distribution before shooting, (2) I had a substantial enough role that you could actually see me, and (3) the IMDb credit was on a project people would recognize. My rule now: if the project can't confirm WHERE it will be seen and by HOW MANY people, the exposure is worth exactly $0. If they can, do the math — one good credit can lead to $5-10K in bookings from the reel footage alone. But that only works if you're strategic about it.