I have just been offered a job at a dance studio, and they requested a white backdrop, which I do not own. My question is do I need muslin or can basic white from wall mart do the trick. I do not do studio work so I cannot see buying an expensive backdrop I might not use again for a job that has a projected income of 500-1000 profit.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

2menelo,

Where in Mississippi are you?

You might want to try and find a scene shop that may have or rent backdrops. When I have needed a large or varied backdrops I have rented them. If you are shooting people, you may need a very large size. One can never have enough backdrop.

Have you thought of a seamless paper backdrop. The larger photo retailers often carry them. I have used white seamless up to 10' wide.

You could try and call the Mississippi Film Commission. They may have a listing of vendors:

MISSISSIPPI FILM OFFICE -- Jackson MS
601-359-3422 -- wemling@mississippi.org
MT

K