Rob Lowe Calls LA Film Loss Criminal as He Wraps New Movie Shoot

Rob Lowe, the actor known for roles in shows like Parks and Recreation and 9-1-1: Lone Star, said Los Angeles has lost too much film and TV work to other cities. He made the comments while wrapping up a new movie shot entirely in LA studios. Lowe called the situation criminal and pointed to money as the main reason productions leave. This came up in talks around his latest project with Czech director Václav Marhoul.

Background

Los Angeles has long been the heart of movie and TV making. Studios there built the industry over decades. But in recent years, many shows and films have moved to places like Atlanta, New Mexico, and Canada. These spots offer big tax breaks and lower costs for crews, locations, and hotels. California leaders have tried to fight back with their own incentives, but it's a tough battle.

Lowe has lived and worked in LA for most of his career. He started as a teen in the 1980s with films like The Outsiders. Over time, he saw changes firsthand. Productions that once stayed local now pack up for savings. In one case, Lowe turned down a TV series because it planned to shoot in New York. He has also filmed in other spots, like Dublin for The Floor, but prefers staying close to home.

The new film with Marhoul shows LA can still draw big names. Shooting started November 23 and ended December 19. All work happened in local studios with sets built just for the movie. This setup let the team control everything indoors, focusing on talks between characters. Marhoul, who made the dark hit The Painted Bird, said this project flips his usual style.

“From a directing perspective, this film is a real challenge for me. In terms of execution, it is the complete opposite of The Painted Bird. The emphasis here is on dialogue, and the story unfolds exclusively in interior spaces.” – Václav Marhoul

The movie comes from producer Dallas Sonnier's Bonfire Legend. It plans a theater release in September 2026, both in the US and Czech Republic. Post-work like editing will happen in Prague from January to May.

Key Details

Lowe stars alongside Jennifer Jason Leigh, an Oscar nominee from films with Quentin Tarantino and the Coens. Details on the story stay secret for now. The crew mixes top talent from Hollywood and Europe. Peter Menzies Jr., who shot Mad Max: Fury Road, handles the camera. Other key people include production designer Vincent Reynaud, costume maker Emma Fleming, and makeup expert Jeff Dawn.

Lowe's Take on LA's Film Decline

Lowe has been clear about his frustration. He said the loss of jobs hurts everyone from actors to grips and drivers. California gave back some ground with better tax credits, but he thinks it's not enough. Productions keep leaving for places where a dollar goes further.

He also shared a story from his early days. Another actor did something petty that still sticks with him. Lowe did not name the person but described it as a small act that showed Hollywood's tough side. These tales come up as he reflects on four decades in the business.

Lowe's career keeps going strong. He leads 9-1-1: Lone Star and made Netflix shows like Unstable with his son John Owen. He turned down work outside LA to stay local when possible. His choice to join Marhoul's film fits his push to keep shoots in California.

Marhoul's move to LA marks a change for him too. His past films like Smart Philip and Tobruk stayed in Europe. The Painted Bird got Venice Film Festival buzz and Czech awards. This one bridges his world with Hollywood's.

What This Means

Fewer shoots in LA mean lost jobs and less buzz for the city. Local businesses from caterers to equipment renters feel the hit. Stars like Lowe speak out to push for more state help. Tax breaks brought some work back, but other states keep raising theirs.

This film proves LA studios still work well for certain stories. Indoor shoots avoid weather issues and let teams build exact sets. With big names attached, it could draw attention to California options. Release in 2026 might show if viewers care where movies get made.

Lowe's words add to a larger talk. Actors, crew unions, and politicians all weigh in. Some productions balance costs by shooting parts in multiple places. Others go all-in on one spot. For now, LA holds on, but the fight continues.

The industry shifts affect careers too. Lowe adapts by picking roles that fit his views. Younger actors might follow, or chase jobs elsewhere. Marhoul's project shows global ties can help local work. As shoots spread out, places like LA must keep proving their worth.

Efforts to fix this include film commissions and training programs. California trains new crew members to stay competitive. Events like Sundance still spotlight indie work, with Lowe spotted there recently. These steps aim to hold onto the magic that started it all.