Rob Lowe slams California over criminal loss of | TV Shows

Rob Lowe believes it is “criminal” that Hollywood has “surrendered” control of the movie and TV industry.

The 61-year-old actor has criticized the comparatively latest pattern of big-budget productions being filmed elsewhere in the US, or even internationally, due to financial incentives.

Rob – who achieved large success in the 80s, starring in movies like The Outsiders, The Hotel New Hampshire, Oxford Blues, and St. Elmo’s Fire – told Variety: “This is going to sound incredibly self-serving, but a large part of the budget for tax credit is above the line.

“All of these other territories offer you credit for above the road, and Los Angeles does not. Until they do that, they’re never going to get any of the big reveals back.”

Rob previously revealed that financial considerations led him to film his TV game show internationally.

The actor told The Hollywood Reporter: “It’s criminal what California and Los Angeles have let occur – it is criminal. Everybody needs to be fired.

“Why do I shoot my American game show, The Floor, in Ireland? It’s cheaper to bring in 100 people to Ireland than to walk across the lot at Fox.”

Rob seems alongside Will Brill and Gillian Jacobs in The Musical. And Greg Lauritano – who co-produced the movie with Rob – is thrilled they managed to movie the project in Los Angeles after the devastating wildfires in early 2025.

Greg – who beforehand labored as a producer on Fairyland, the coming-of-age drama movie – acknowledged: “The local crew has so much passion for movies, and it’s really set the tone for our entire production. Being awarded the California tax credit has thankfully helped to offset some of the expenses of filming here.

“Rob and I lately had an in-depth dialogue about the significance of bringing manufacturing back to Los Angeles, and I’m extremely excited to be doing just that and partnering with him on this thrilling movie.”