Rob Riggle: Hollywood Work Disappearing from Los Angeles
The actor and comedian says the shift in production locations and the rise of remote auditions have made working in Los Angeles the exception rather than the norm.
Actor Rob Riggle has observed a significant shift in the entertainment industry, stating that much of the work that once defined Hollywood in Los Angeles has now moved away. Riggle, a Kansas City native, shared his perspective, noting that securing employment in the city has become uncommon.
"A lot of the work isn't here anymore. It's the exception now, if you get to work here," Riggle told Fox News Digital. He attributed this change to evolving industry practices, explaining that the necessity for actors to be physically present in Los Angeles to be available for work is diminishing.
Riggle further elaborated on the audition process, describing a move towards self-taped submissions. "You have to put yourself on tape standing in front of a white, opaque wall in your garage, trying to make a selfie video, reading with your neighbor, you know, or whoever's in the house, you know? It's terrible. It's just a terrible way to do business," he said, reflecting on the post-COVID paradigm.
He suggested that economic factors also play a role in the relocation of productions. Riggle expressed a personal desire to return to his native Kansas City, a move he hopes to make once his current commitments in California are resolved.
Riggle is currently promoting his new holiday horror-comedy film, "Christmas at the Kringles," which was filmed in Los Angeles. In the movie, he plays a character named "Drunk Santa."
Reflecting on past experiences, Riggle recalled spending Christmas in Afghanistan in 2001 while serving in the Marines. He described it as a dangerous but memorable time, sharing a moment of camaraderie with British special forces who offered a "rum ration."
Riggle also spoke about the leadership lessons learned during his time in the Marines, emphasizing the importance of discipline and perseverance. "If you just stay at it you'll accomplish what you set out to accomplish, but it's going to take those two things and those two things aren't easy," he stated.