Donald Trump announced a sweeping proposal for a 100% tariff on films “coming into our country produced in foreign lands,” a measure that could significantly affect the Australian movie industry. Actor Jon Voight wrote an op-ed piece supporting the use of tariffs in “very specific circumstances.” This announcement follows closely on his proposal.
The nation has recently emerged as a favored relocation site for U.S. film shoots—and with good reason, given Australia’s popular lure of financial incentives, including a 30% rebate for major productions shot on Aussie soil. And almost half of the A$1.7 billion forecast to be spent on screen production in Australia over 2023-24 is for international productions. That would mean that Trump’s tariff could have a major impact on the industry.
The former president has come up with one. This follows his installation of Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as “special ambassadors to Hollywood.” Voight is conceptually working on said “comprehensive plan” with Trump down at Mar-a-Lago. His stated aim is “restoring film production in the United States.” His plan would implement a more calculated approach than the immediate, blanket tariffs proposed by Trump.
Voight’s manager, Steven Paul, referred to the proposal as a “comprehensive plan.” More broadly, it’s a concept he thinks could largely revitalize America’s film production industry. Trump’s blanket tariff does nothing to address the underlying issue of high production costs that have long plagued the U.S. Because of this, many filmmakers are looking elsewhere—especially overseas.
Film production in Los Angeles has plummeted by almost 40% in just the past 10 years. As the state’s local economies begin to boom, other states such as New York and Georgia continue to provide strong tax incentives to attract new talent and productions. Hollywood’s ongoing trend of relocating to countries such as Canada, Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Hungary, Italy, and Spain highlights filmmakers’ preference for lower costs and favorable tax conditions.
Matthew Loeb, president of the union representing performers Sag-Aftra, Sag- After, noted the precision with which Trump’s tariff policy could strike. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach, stating that they “continue to stand firm in our conviction that any eventual trade policy must do no harm to our Canadian members – nor the industry overall.” Loeb called on the Trump administration to support the establishment of a federal film production tax incentive. He argues that this would level the playing field for American workers.
Sag-Aftra has openly supported initiatives to increase film, television and streaming production in the U.S. This further demonstrates their commitment to developing creative solutions that prioritize domestic workers first, while looking into potential cooperative arrangements internationally.
“The President loves the entertainment business and this country, and he will help us make Hollywood great again.” – Jon Voight
Australia’s arts minister, Tony Burke, is closely monitoring the developments surrounding Trump’s tariffs and their potential impact on the country’s film sector. The national interest Once again, the national interest is at stake as the country smartens up to the growing impact of U.S. policy changes their most lively industry.
The Trump administration is currently reviewing Jon Voight’s proposals to gauge their feasibility and alignment with broader economic goals. Voight is actively, and collaboratively, in conversations with the studios, streamers, unions and guilds. Industry stakeholders can only hope that these political machinations don’t have too lasting an impact on the future of film production both here in the United States and around the world.