*Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the U.S. is being met with fierce criticism, not just from political pundits, but from inside Hollywood itself.
“Green Book” producer Charles Wessler didn’t mince words when speaking to TMZ about the idea. According to Wessler, Trump’s push to force all productions onto American soil would gut the film industry. He noted that such a move would kill creativity, budgets, and jobs.
Wessler emphasized that many acclaimed movies couldn’t be made without filming in authentic global locations, and noted the irony that Mel Gibson, a Trump supporter, has filmed overseas himself. He also warned that retaliatory tariffs from other countries would paralyze the global film economy.
This criticism comes as the U.S. film industry faces serious headwinds. The Los Angeles City Council recently voted to explore solutions for making local filming more viable, amid a sharp 22.4% drop in on-location shoot days in early 2025, one of the worst quarters in recent history, according to FilmLA.
Councilmember Adrin Nazarian introduced the motion, calling it a crucial step toward “revitalizing local filming production” and protecting middle-class industry workers. The motion tasks several departments with finding ways to reduce permit fees, cut red tape, and make L.A. more competitive globally.
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#DonaldTrump’s big idea to slap a 100% tariff on films made outside the U.S. might sound like a patriot’s dream — but according to one Hollywood heavyweight, it’s actually a 100% career-ender for the movie biz.
FULL STORY: https://t.co/xYUItiehmV pic.twitter.com/4mdsJQ3YcZ
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 5, 2025
Industry groups like the Directors Guild of America and IATSE Local 728 have backed the effort, while lawmakers are pushing for expanded state film tax credits under Senate Bill 630 and Assembly Bill 1138. Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed increasing California’s annual film incentive budget to $750 million.
With Hollywood already losing post-production and music scoring work to cheaper international markets, insiders say Trump’s plan isn’t patriotic, it’s catastrophic.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: L.A. Moves to Cut Filming Fees, Streamline Permits to Revive Struggling Film Industry
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