Trump's film tariffs clash as Mel Gibson plots Hollywood pact
Trump announces tariffs on films shot outside the US, meanwhile, his ambassador is making his new film in Italy. Mel Gibson has an idea on how to save the situation.
Recently, Donald Trump announced a plan to impose 100% tariffs on films produced outside the US. He wants American studios to produce films within the United States. Meanwhile, one of his special ambassadors, Mel Gibson, who was supposed to help save Hollywood, is shooting his new film in Italy.
Mel Gibson came up with a way to save Hollywood
It's not new that various American productions are shot outside the United States. The post-production of the "Mission Impossible" series took place in the Czech Republic, many films are shot in Budapest, where special incentives for filmmakers apply, and a similar situation exists for shooting in Morocco. Ridley Scott has loved shooting in Malta for years. Filming locations in Europe or North Africa are simply more cost-effective.
In the meantime, Donald Trump announced that he would introduce special taxes for productions filmed abroad in an attempt to force filmmakers to use not only on-site locations but also post-production companies and film studios from the US. Hollywood is heating up. The absurdity of this situation is even greater because one of Trump's special ambassadors, Mel Gibson, who was appointed along with Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone to save Hollywood, is shooting the second part of "The Passion" at the Roman film studio, Cinecittà Studios.
Gibson and his Italian producer have come up with a way to save the situation.
Producer Andrea Iervolino presented a proposal for a co-production agreement between the US and Italy on Tuesday, May 13. As reported by the "Hollywood Reporter," the agreement is intended to serve as a pilot project for the development of similar treaties between the US and other countries worldwide.
The proposed agreement encourages Italian producers to make Italian films in the United States, involving American stars, which would translate into investments in the US. It also suggests that the Italian government launch "support programs for productions that strengthen cultural ties between Italy and the United States."
Iervolino mentioned estimates indicating that global adoption of such a model could generate up to $10 billion in annual direct investment in the US, though he did not provide the source of this data.
"The world must recognize that the American entertainment industry has always been the leading one globally: it remains the main point of reference, capable of setting the rules of the industry worldwide," said the producer.
Iervolino added: "It is therefore essential to initiate a win-win agreement between the USA and the rest of the world. Mel Gibson and I are actively working in this direction, using this initial agreement with Italy as inspiration for the rest of the world."
The aim is to formalize the co-production agreement at the Venice Film Festival in 2025, in the presence of leading figures from both film industries, government bodies, and their associated sectors. Iervolino highlighted that this initiative could mark a historic shift in global cinema, offering opportunities for shared success and development among the participating nations.
