So, what’s happening with Hollywood? In May, Donald Trump made headlines by suggesting a 100% tariff on films made outside the U.S. Hewanted to protect American cinema from what he called its “very fast death.”
Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA and known for her role in “The Nanny,” argues that tax breaks would be a much smarter solution. In a recent interview, she shared her efforts to push for these tax abatements with Trump. “Our industry needs this to compete globally,” she explained during The New York Women’s Foundation event, where she was honored.
Drescher pointed out that Trump understands business dynamics. She believes that without economic incentives, it’s tough to keep filmmakers from seeking better deals abroad. “Tax abatements will address the issue,” she said confidently. “We won’t need tariffs if we can make it more appealing to produce films here.”
On May 4, Trump expressed his desire to meet with Hollywood leaders to discuss the proposed tariff. He emphasized that U.S. filmmakers are struggling and that other countries are luring them away with attractive incentives. In a statement on his Truth Social app, he described the situation as dire, claiming that Hollywood was experiencing a “devastating” decline.
Amid these discussions, recent statistics indicate a growing trend in international film production. According to a 2022 report from the Motion Picture Association, global film production has surged, with countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia offering lucrative financial incentives for filmmakers. This poses a real challenge for American studios, especially after the recent SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes, which have already strained the industry.
Drescher is not alone in her views. Many industry leaders agree that tax incentives can revitalize Hollywood. A spokesperson from SAG-AFTRA mentioned that a coalition of unions, including MPA and Hollywood Ambassadors, is actively working on promoting these tax abatements.
In short, while Trump’s tariff plan might seem like a quick fix, experts like Drescher believe a more sustainable approach lies in fostering tax incentives. This could create a more attractive environment for the film industry in the U.S., ensuring its growth and competitiveness on the global stage.
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Movies,Entertainment,donald trump,fran drescher,sag-aftra