Entertainment
Sponsored by

Tariff on foreign film production

13,882 Views | 216 Replies | Last: 2 mo ago by Lathspell
fig96
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
At a base level this seems like something almost impossible to do logistically.

Many films are shot somewhere in multiple locations, edited probably most often in the US, VFX and post production done some in the US with some in Canada or at other big houses that have locations in the UK, New Zealand, or Asia. So are you intending to tariff the parts that aren't done in the US then not tariff other pieces? Hollywood accounting is already insanely confusing, this is just going to create a total cluster.

And are we penalizing films that have stories that bring them to Europe, Asia, etc., and are shot on location? That seems kind of ridiculous.

The idea of "let's bring production back to the US" isn't a bad one, but this seems like a very clunky way to do it.
Forum Troll
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
A solution in search of a problem.
jokershady
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
As with anything the devil is in the details and I don't think there's actually anything out there right now that accurately addresses the questions you raised.

My guess would be Trump is mainly thinking actual production regarding filming, acting, locations…things like that….i doubt there's been a lot of consideration on the more detailed items that are still important but easy to overlook.

So who the heck knows honestly.
KIKIAggies859
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Meh, I'm not a fan of Raid 2. It doesn't give you the data resiliency of a Raid 5 or 6, plus the striping doesn't necessarily improve read speeds.
Lathspell
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
You know what? It's fun to not have an opinion on a subject.

I don't care either way. I don't understand enough about production and distribution at the studio level to know if this is a benefit or detriment to the industry. It's hard to know for certain because such a large majority of Hollywood will straight up do or say ANYTHING, as long as it is against Trump (ie: pregnant women downing bottles of Tylenol on TikTok). I've not met a "Hollywood expert" who I believe to be completely apolitical to provide an actual good-faith analysis of the subject, but would be open to hear one if someone has one.

I'm not really a fan of tariffs because I prefer a free market. However, the rest of the world doesn't really play by those rules. I also am not bothered by Trump, and the US in general, throwing its weight around. I know the left hates when we act like the most powerful country in the world. Our job is to look after Americans and American industries, first. But, again, I have no idea if this would help or not.

ETA: I will say, I have seen the clips of various actors talking about productions being forced out of the US for various monetary reasons. But, I haven't delved in too deeply.
fig96
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
The simple fact is that productions go elsewhere because of subsidies, a few others here can speak to that in more detail. But that's often why things get filmed in certain states or countries and it's why VFX and animation often happens in Canada (Sony, ILM, and others have big facilities there now).

The complexities I noted above aside, simply taxing things with no other solution or assistance isn't doing anything but raising costs across the board.
Lathspell
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Yeah... looking for more of an overview of all the facts and why the administration would be threatening this. Obviously, they think there is a problem going on and they think the fix would be a tariff on foreign productions. Instead of immediately thinking "Trump idea = Evil, therefore we must rebel!", i'm curious why this is the best solution. And if not, I'm interested what others think the fix could be; or, if this is a big nothingburger, why would Trump even bring it up? Someone must be complaining about something for him to do anything about it.

I'm aware that various cities/states offer tax incentives, among other incentives, to film there. If costs for production is sky rocketing, causing filming to move abroad strictly because it's cheaper to hire foreign workers or time in foreign studios, then I think there's an obvious problem. Granted, I'm assuming part of that problem can be attributed to the various Hollywood unions driving up costs here vs other countries subsidizing costs to film there.

However, if the unions are the main culprit for those costs, I'm not a fan of tariffing other countries to try and fix the situation created by Hollywood. To me, that sounds like Democrats' fix to increasing healthcare costs is for the government to just pay for it. I don't believe that fixes anything.
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.