(AFP) – Australia remains eager to collaborate with the US on creating “great films,” according to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, despite new tariffs that could impact iconic Hollywood productions like The Matrix, Elvis, and Crocodile Dundee.
On Sunday, US President Donald Trump declared 100% tariffs on films produced on “foreign land,” suggesting that the struggling town of Tinsel might provide a better service with “movies made in America.”
The so-called “aussiewood” has attracted foreign filmmakers over the years by offering significant tax credits and other financial incentives to produce major hits.
While the mechanics of tariffs remain unclear, Wong expressed concern about potential negative outcomes for those involved in the film industry.
“Our message is that we’re going to make great movies together,” she said during an interview with national broadcaster ABC.
“There are American films currently being shot in Australia. Collaboration is beneficial, so please don’t interfere.”
Crocodile Dundee, a comedy from 1986 featuring an Australian bushman who makes his way to New York City, played a significant role in bringing Australia to the attention of American audiences.
Since then, numerous prominent directors from Hollywood have chosen Australia as a location for successful films, including Marvel blockbusters and Elvis.
The tariffs could also pose challenges for neighboring New Zealand, known for its breathtaking scenery featured in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Annie Murray, head of New Zealand’s Film Commission, mentioned that they are still trying to grasp the implications of the tariffs.
“It’s an evolving situation, and it’s premature to make predictions about what this could entail,” she told AFP.
The tariffs seem to be aimed at undermining the business models favored by American studios, which benefit from tax incentives in countries like the UK, Canada, Ireland, and Australia.
A recent survey among studio executives revealed that their top five preferred filming locations were all outside the US.
Earlier this year, Trump appointed legendary actors Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and John Voight to help return Hollywood “more, better, stronger, and stronger than ever.”
