Trump’s suggestion of a 100% tariff on films from outside the US has garnered support from some Hollywood workers affected by foreign competition.
Retired visual effects artist Dave Rand noted that he and others began to voice concerns over a decade ago, as tax incentives led to job losses to countries like Canada.
“I thought I was dreaming,” he remarked regarding Trump’s proposal.
Rand recalled organizing a protest with fellow VFX artists against Canadian incentives that “took thousands of jobs overseas, pushing US VFX studios to the brink.”
He and his colleagues had hoped for the government to respond with tariffs instead of more subsidies, but their pleas went largely unheard. Then, suddenly, the President highlighted the plight of Hollywood workers, calling for a return to “made in America.”
Rand acknowledged that while the president’s policies might impact workers abroad, they could potentially revitalize the American film industry in unexpected ways.
Having supported Trump through previous elections, Rand expressed optimism in 2024 due to his pledge to protect American jobs with proposed tariffs. He had previously been part of Rhythm & Hues, a post-production studio that won an Oscar in 2013 before facing bankruptcy.
Attorney David Yoshis, who collaborated with another VFX artist on the issue of competing Canadian grants, observed that Hollywood studios favored the incentive-based system.
“Studios loved the subsidies we could access for VFX,” Yoshis commented. “We felt most proposals didn’t succeed because studios had significant influence to block them.”
“At least for now, they don’t seem overly concerned about studio reactions,” he added.
As previously reported, the President mentioned wanting to impose a “100% tariff on any film produced overseas” entering the US.
On Truthsocial, he noted, “The American film industry is rapidly declining. Other nations provide various incentives that pull filmmakers and studios away from the US. Hollywood is struggling, and this is a coordinated effort from other countries.”
Following this, he expressed a desire to “assist the industry” and planned to meet with Hollywood insiders to negotiate.
“I’m not here to harm the industry. I want to support it,” he stated. “We’re planning discussions to ensure everyone’s content because we’re all in this together.”
John Voight, identified as one of Hollywood’s presidential ambassadors, introduced the president’s comprehensive plan.
“This plan encompasses federal production and post-production incentives, international joint production treaties, subsidies for theater owners and production firms, vocational training, and tax law modifications. It also proposes tariffs under certain situations,” he elaborated.
Voight stated, “The President appreciates the entertainment sector and our country, and he intends to help make Hollywood great again.”
