In a bold move to revitalize the U.S. film and television industry, actor Jon Voight is spearheading a proposal aimed at countering the alarming decline in domestic production. This initiative comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's controversial announcement regarding a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, which has raised eyebrows across Hollywood.
In recent weeks leading up to May 9, 2025, Voight has engaged in discussions with key labor groups in Hollywood, including the Directors Guild of America, Teamsters, and IATSE. His proposal is centered on strengthening domestic industry incentives, a response to the increasing allure of international markets that offer more favorable tax breaks and infrastructure for filmmakers.
"I recently met with our president, Donald J. Trump, who loves the entertainment business and wants to see Hollywood thrive and make films bigger and greater than ever before," Voight stated in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter. This meeting took place just a day after Trump announced his intention to impose hefty tariffs on foreign films, a move that has sparked concern among industry insiders.
Voight's plan reportedly includes a combination of federal tax incentives, changes to the tax code, co-production treaties, and infrastructure subsidies aimed at supporting theater owners, production, and postproduction companies. According to a press release shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Voight's proposal calls for "tariffs in certain limited circumstances" rather than the sweeping 100% tariff announced by Trump.
With Los Angeles filming activity down more than 22% in early 2025, local leaders and unions are scrambling for solutions to boost production. California lawmakers are considering raising the state’s film incentive cap to $750 million as part of efforts to attract filmmakers back to the state. Amid these discussions, Voight's outreach has yet to include the Writers Guild of America or SAG-AFTRA, two major players in the industry.
Voight's fellow "Hollywood ambassadors," Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone, have not participated in his formal discussions, raising questions about the unity of their efforts to support the U.S. film industry.
Trump's proposed tariffs have been met with significant criticism. Charles Wessler, producer of the Oscar-winning film "Green Book," warned that such a plan would "gut the film industry" by undermining creative flexibility and leading to job losses. Wessler pointed out the irony of Gibson's support for the tariffs, given that he has worked on projects outside the U.S. himself.
In his announcement, Trump claimed that the U.S. film industry is "DYING a very fast death" and attributed this decline to foreign incentives designed to lure American filmmakers away. He described these incentives as a "concerted effort by other Nations" and labeled them a national security threat. The White House has since clarified that while no decisions have been made regarding foreign film tariffs, the administration is exploring all options.
As the film industry grapples with these challenges, many industry insiders argue that Trump's nationalistic approach could backfire. The call for a broader federal strategy to combat the exodus of filmmakers has been echoed by various stakeholders who believe that collaboration, rather than isolation, is key to the future of American cinema.
Voight's initiative is seen as a crucial step in addressing the pressing issues facing the industry, particularly as international competition intensifies. The proposal aims to create a more favorable environment for filmmakers in the U.S., potentially reversing the trend of productions moving abroad.
The discussions surrounding Voight's proposal and Trump's tariffs highlight the complex dynamics at play in the current landscape of the entertainment industry. As Hollywood faces mounting pressure from global competitors, the need for a cohesive strategy that supports domestic production has never been more apparent.
In summary, Jon Voight's efforts to rescue Hollywood come at a critical juncture, with the film industry navigating uncharted waters amid political and economic challenges. The outcome of these discussions could significantly shape the future of U.S. cinema, as stakeholders seek to find common ground in an increasingly competitive global market.
