In a bold move to revive the struggling film industry, actor Jon Voight, who has been appointed as one of President Donald Trump's "special ambassadors" to Hollywood, recently unveiled a proposal aimed at bringing film production back to the United States. Voight believes that Trump is the greatest president since Abraham Lincoln and has expressed his commitment to saving Hollywood from what he perceives as a downward spiral.
Voight, alongside fellow ambassadors Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone, met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend, just before the president announced a controversial plan to impose a 100% tariff on films produced overseas. This announcement, made on May 4, 2025, has sparked a heated debate within the industry, with some praising the initiative while others fear it could cripple production.
During an interview with Variety, Voight emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, "It’s come to a point where we really do need help, and thank God the president cares about Hollywood and movies. We’ve got to roll up our sleeves here. We can’t let it go down the drain like Detroit." His comments reflect a growing concern over the exodus of film production to countries offering better financial incentives, such as Canada and the UK.
Voight's associates, Steven Paul and Scott Karol, who are actively involved in the proposal, echoed his sentiments. Paul noted, "While it’s nice to visit the south of France for Cannes, when you’re working all the time, you’d rather be back home. It’s completely nuts that it’s a ghost town right now." This statement highlights the frustration among industry professionals who feel that Hollywood has lost its prominence in the global film market.
Despite the mixed reactions to Trump's tariff proposal, Voight claims to have received positive feedback from various industry stakeholders. He stated, "We’ve gotten a lot of good response from people. We’re really rolling up our sleeves and working. I think we have a good plan, and we’re just beginning." His optimism is rooted in a comprehensive plan submitted to Trump, which includes federal tax incentives, changes to tax codes, and infrastructure subsidies aimed at revitalizing the industry.
However, the plan is not without its critics. Industry unions have expressed concern over the potential impact of the tariffs. Matthew D. Loeb, president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, stated, "The United States needs a balanced federal response to return film and television jobs." His comments highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing the challenges faced by the industry.
In contrast, the Teamsters union has supported the tariff idea, calling it a "strong step" toward reducing the industry’s reliance on outsourcing. This divide among unions underscores the complexity of the issue and the differing priorities within the industry.
Voight's proposal has also drawn attention to the financial realities of film production. Scott Karol pointed out that a $5 million film shot in Eastern Europe can cost between $10 million and $12 million in the U.S. This stark contrast in production costs has driven many filmmakers to seek more affordable options abroad, further complicating the effort to bring production back to Hollywood.
As part of their initiative, Voight and his associates are also working to establish a small studio in the Los Angeles area, with plans to close on the property as early as next week. This commitment to invest in local production facilities is seen as a crucial step in demonstrating their dedication to revitalizing Hollywood.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has also entered the fray, proposing a $7.5 billion federal tax incentive to support the film industry. While this initiative has been met with interest, Karol has raised concerns about the effectiveness of California's existing tax credits, which he argues are not competitive with incentives offered by other states.
Voight's call to action has resonated with many in the industry who feel a sense of urgency to address the challenges facing Hollywood. He stated, "This shouldn’t be political. I don’t know the political identities of the people we’ve talked to. If we can come up with [a plan that can be executed], he’ll back us. He wants us to be the Hollywood of old. If we all come together, I believe we have a bright future."
As the debate continues, the industry awaits further developments from the White House regarding the proposed tariffs and tax incentives. While some view these measures as necessary to protect American jobs, others worry about the potential consequences for the film production landscape. The outcome of this initiative could have lasting implications for Hollywood's future.
In the coming weeks, Voight and his team plan to engage with various stakeholders, including producers and union representatives, to refine their proposal and address concerns. Whether their efforts will succeed in reversing the trend of runaway productions remains to be seen, but Voight's commitment to revitalizing Hollywood is clear.
As the industry grapples with these challenges, one thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the future of Hollywood hangs in the balance.
