Hollywood studios and entertainment unions have united to urge President Donald Trump to implement tax incentives aimed at revitalizing domestic film and television production. This collective appeal comes in response to Trump’s recent proposal of a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, a move that has sparked concern within the industry.
In a letter addressed to the President, prominent figures including actors Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone, along with major industry organizations such as the Motion Picture Association, SAG-AFTRA, and the Writers and Directors Guilds of America, have advocated for specific tax provisions. These include reinstating Section 199 for production-related tax deductions, expanding Section 181 to increase the expense cap to $30 million, and reviving Section 461 to allow for the carryback of net operating losses.
The coalition emphasizes that such tax incentives would be more effective than tariffs in encouraging productions to remain within the U.S., thereby preserving jobs and supporting the domestic economy. They argue that financial incentives are a proven method to attract and retain film projects, especially in the face of competitive international markets offering their own subsidies.
Despite the push for tax incentives, the White House has not yet made a final decision regarding the proposed tariffs. The entertainment industry continues to advocate for policies that will strengthen domestic production without resorting to protectionist measures that could have unintended consequences.