The Commentary Magazine Podcast Lights! Camera! Tariffs!
14 snips
May 6, 2025 The discussion kicks off with a bold proposal for a 100% tariff on foreign films, raising questions about the cultural and economic impact on the movie industry. It highlights the challenges faced by California filmmakers amid international market pressures, especially from China. The conversation then shifts to the Houthis conflict in Yemen, examining U.S. foreign policy and military interventions. Lastly, the podcast touches on the complexities of the Israel-Gaza conflict and the portrayal of various narratives surrounding it.
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Tariffs Hurt California Film Industry
- Trump's proposed 100% tariff on foreign films is impractical due to complex film production financing and locations.
- The tariff announcement inadvertently supports California Governor Gavin Newsom by distracting from state's taxing policies hurting the film industry.
China's Film Market Leverage
- China dominates the global film market and uses political leverage to control film content and careers.
- Hollywood often compromises creatively to appease Chinese authorities to maintain market access.
California Film Crisis Ignored
- The film industry crisis in California is due to heavy taxation and loss of tax incentives, pushing productions elsewhere.
- Trump’s tariff talk deflects from blaming California's liberal policies, missing a political opportunity for Republicans.
