The Brian Lehrer Show What the Film & TV Industry Thinks of Pres. Trump's Tariff Announcement
May 13, 2025
The podcast dives into President Trump's bold proposal of a 100% tariff on foreign films. Industry professionals share their mixed feelings about this plan, revealing ongoing challenges since the pandemic and strikes. The discussion highlights the competitive dynamics between states like New York and New Jersey for production incentives. Moreover, it critiques the viability of using tariffs as a strategy while emphasizing the allure of international locations like Canada for filmmakers. Listeners voice their concerns about federal support for the arts in light of changing policies.
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Industry Shifts Overseas
- Dan worked in the industry 15 years and saw productions move overseas due to tax incentives and cheaper labor.
- Governor Hochul plans to raise tax incentives in NYC to compete with nearby locations for jobs.
Competitive Disadvantages in NYC
- Joe, an editor, recently worked on a show shot in Toronto that could have used a New York crew.
- He highlights the competitive disadvantage due to cheaper labor and healthcare costs abroad.
Tariff Risks and State Rivalries
- Tariffs risk reciprocal foreign tariffs limiting U.S. film exports.
- The current interstate tax incentive competition harms overall U.S. film industry cohesion.