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The Big Story

Is 'Hollywood North' about to take its final bow?

May 7, 2025
Andrew Barnsley, President of the Toronto Film School, discusses the potential fallout of proposed 100% tariffs on foreign film production suggested by the U.S. President. He reflects on how this could jeopardize Canada's thriving film industry, especially in major hubs like Toronto and Vancouver. The conversation dives into the resilience of Canadian storytellers and the urgent need for local support. Barnsley also contrasts these tariffs with successful tax credits in Hollywood, highlighting the differing strategies faced by filmmakers amid growing global competition.
11:16

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The proposed 100% tariff on foreign films by the U.S. president threatens to destabilize Canada's thriving film industry and production costs.
  • Industry experts advocate for targeted tax credits over tariffs to enhance Canadian filmmaking and ensure continued international collaboration.

Deep dives

Impact of Proposed Tariffs on Film Industry

The proposal of a 100% tariff on foreign films by the U.S. president reflects a dramatic shift that many in the film industry found shocking. This move stems from accusations that the American film sector is struggling due to foreign competition, with production levels significantly dropping in the U.S. The implications of such tariffs would likely raise production costs for major studios like Netflix and Disney, as they depend on global locations for cost-effective filming. Industry experts have noted this disruption as a potential national security concern while also recognizing the thriving Canadian film sector that has built itself into a global production hub.

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