Undercurrents Emily Jashinsky: Did Trump just wreck Hollywood?
May 5, 2025
The podcast dives into Trump's recent tariffs on overseas film productions and their potential impact on Hollywood. It highlights the industry's ongoing struggle against globalization, emphasizing the shift towards international markets. The discussion touches on Georgia's film dynamics, the influence of streaming, and the evolving relationship with China. Key insights include the implications of national security concerns and proposed tax reforms aimed at reshoring jobs in entertainment, amid a backdrop of rising production costs and cultural shifts.
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Trump's Tariff Threat on Hollywood
- Donald Trump's 100% tariff threat targets Hollywood movies produced overseas as a response to studios offshoring production for cost savings.
- He frames this as a national security threat, especially highlighting concerns about China and propaganda.
Hollywood-China Relationship Shift
- Hollywood's reliance on China peaked in the mid-2010s with co-productions and revenue streams, but has since sharply declined.
- China's quotas and political tensions have restricted Hollywood's access, leading studios to seek other filming locations.
Decline of U.S. Film Production
- U.S. film production is sharply declining due to high labor costs and competition from overseas with tax incentives.
- Production spending in the U.S. dropped 26% since 2022, with major studios filming in cheaper locations with generous tax credits.
