The Gold Coast’s booming screen industry is at serious risk following a new Donald Trump tariff.
The US President has announced plans to slap a 100 per cent import tariff on all films produced in other countries.
Trump indicated he would target countries offering what he described as “unfair incentives” to lure American filmmakers abroad.
“The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death,” Trump wrote.
“Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated.”
Trump described the situation as “a concerted effort by other Nations,” declaring that it was thus “a National Security threat.”
“It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda,” he said.
“WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
Screen Producers Australia has released a statement in the wake of the news, calling for Government intervention.
“At this stage, it is unclear what this announcement means in practice or how it will be applied and implemented”, SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said.
“There are many unknowns for our industry, but until we know more, there’s no doubt it will send shockwaves worldwide.
“For the Australian industry, it reinforces the need for the Government to focus immediately and swiftly on building a resilient local industry that can withstand global shocks like this.
“As we get set for our annual SCREEN FOREVER conference, set to start tomorrow, we’re certain today’s announcement will be the catalyst for many, many conversations between local and international industry executives and screen professionals.
“SPA will continue to monitor developments and await the Executive Order, which should provide further information on this”.
