Trump's 100% Tariffs on Foreign Films Spark Industry Concern, James Bond Exempted

President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, aiming to revitalize the U.S. film industry. The proposal has caused confusion and concern within Hollywood, with fears that it could harm the industry and lead to retaliatory tariffs affecting streaming services like Netflix and Disney. Trump has stated that the James Bond franchise, which has historically been filmed in the UK, will not be subject to these tariffs. He cited his friendship with the late Sean Connery, a former James Bond actor, as a reason for the exemption, mentioning Connery's assistance in securing zoning for Trump's golf courses in Aberdeen. The film industry is globally integrated, with many productions filmed in locations such as the UK, Canada, and Australia due to tax incentives and lower labor costs. The proposed tariffs could disrupt this model, potentially leading to a decrease in jobs and increased costs for U.S. productions. Jon Voight, a special envoy appointed by Trump, has been involved in discussions about these tariffs. Hollywood studios and streaming companies have held meetings to strategize on how to address the tariff threats. They are seeking ways to educate the White House on the complexities of film production and the potential negative impacts of the tariffs. The U.S. maintains a $15 billion trade surplus in film exports, and California Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing for federal incentives to keep production in the U.S.