Voight and Trump Team Up to Revitalize Hollywood: A Plan to "Make Hollywood Great Again"

Jon Voight, the acclaimed actor, and former President Donald Trump are joining forces in an ambitious endeavor to revitalize the American film and television industry. Voight, serving as a special ambassador appointed by Trump, has collaborated with advisor Steven Paul to develop a comprehensive plan aimed at boosting domestic film production and restoring Hollywood’s dominance on the global stage.

The initiative, dubbed "Make Hollywood Great Again," seeks to address concerns about the increasing trend of "runaway production," where film and television projects are increasingly shot in foreign countries due to more favorable financial incentives and production costs. Voight, along with Paul, presented their plan to Trump during a meeting at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, engaging in discussions with numerous leading film and television organizations, including guilds, unions, studios, and streaming services.

The proposed plan encompasses a multi-faceted approach designed to incentivize domestic production and create a more competitive environment for American filmmakers. Key elements of the plan include:

• Federal Tax Incentives: The proposal calls for the implementation of federal tax incentives to encourage film and television production companies to base their projects in the United States. These incentives would aim to offset the financial advantages offered by foreign countries, making domestic production a more attractive option.

• Tax Code Revisions: The plan suggests significant changes to existing tax codes to further benefit the film and television industry. These revisions could include adjustments to depreciation rules, tax credits for investments in infrastructure and technology, and other measures to reduce the overall tax burden on production companies.

• Co-Production Treaties: To foster international collaborations and expand market access for American films and television shows, the proposal advocates for the establishment of co-production treaties with foreign countries. These treaties would facilitate joint ventures, allowing American companies to partner with foreign entities on projects that qualify for incentives and benefits in both countries.

• Infrastructure Subsidies: Recognizing the importance of modern and well-equipped facilities, the plan proposes infrastructure subsidies for theater owners, film and television production companies, and post-production companies. These subsidies would help to upgrade existing facilities, build new studios and soundstages, and invest in cutting-edge technology.

• Job Training Initiatives: To ensure a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a thriving film and television industry, the proposal emphasizes the importance of job training programs. These programs would provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in various aspects of film and television production, from on-set roles to post-production and technical positions.

• Strategic Tariffs: In certain limited circumstances, the plan contemplates the use of tariffs to protect the domestic film and television industry from unfair competition. This measure is intended to discourage foreign countries from offering excessive incentives that undermine American production and jobs.

Voight expressed his optimism about the plan’s potential to revitalize Hollywood, stating, "The President loves the entertainment business and this country, and he will help us make Hollywood great again." He emphasized the importance of preserving America’s leadership in film and television production, highlighting the industry’s role as an engine for job growth and career opportunity.

Steven Paul echoed Voight’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to address the challenges facing the industry. "We look forward to working with the administration, the unions, studios, and streamers to help form a plan to keep our industry healthy and bring more productions back to America," he said.

Scott Karol, President of SP Media Group/Atlas Comics, who also participated in the meeting with Trump, underscored the widespread agreement that "runaway production" has become a serious issue. "This plan is about leveling the playing field so that producing right here in America is not only a competitive option, but the first choice," he stated.

The White House has confirmed that the proposal is currently under review by relevant policy advisors. White House Spokesman Kush Desai noted that Trump has long been a proponent of using tariffs to "Make Hollywood Great Again," stating that Trump himself formulated the idea.

In addition to Voight, Trump has also appointed Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson as special envoys to Hollywood, tasking them with providing insights and recommendations to revitalize the industry. Trump expressed his confidence in these three individuals, stating that they would serve as his "eyes and ears" in Hollywood.

Trump has also indicated his intention to implement a tariff on foreign-produced films entering the United States. He cited the incentives offered by other countries to attract American filmmakers and studios as a cause for concern, stating that Hollywood and other areas within the U.S.A. are being devastated. Trump has authorized the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to begin the process of instituting a 100% tariff on any and all movies coming into the country that are produced in foreign lands.