President Donald Trump’s recent call for a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the United States has ignited passionate debate in Hollywood and beyond, but it has also resonated with some American workers who say they have been left behind by the industry’s global shift.
Dave Rand, a retired visual effects (VFX) artist, is among those welcoming the proposal. Years ago, Rand and fellow artists protested as tax credits in countries like Canada lured thousands of jobs away from the U.S., bankrupting domestic VFX houses. “I thought I was dreaming,” Rand told Variety when he heard of Trump’s announcement, recalling his earlier, unsuccessful efforts to push for tariffs instead of subsidies. Now, with Trump’s proposal, Rand sees hope for a revival: “He’s gonna cut a fair deal. You’re going to see a flow back to the U.S. It’s going to be a little painful-particularly for workers in other countries-but a lot of good is going to come in the long run”.
Trump’s plan, announced on social media, frames foreign film incentives as a “National Security threat” and claims that “the American movie industry is DYING a very fast death.” He has directed the Department of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative to begin the tariff process, emphasizing, “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
While many Hollywood executives and unions have expressed confusion, citing concerns about higher costs and the complexity of international productions, but Rand and a growing group of supporters argue that the current system, which rewards studios for filming abroad, has devastated American jobs. “They’re using this subsidy thing like a shell game to keep us nomadic and weak,” Rand said. He credits Trump’s stance with finally giving voice to workers’ frustrations.
Attorney David Yocis, who previously worked with VFX artists on the issue, noted, “The studios liked the system where they get to benefit from subsidies on VFX. Our feeling was most of these things wouldn’t work, because the studios would have enough clout to make sure it didn’t happen. At least at the moment, it appears they’re not worried about the studios’ reaction.”
Trump has also signaled openness to industry feedback, stating, “I’m not looking to hurt the industry; I want to help the industry. We’re going to meet with the industry. I want to make sure they’re happy with it, because we’re all about jobs.”
Actor Jon Voight, one of Trump’s Hollywood ambassadors, has proposed a broader plan that includes federal incentives, co-production treaties, and infrastructure subsidies, with tariffs reserved for “certain limited circumstances.” Voight insists, “The President loves the entertainment business and this country, and he will help us make Hollywood great again.”
As the debate continues, and more details are shared about the tariff plans and how they will work, Rand and others hope the administration’s push will finally create a “level playing field” for American film workers, even as critics warn of unintended consequences for the industry and global trade.
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English (US) · 