Bectu, the UK’s media and entertainment union, has called on the government to move quickly to defend the UK TV and film industry from President Trump’s plan to implement a 100 per cent tariff on non-US-funded projects.
Trump described foreign productions as a “national security threat” to the US industry, adding that there is a “concerted effort” by other countries that offer incentives to attract filmmakers and studios.
Trump also claimed that non-US projects bring “messaging and propaganda” into the country.
Details of exactly how the tariff would be implemented are unclear. The President failed to explain whether it would apply to American production companies producing films abroad, or if it would be apply to films produced by the global streaming services or just those released in cinemas.
In a statement, Philippa Childs, head of Bectu, said: “The UK is a world leader in film and TV production, employing thousands of talented workers, and this is a key growth sector in the government’s industrial strategy.
“These tariffs, coming after Covid and the recent slowdown, could deal a knock-out blow to an industry that is only just recovering and will be really worrying news for tens of thousands of skilled freelancers who make films in the UK
“The government must move swiftly to defend this vital sector, and support the freelancers who power it, as a matter of essential national economic interest.”
Adrian Wootton, CEO of the British Film Commission, described the announcement as “clearly concerning” and that the industry needs more detail about the proposed tariffs.
“We will be meeting with government and our industry policy group in the coming days to discuss further,” he added.
Meanwhile, the White House said “no final decisions” on the tariffs have been made, and it is “exploring all options”, adding to the confusion within the industry as to exactly what Trump has planned.
