Key Takeaways
- President Donald Trump proposes a 100% tariff on films made overseas and imported to the U.S.
- The plan aims to push more film production back to America, potentially benefiting states like Georgia.
- Industry leaders warn of economic uncertainty and complex enforcement challenges.
- The decision could either boost Georgia’s booming film scene or create instability in global production partnerships.
Georgia’s Film Industry: A Powerhouse of U.S. Production
Over the past decade, Georgia has transformed into one of the leading production hubs in the United States. Thanks to its 20% base film tax credit and an additional 10% bonus for including the “Made in Georgia” peach logo in credits, the state has attracted hundreds of high-profile productions.
Major franchises like Marvel Studios, The Walking Dead, and Stranger Things have all filmed in Georgia, fueling billions in local revenue and creating thousands of jobs.
Beyond film sets, the industry has also strengthened local infrastructure and small businesses, including:
- Hotels and catering companies
- Equipment rental firms
- Transportation and logistics providers
- Skilled crew members, technicians, and production support staff
According to the Motion Picture Association, the state’s entertainment industry now supports tens of thousands of jobs and contributes billions to Georgia’s GDP each year.
The Growing Competition from the United Kingdom
Despite Georgia’s tax incentives, many major studios have shifted production overseas in recent years — particularly to the United Kingdom.
Studios like Marvel have expanded their footprint in London and Pinewood Studios, with Marvel president Kevin Feige confirming the U.K. will be the studio’s home base “for the foreseeable future.”
Why the move?
- Lower labor costs and no employer-provided health insurance requirements
- Attractive tax incentives and studio infrastructure comparable to those in the U.S.
- A strong international workforce skilled in post-production, VFX, and large-scale studio projects
This migration has raised concerns in states like Georgia and California, where local economies depend heavily on continued film and TV investment.
Trump’s 100% Film Tariff Proposal
In May 2025, President Donald Trump first proposed a 100% tariff on all foreign-made films imported into the United States, claiming the U.S. film industry was being “stolen” by other nations. The plan was reaffirmed in October 2025, reigniting debate across Hollywood and state film commissions.
On Truth Social, Trump stated:
“Our movie making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other countries, just like stealing candy from a baby. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
He also described the issue as a “national security threat,” positioning the policy as part of his broader effort to repatriate American industries.
Industry Reactions and Economic Concerns
Film executives, analysts, and policy experts have expressed skepticism about the proposal. Many argue that in today’s globalized entertainment industry, films are rarely made in a single country.
Modern productions often involve international co-productions, with editing, VFX, and sound design completed across multiple continents. Enforcing a tariff could prove legally complex and economically disruptive.
Paolo Pescatore of PP Foresight told Reuters the proposal “raises more questions than answers.” Others warn that the added costs could trickle down to consumers and streaming platforms, driving up subscription and ticket prices.
Even actors and filmmakers have weighed in:
- Mel Gibson noted that shooting in Europe remains more cost-effective than Los Angeles.
- Rob Lowe criticized California’s fading incentives, emphasizing that foreign markets offer credits up to 40%, far exceeding many U.S. programs.
What It Means for Georgia’s Film Industry
According to The New York Times, 38 states have issued more than $25 billion in film tax incentives over the last two decades — with Georgia leading the pack in both consistency and return on investment.
If Trump’s film tariff becomes law, studios might be incentivized to return U.S. productions to domestic states like Georgia. That could mean more jobs, more casting calls, and more opportunities for local crew members and talent.
However, the outcome remains uncertain. The entertainment industry’s global partnerships are deeply intertwined, and it’s unclear whether such tariffs would attract studios back or simply disrupt international distribution.
At this point, industry experts agree: the future of Georgia’s film boom depends on how Hollywood and Washington navigate the balance between economics and politics.
The Bottom Line
Trump’s proposed tariffs could mark a turning point for U.S. filmmaking — either revitalizing stateside production or creating new hurdles for global collaboration.
For Georgia’s thriving entertainment industry, the next few months could determine whether the Peach State cements its place as America’s film capital or faces a slowdown amid shifting policies.
