A coalition of entertainment unions, alongside the Motion Picture Association (MPA), has called on President Donald Trump to back tax deductions aimed at boosting U.S. film and television production.
In a joint letter sent Monday, the group thanked Trump for his support of the industry and efforts to address the outsourcing of production. The letter was also signed by actors Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone, who serve as Trump’s “special ambassadors” to the entertainment sector.
While avoiding direct mention of Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made films, the letter urges broader measures to keep production jobs in the U.S., including a future federal film subsidy.
“More than 80 countries offer production tax incentives, causing American productions to move abroad,” the letter states. “A national approach is needed to bring these jobs back.”
The unions outlined three key tax provisions for Trump’s support:
Extending Section 181: This allows accelerated deductions for production expenses, with a proposed increase from $15 million to $30 million, or $40 million in low-income areas.
Reinstating Section 199: A tax break for domestic manufacturing, including filmmaking, which expired in 2017.
Reauthorizing Section 461: Allowing companies to carry back net operating losses to reduce prior tax bills, a provision that expired in 2022.
Union leaders stressed that these measures are essential to revitalizing domestic production and protecting high-paying industry jobs.
“The DGA is committed to increasing jobs by incentivizing domestic production,” said Russell Hollander, DGA’s national executive director.
Matthew Loeb, president of IATSE, added, “A federal response is needed to level the international playing field and support American workers.”
The letter was co-signed by major industry groups, including SAG-AFTRA, WGA, IATSE, Teamsters, Producers Guild of America, Independent Film and Television Alliance, and FilmUSA.
Trump has not yet finalized the proposed tariffs and said he intends to meet with industry leaders, stating, “I’m not looking to hurt the industry. I want to help the industry.”
The MPA emphasized that U.S. entertainment is a key export industry, citing a $15.3 billion trade surplus.
Related topics:
