ACADEMICS have said that proposed tariffs on film imports in the US could “risk losing talent” imperative to the UK’s position as a global competitor in film and TV.
It comes amid threats by the US president Donald Trump to impose more taxation on films made abroad, which would see productions hubs such as those in the UK, Australia, and Canada subject to tariffs of as much as 100%.
On Sunday, May 4, Trump explained that he wanted to introduce the measures because the movie industry in America is “dying a very fast death”, and said that other countries were using “incentives to draw [their] filmmakers and studios away.”
Many have questioned how tariffs would work given that media is largely distributed through streaming platforms such as Netflix.
Tariffs generally apply to physical goods which cross borders.
The UK has offered a number of tax incentives which have made producing film and TV content here more affordable and more appealing for American producers– figures show that nearly two-thirds of the spending on UK film production in 2024 came from American production companies, including film studios and platforms such as Amazon and Netflix.
Dr Dominic Lees said: “The proposed American tariffs present a significant challenge to British filmmaking at a difficult time. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee report outlines practical solutions to support a vulnerable industry – enhanced tax incentives for domestic productions, a 5% streaming levy to fund British drama, and support for freelancers through a dedicated Commissioner.
“If implemented, these measures could help buffer our industry against Trump’s tariff policy.
“The British film industry contributes both culturally and economically – these recommendations offer a path forward.”
Professor Lisa Purse said: “These potential US tariffs come at a critical moment when our research already shows freelancers are facing unprecedented challenges.
“Freelancers make up nearly half of the UK film and television workforce and over a third are considering leaving within five years–tariffs could accelerate this exodus.
“American productions are vital to our £11 billion industry, and their withdrawal would disproportionately impact our most vulnerable workers.
“Without the government implementing our recommended protections, including industry-wide employment standards and dedicated ministerial support, we risk losing the talent that makes British film and TV globally competitive.”
