Trump's blockbuster tariffs threaten Queensland's booming film industry

7NEWS

06-05-2025

US President Donald Trump's move to slap a 100 per cent tariff on foreign-made films has sent shockwaves through Queensland's booming screen sector — putting hundreds of millions in investment, thousands of local jobs, and Australia's 'Hollywood 2.0' reputation at risk.
In a move aimed at 'saving Hollywood,' Trump announced he would target films produced overseas, claiming foreign governments were luring productions away with lucrative incentives.
'Hollywood, and many other areas within the USA, are being devastated,' Trump posted on social media.
'The industry is dying a very fast death.'
Trump has taken aim at the government-backed incentives used to lure major productions Down Under — calling them a national security threat.
'They're given a lot of things, and the industry was decimated. If you look at how little is done in this country now, you think we were the ones – we used to do 100 – not long ago – 100 percent.
'Now we do almost, like, very little. It's shocking.'
Gold Coast in the firing line
For the Gold Coast — home to some of the world's biggest blockbusters like The Fall Guy, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Thor: Ragnarok — the announcement has triggered real concern.
'It really is a kick in the guts for our film industry,' said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
'We've spent millions building world-class facilities, and now we're being punished for doing it well.'
Queensland's screen sector has exploded in the past decade — with over $600 million pouring into the state economy each year, and more than 6000 people employed across production, post-production, and support services, Tate said.
New studios have sprung up across the state, helping cement 'Goldywood' as a go-to destination for international shoots.
Just this week, Hollywood star Owen Wilson was spotted filming Rush, a major new thriller, on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane.
But as uncertainty over Trump's tariffs grows, local leaders fear the momentum could stall.
Government and industry vow to fight back
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the government would raise concerns directly with Washington.
'We obviously will be pressing our view about this to the US administration,' Wong said on Sunrise.
'It would be great if the United States and Australia could find a way to work together, because ultimately both countries do benefit from these huge blockbuster films.'
Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek has called on the federal government to step in.
'We've built this industry from the ground up,' Langbroek said.
'We need to defend it.'
Advocates have pushed back, too, arguing that strong collaboration between US studios and local crews has helped both countries thrive.
Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner said the news 'will send shockwaves worldwide,' while the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) stressed the importance of protecting both foreign investment and homegrown storytelling.
'What is clear,' MEAA stated, 'is that we need strong local content quotas on streaming platforms to strengthen our own industry, stories, and jobs.'
Tate said it was unclear how exactly the tariffs would be applied — whether based on filming location, post-production, or budget thresholds — but warned the messaging alone was damaging.
'It says 'Don't film outside the USA', despite Australia being one of their closest allies,' he said.
'We're not competitors, we're partners.'
He added the impact would be hardest felt by the next generation.
'The big-name stars will be fine.
'It's the up-and-coming talent — our local crews, designers, technicians — they're the ones most vulnerable if work dries up.'
He warned that private investment could be at risk.
'We won't pause our long-term vision, but if the private sector pulls back, we won't throw more money in just to keep up appearances.'
For now, productions on the Gold Coast appear to be continuing as planned — although some may be fast-tracking completion before the tariffs take effect.
Looking beyond Hollywood
With the future of US-Australia film deals in question, some industry figures are already exploring new markets.
Tate confirmed early talks with Bollywood producers are underway.
'Their industry is growing fast,' he said.
He's committed to putting Australia — and especially Queensland — on their radar as the next global production hotspot.
'Maybe it's time we tailored scripts for South-East Asian markets or set more stories in places like Bali — broaden our storytelling, tweak our humour for different audiences.'
With world-class studios, diverse locations, and incentives already in place, from India, South Korea and China.
Industry leaders say diversifying partners will not just soften the blow — it could future-proof Australia's screen industry for the years ahead.