Latest news with #PassionoftheChrist
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Movie Industry Shocked and Confused After Trump Says He'll Put 100% Tariffs on Films Produced Outside the U.S.: ‘This Is Nuts!'
President Donald Trump's plan to enforce 100% tariff on foreign-produced films was met with shock and disbelief across the European film industry. It was unclear how the levies, which were announced over the weekend on social media, would be enforced and which productions are most vulnerable to the tariffs. Yet, there are widespread concerns that if they are enacted, Trump's latest moves have the potential to upend and potentially decimate a global film business that relies on a network of international incentives and foreign locations to make movies. More from Variety Seven Major Questions About Trump's Plan to Tariff Foreign Films President Trump Says He Will Implement 100% Tariffs on Films Produced Outside the U.S.: 'The Movie Industry in America Is Dying' The White House Posts AI-Generated Image of Trump as a Buff Jedi: 'Happy May the 4th to You All' Everything from low-budget indies to studio blockbusters are currently being made in countries like the U.K., France, Germany, and Hungary. Even Mel Gibson, who is one of the three Hollywood special ambassadors appointed by Trump (the other two are Sylvester Stallone and Jon Voight), is currently planning to shoot his 'Passion of the Christ' sequel in Italy. The reaction in the U.K., where so many U.S. movies are filming, has been the most vitriolic. 'This makes no sense,' a U.K. producer railed. 'It implies that a U.S. film is meant to shoot in the U.S. But the 'Harry Potter' films, 'Lord Of The Rings,' 'Schindler's List,' 'Mission Impossible,' 'Gladiator,' 'Aviator' and so many more are U.S films that shot overseas for obvious reasons. Do these films have to shoot in the U.S. from now on? It's an absurd announcement with no meaning nor understanding of storytelling or creative impulses.' Another British producer said, 'Even unemployed Americans are saying this is nuts — these are people who have genuinely had their careers shattered because of production moving to Europe.' Echoes another London-based producer: 'If this goes the distance, it will decimate the industry. But you can't just stop production,' he said. 'When does it come into effect? What about movies in pre-production, that are shooting or in post? Would you just double their costs. None of this has been thought through. So I think the calm response is: Let's see what this means, let's see the fine print.' Production in the U.S. is down 40% after Hollywood resolved strikes with the actors and screenwriters unions and some major films, including the next 'Avengers' movies, have decamped for the U.K. and other European cities. Incentives are partly responsible for the move, although many states such as Georgia and New York offer generous film funding packages that rival those of other countries. Hollywood lobbying arms, such as the Motion Picture Association, have argued that the U.S. needs a federal film incentive as a carrot to lure productions back. Trump appears to have opted for using tariffs as a stick. Sources say that Voight and his manager Steven Paul have been taking meetings with various guilds, hoping to get more information about the state of production in order to advise the president on reinvigorating filming in the U.S. On Sunday, Trump's message was getting passed around Hollywood, as executives joined emergency meetings to try to make sense of a proposal that's still dimly understood. Before the news dropped of Trump's plan, Gaeten Bruel, who was recently appointed president of France's National Film Board and previously headed the French Cultural Services in the U.S., feared the Trump administration would start targeting cinema and audiovisual media, and argued that 'everyone would lose out, starting with the U.S. industry itself.' 'Europe, and France in particular, are major markets for American works,' which he says represent roughly 60% of the content that people consume in Europe. Another important figure in France who runs a top festival said, 'Technically, films are services on which you can't impose tariffs. It could end up in court and take months.' While a producer who delivers French blockbusters for which the U.S. is a key market said, 'We don't sell goods, we sell a service, so I don't see how it could be taxable… It's difficult to know what we're talking about at this stage, what it concerns. It's still very vague and with Trump things can change every day.' In Italy, Rome's Cinecittà Studios, which is set to host the shoot of Gibson's 'The Resurrection of the Christ' in September, reacted diplomatically. 'We are observing with the utmost attention the movements of an important market like the U.S,' said Cinecittà CEO Manuela Cacciamani in a statement. 'We are convinced that especially in the cultural industry – and the audiovisual sector is at its forefront – exchanges between countries must be as reciprocal and circular as possible.' 'We know how much American productions benefit from our tax incentives, and above all from that ecosystem of beauty, locations, climate, culture, style, knowledge, for which they have always chosen Italy seeking quality that cannot be found elsewhere,' Cacciamani went on to point out. Others are standing back to see if Trump goes through with his threats are moves on after generating a barrage of headlines. 'We just have to wait and see what Trump's next move is. It's like in chess. We don't know where this is going to go,' said Marco Valerio Pugini, an Italian line producer who was speaking from the Northern Italy set of Ridley Scott's post-apocalyptic thriller 'The Dog Stars.' 'The entertainment industry is a global village,' Pugini added, noting that he just did a Korean show that will go on Netflix. 'It's a bit complicated.' 'But I think the U.S. studios will continue to shoot abroad when they want exotic locations. They aren't going to start shooting James Bond in Detroit,' he noted. Executives and filmmakers who make their living in the Middle East are also anxious about what the tariffs could mean for their business. 'The entire global production services industry is being hit by this,' said Dubai-based global media advisor Hans Fraikin, who is a former head of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and founding commissioner of the Quebec Film and TV Council. 'They just don't know which way to go right now,' he added. 'I'm working with a state in India that is working on designing and building a film studio city including soundstages. Obviously they are counting heavily on Hollywood productions. I haven't talked to them yet. But how are they going to react?' According to Fraikin, the impact of Trump's tariffs could be devastating even in the U.S. He is skeptical that the added costs that would come with moving all shooting to domestic locations would substantially increase jobs over the long run. 'Ultimately, it's just going to push the studios to make much heavier use of A.I.,' he argued. In the indie film realm, sales agents are choosing to view Trump's declarations as another tantrum. 'We should wait and see if it's true that these tariffs are being applied, when they are being applied, and how they are being applied. There is still no effective date for implementing these tariffs, nor are there specific regulations,' said a prominent Madrid-based sales agent. He added that 'American companies could be the biggest losers in this trade war, since sales of American films in Europe do represent a large percentage.' The agent went on to suggest that if countries respond by imposing a 100% reciprocal tariff on productions that shoot in the U.S., the end result could mean that they turn away from Hollywood films. 'European distributors may increase their share of European films and the production and exploitation of local content,' the agent argued. In the Czech Republic, the film commissioner Pavlína Žipková said that the international nature of moviemaking, which relies on foreign locations and talent, as well as subsidies, has strengthened cultural ties. 'Consider the rich tradition of U.S. studios filming in Europe since the 1950s, which has always been enriching for both sides of the ocean,' Žipková said. '[Trump's] statement raises more questions than answers.' But like many members of the European film business, Žipková is gearing up for Cannes, which serves as a hub of film sales, as well as a chance to reconnect with colleagues from the U.S. and other majors markets. 'It doesn't slow us down,' Žipková said. Jamie Lang, Naman Ramachandran and Leo Barraclough contributed to this report. Best of Variety Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Netflix in May 2025
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jon Voight Has A Plan To Save Hollywood: Will Trump Or Anyone Else Care?
Nearly five months after President Donald Trump announced his 'special ambassadors' to Hollywood, one of them appears poised to present a plan to revive the film and television industry in the United States — but what, exactly, does that entail? Jon Voight has been taking meetings around town with union reps and studio executives to understand the issues plaguing domestic production, Deadline has confirmed. So far, Voight met with the Directors Guild of America, Teamsters and IATSE, sources tell us. The Writers Guild of America has not met with Voight, and it's unclear whether SAG-AFTRA has entertained a conversation. More from Deadline Trump 101: Why POTUS' Lawsuit Against CBS Over '60 Minutes' Is Seen As Dubious – Analysis Trump Celebrity Supporters: Famous Folks In Favor Of The 47th President Apple CEO Tim Cook Sees $900 Million Hit From Tariffs In June Quarter If Rates Stay The Same - Update We understand that Trump's other two ambassador picks, Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson, are not involved in Voight's conversations. The Tulsa King star and Passion of the Christ filmmaker have not facilitated any formal discussions on the topic on their own either, it seems. The exact plan that Coming Home Oscar winner Voight, whose daughter is Angelina Jolie, has prepared for Trump is unclear, but sources with knowledge of his conversations with Hollywood insiders tell us they expect a federal tax incentive to be the main component. As the lack of production in L.A. displays, the U.S. film and television industry has suffered greatly from a growing number of runaway productions over the years. International territories including the UK, Canada and Hungary have significantly beefed up their own financial incentives, tax credits and infrastructure during the past decade. Stateside, while individual states from the heavy hitters of New York and Georgia to smaller jurisdictions like New Mexico have done what they can to bolster their own local industries, union representatives have been raising the idea of a federal tax break to further incentivize domestic production for some time. D.C. and Hollywood insiders say they are skeptical about whether the Trump administration would go for something like this, though. The president long has demonstrated a general disdain for Tinseltown — despite his own past as a reality TV star — especially after its outpouring of support for former Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential run. RELATED: Also, sources have pointed out that any major funding initiative using taxpayer dollars would contradict the administration's rhetoric on trimming the fat from the federal budget and bringing down the national debt. The Trump administration has spent four months gutting federal agencies and slashing funding for infrastructure, research and more. Never mind that federal spending in Trump's first 100 days is up $200B from this time last year. However, bolstering domestic film and television production is in line with Trump's agenda to bring jobs back from overseas, more generally. In his Truth Social decree in January, Trump said he was appointing Voight, Stallone and Gibson with 'the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACK—BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!' He also vowed to 'get done what they suggest,' so there is the possibility that Trump would entertain the idea if it came from the right person. How that will go over with his constituency is another question altogether. RELATED: Sources with knowledge of Voight's conversations around Hollywood have said that union and studio leaders have tempered expectations about what might come from his appeal to Trump. Voight's efforts come as Hollywood's major unions are focusing their attention more specifically on bringing production back to California. In October, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed an expansion of the state's Film & TV Tax Credit Program cap from $330M annually to $750M. Deadline understands that this is very high priority for Newsom, and he's very determined to make sure it's approved by the Legislature. If approved, it would give California a much-needed leg up as the second-largest film and television tax incentive program in the country after Georgia, which has no limit on its spending. RELATED: California lawmakers also are weighing two bills, SB630 and AB1138, that are aimed at making some significant changes to the program beyond simply offering more money. Those changes include expanding eligibility and boosting the individual credit amount available to each production. Union reps have stressed that the issue is not simply budget but rather that California's program, which unlike other states is a jobs initiative that directly ties eligibility to the amount of jobs a production is going to create, must undo some of the red tape that has made it nearly impossible for new projects to receive any meaningful funding. Right now, the bills are working their way through Senate and Assembly committees on their way to the floor and have received resounding support from lawmakers so far. The bills also are heavily supported by California production workers, who have sent more than 100,000 letters of support to Sacramento in hopes it'll help move the needle. Ted Johnson and Dominic Patten contributed to this report. Best of Deadline Brad Pitt's Apple 'F1' Movie: Everything We Know So Far Everything We Know About 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 2 So Far 2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys, Oscars & More
Fox News
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Fox News Entertainment Newsletter: Dick Van Dyke's reflects on marriage, Gene Hackman investigation update
Welcome to the Fox News Entertainment Newsletter. TOP 3: - Dick Van Dyke ignored warnings about 46-year age gap with wife Arlene Silver - Gene Hackman death investigation: Photo evidence emerges from Hollywood star, wife Betsy's $4M estate - 'American Pickers' star Mike Wolfe makes 'tough decision' to shutter Nashville store 'I FEEL BAD FOR HER' - Jelly Roll shares one habit that 'annoys' wife Bunnie Xo 'to no end.' HAVING FAITH - Mel Gibson warned Jesus actor in 'Passion of the Christ' role could cost him Hollywood career. 'EXPERT TROLLING' - Martha Stewart trolls Katy Perry's Blue Origin spaceflight. 'WHITE HOUSE CRASHERS' - Trump, Vince Vaughn spoof 'Wedding Crashers' with photo of star's visit to White House. SPARE ME THE DRAMA - Prince William's public dig at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shows he 'doesn't care' what they think: experts. GUARDING DAISY DUKE - 'Dukes of Hazzard' actor protected co-star Catherine Bach on rise to sex symbol fame. SEALED WITH A KISS - Elizabeth Hurley hints at Billy Ray Cyrus romance with sweet kissing snap. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Passion play draws more young people in NJ: ‘God would die for us'
PATERSON, N.J. – It's the real-life re-telling of a defining day for Christians around the world. 'It just really widens the perspective,' said Maximo Gaytan, a 16-year-old sophomore at Wayne Hills High School, portraying a disciple of Christ. He's one of many younger reenactors in Paterson's live-action rendition of the Passion of Christ on Good Friday. More Local News 'It's really important that us as teenagers serve as role models and leaders in faith so we can really affect others,' said Gaytan. Leaders of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist say there are more young people involved in the reenactment than last year. 'Some of the teenagers who are in the Passion of the Christ, I've seen them grow here for the past three to five years,' said Eleny Rivera, the church's youth leader. Jamil Sheha, 21, a college student transferring to William Paterson University, is playing the role of the devil. 'It's a hard part to play, said Sheha. ' It makes you feel different. You being a bad person to Jesus, knowing all he did for us, he died on the cross for us, it's hard to do it, but it's a part you have to do.' 'I want the kids, the teens, to know that this is their home and they're important members of the body of Christ, the Church,' said Monsignor Geno Sylva, Rector of St. John's Cathedral. Christians observe Good Friday as the day Jesus was nailed to the cross and died three days before his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Thousands come out to the cathedral every year to witness the power, and at times, brutality. In this City, Good Friday has become more than a day to reflect, but one to experience and share. 'Today's about seeing that it's almost too good to believe – that God would die for us, who are each imperfect,' said Sylva. 'But yet it's not too good to believe. That's why we try to make it so powerful.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mel Gibson to Have His Gun Rights Restored by Justice Department
The Justice Department has approved Mel Gibson's rights to own guns again after a 2011 domestic violence conviction. Attorney General Pam Bondi approved the restoration of the actor's gun rights, along with nine other people, the New York Times reported. More from Variety Mel Gibson's 'Passion of the Christ' Sequel to Start Shooting This Summer at Rome's Cinecittà Studios John Oliver: It's 'Frankly Incredible' Justice Department Lawyer Was Fired Because 'She Didn't Think Mel Gibson, Best Known for His Work in Screaming, Should Have Guns' Justice Department Attorney Says She Was Fired After Balking at Effort to Restore Mel Gibson's Gun Rights Gibson, who in January was named a 'special ambassador' to Hollywood by President Trump along with Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone, would be permitted to own firearms again depending on state laws. Gibson is a resident of Nevada, which prohibits felons owning guns, but Gibson's conviction was a misdemeanor. The debate over Gibson's gun rights caused considerable upheaval in the Justice Department, and the department's pardon attorney Elizabeth G. Oyer was fired by the Trump administration in March after expressing concern over letting the 'Passion of the Christ' director be able to possess firearms. 'Giving guns back to domestic abusers is a serious matter that, in my view, is not something that I could recommend lightly, because there are real consequences that flow from people who have a history of domestic violence being in possession of firearms,' she said at the time. A senior Justice Department official denied that her firing was related to the debate over Gibson's gun rights, the NYTimes reported. New regulations were recently published by the Justice Department that restore gun rights to certain people with criminal convictions as long as they have 'earned the chance' to own guns again. Gibson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of battering a former girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva. He was sentenced to 36 months of probation as well as community service and counseling. Variety has reached out to Gibson's representatives for comment. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in April 2025 The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony Hopkins
