Mel Gibson Takes on Donald Trump's Tariffs: Proposes Italian-American 'Movie Deal'

Mel Gibson has responded to Donald Trump's plans to impose tariffs on films shot abroad. The famous actor, who was chosen by the American president as an informal "Hollywood ambassador", is currently working on a special American-Italian co-production agreement that would serve both sides.

Part of Donald Trump’s plan to make America “great again” is to do the same to Hollywood. The solution to the problems of the American film industry, weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic, is to impose tariffs on Hollywood productions shot abroad , which would convince studios to make films at home. And also provide the United States with an injection of Italian cash.

Shortly after re-assuming his presidency, Donald Trump announced three "Hollywood ambassadors" tasked with revitalizing the American film industry. They are Sylvester Stallone, Jon Voight, and Mel Gibson. The "Lethal Weapon" star has just presented the first effects of his efforts. In agreement with Italian film producer Andrea Iervolino, who is currently working on a film about Trump, among other things, he presented an American-Italian co-production agreement . Without it, Gibson himself could have become a victim of Donald Trump's tariffs - filming for the second part of his "Passion of the Christ" will soon begin in Italy.

As Deadline reports, Gibson and Iervolino propose, among other things, that Italian producers be encouraged to shoot their films in the United States and hire Hollywood stars to star in them . As well as obliging the Italian government to support productions that strengthen cultural ties between Italy and the U.S. The relevant agreement is to be signed during this year's Venice Film Festival, but it is not known what the official position of the American government is.

- The American entertainment industry should be considered the most important. It remains the main reference point for setting the rules of the industry worldwide. Mel Gibson and I are actively working towards an Italian-American understanding and we want to inspire the rest of the world in this way - explains Iervolino.