Mel Gibson’s bold initiative for a U.S.-Italy film co-production treaty could inject $10 billion annually into the American film industry while circumventing Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign film productions.
Key Takeaways
- Mel Gibson and Italian producer Andrea Iervolino are proposing a U.S.-Italy film co-production treaty as a “pilot project” for similar agreements with other countries
- The proposal could bring an estimated $10 billion annually in direct investments to the U.S. film industry
- Rather than imposing punitive tariffs, the agreement aims to address Hollywood’s internal issues including corruption, high taxation, and “cancel culture”
- Gibson plans to begin filming his sequel “The Resurrection Of The Christ” in Italy this summer, highlighting the ongoing Italian-American film partnership
- The initiative comes amid President Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on movies produced in foreign countries
A Strategic Cultural Partnership
Mel Gibson and Italian producer Andrea Iervolino have proposed a groundbreaking film co-production treaty between the United States and Italy. The initiative, described as a “pilot project” by the pair, aims to create a framework that could later be extended to other countries. The proposal includes incentives for Italian producers to make films in the U.S. with American stars, effectively investing in the American film industry rather than competing with it. This approach stands in contrast to President Trump’s recent proposal for a 100% tariff on foreign film productions.
“The world must recognize that the American entertainment industry has always been the leading one globally: it remains the main point of reference, capable of setting the rules of the industry worldwide. Meanwhile, many countries have established incentive programs to attract foreign productions and have signed bilateral agreements with various nations — but never with the United States. This has essentially left a crucial cultural bridge unresolved. It is therefore essential to initiate a win-win agreement between the USA and the rest of the world. Mel Gibson and I are actively working in this direction, using this initial agreement with Italy as inspiration for the rest of the world,” said Iervolino.
Economic Benefits and Political Context
The financial implications of this proposal are substantial. Iervolino estimates the pact could bring $10 billion annually in direct investments to the U.S. film industry. The agreement would “allow Italian producers to develop and co-produce international films between Italy and the United States, thus opening new markets; and that it will offer the USA the opportunity to attract new foreign investments, supporting the goals of the Trump agenda,” according to Gibson and Iervolino. The pair hope to formalize the agreement at the 2025 Venice Film Festival with representatives from both industries and governments present.
“The Movie Industry in America is dying a very fast death. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated,” said Trump.
Addressing the Real Issues in Hollywood
While President Trump has identified foreign incentives as a primary cause of Hollywood’s decline, industry analysts point to internal issues as the real culprits. High taxation in California, rampant corruption, and what many describe as “toxic wokeness” have driven filmmakers like Gibson to seek opportunities abroad. Rather than punishing these filmmakers with tariffs, Gibson’s proposal seeks to create a supportive environment that addresses the root causes of American cinema’s struggles while fostering international collaboration.
Gibson, who was appointed as a “special ambassador” by President Trump along with Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone, is leading by example. He is set to begin filming his highly anticipated sequel, “The Resurrection Of The Christ,” in Italy this summer. This project continues the rich tradition of Italian-American film collaborations that have produced countless cinematic masterpieces over the decades. The timing for such a bilateral agreement is particularly favorable, with ideologically aligned leaders in President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni both championing traditional values and economic nationalism.
A Model for Global Film Cooperation
The Gibson-Iervolino proposal includes recommendations for the Italian government to launch “support programs for productions that strengthen cultural ties between Italy and the United States.” Japan currently has a similar co-production treaty with the U.S., providing a working model for this initiative. Jon Voight has drafted a plan that includes a 10% federal tax incentive for film and TV production and an American “cultural test” to ensure projects reflect American values. These measures aim to create a filmmaking environment free from the censorship and ideological constraints that have hindered creative expression in Hollywood.
“Bilateral agreement” that would include “support programs for productions that strengthen cultural ties between Italy and the United States,” Gibson and Iervolino stated in their proposal.
This cooperative approach represents a significant departure from the punitive tariff strategy. By fostering collaboration rather than competition, the U.S. and Italy can revitalize their respective film industries while preserving their cultural heritage and creative freedom. If successful, this model could indeed serve as a template for similar agreements with other nations, ultimately strengthening America’s position as a global leader in film production without resorting to protective trade measures that may have unintended consequences for American filmmakers working internationally.
