Artisans jolted by forthcoming declaration
Rewritten Article:
Donald Trump's announcement late Sunday evening sent ripples through Quebec's film scene, proposing a whopping 100% tariff on all films produced beyond the US.
Megan Foy, reporting for our site, this unexpected move stirred up reactions from industry insiders, with Evelyne Snow, head of communications for the Quebec Association of Image and Sound Technicians and Technicians (AQTIS), expressing fears for their community. In a chat with La Presse, she voiced concerns that the proposed tariffs could "rock the boat" like never before.
AQTIS focuses on the employment of over 8,000 creatives involved in various stages of film production, from conceptualization to planning, execution, and post-production. However, this union is part of a larger organization, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), based in the United States. AQTIS and IATSE will be holding talks on Monday to discuss the implications of this sudden policy shift.
In his Truth Social statement, Trump claimed the American film industry is on a slippery slope due to attractive incentives offered by foreign countries to lure American filmmakers out of the US. He described this trend as a dangerous mix of national security threat and propaganda.
However, the proposed tariffs could potentially mar local talent, believes AQTIS. They argue that multiple American productions turn to Quebec for its filmmaking prowess, fostered by a skilled workforce and Montreál's globally renowned animation studios — studios that have graced blockbusters like "Dune".
Beyond the picturesque landscapes, Hollywood productions are gravitating towards Quebec thanks to its resourceful professionals. MSnow, AQTins head of communications, emphasizes this by stating, "We are talented, hardworking, and we produce on shoestring budgets when need be."
In his post, Trump contends that regions such as Hollywood suffer enormously due to foreign interference in American cinema. However, Snow argues that Hollywood productions have been disrupted in the past, notably during the violent California wildfires of last winter. Furthermore, large-scale American productions filmed in the US are few and far between, according to Snow.
Before Sunday's announcement, AQTIS already showed concern for its members, with MSnow noting that no major American production had been confirmed for 2025. The economic impact of such a production extends beyond the studios, affecting local businesses and restaurants. For instance, an American production in Montreal secures about 2000 jobs, ranging from camera operators to limousine drivers.
Classic productions such as "X-Men" and "Transformers" have had a substantial impact on the province, with 93% of AQTIS members based in Montreal — the primary hub for significant American film productions in Quebec.
Impacts and Responses
The 100% tariff proposal has diverse ramifications for various stakeholders, including distributors, cultural exchange, and trade relations. It could lead to:
- Economic strain for importers and distributors: A 100% tariff increases import costs by double, potentially putting distributors specializing in non-American cinema in financial hot water.
- Limited access to cultural diversity: The tariff could limit American audiences' exposure to international films, reducing cross-cultural exchange and appreciation.
- Trade tensions and retaliation: Foreign nations might retaliate with matching tariffs or trade restrictions on U.S. exports, escalating global trade tensions and affecting the film industries.
- Diminished opportunities for Quebec's film industry: Fewer opportunities to export films to the U.S. may adversely impact Quebec's production companies and filmmakers financially.
However, countermeasures may include:
- Legal challenges: Trade organizations or affected countries could contest the tariffs under international trade laws, arguing they violate fair trade practices.
- Diplomatic efforts: Governments might negotiate exemptions or reduced tariffs to shield their film industries.
- Alternative markets: Quebeçois producers could explore other global markets or participate in co-productions with American filmmakers to sidestep the tariffs.
- Platform exploration: Distributors and producers might turn to streaming services, which could be less susceptible to tariffs, to reach U.S. audiences indirectly.
These potential impacts and responses underscore the intricate nature of trade policies in the film industry and the importance of strategic adaptations to cope with adversities.
- The Quebec Association of Image and Sound Technicians and Technicians (AQTIS) could face economic strain due to the proposed 100% tariff on films produced outside the US.
- The tariff might limit the access of American audiences to international films, reducing cross-cultural exchange and appreciation in entertainment.
- Foreign nations may retaliate with matching tariffs or trade restrictions on US exports, escalating global trade tensions and affecting the film industries.
- AQTIS might face diminished opportunities to export films to the US, potentially impacting its production companies and filmmakers financially.
- To counter the tariff, trade organizations or affected countries could contest it under international trade laws or negotiate exemptions.
- AQTIS could explore alternative markets for their films or participate in co-productions with American filmmakers to sidestep the tariffs, or distributors might turn to streaming services to reach US audiences indirectly.
