Call for action against 'ludicrous' US tariffs that would strike 'devastating blow' to UK film industry

Figures across Berkshire and South Bucks have called on the Government to shield the British film industry from President Trump’s proposals for tariffs on films made outside America.

The US President’s announcement of film industry tariffs earlier in the week has caused concern as talks with the UK Government continue.

Yesterday (Thursday, May 8), the US and UK announced a deal had been struck to reduce tariffs on a number of exports, but Mr Trump confirmed in an afternoon press conference that discussions over foreign film tariffs would be happening separately.

Currently, it is common for filmmakers to opt for shooting in the UK in preference to the USA, because it is cheaper.

Berkshire and Buckinghamshire have been at the heart of a filmmaking boom in the UK, with production companies using studios such as Bray and Pinewood for major films and TV shows, as well as on-location shoots across the area.

Highly-contentious planning applications for studio space in Marlow and Holyport are being considered, with developers arguing the facilities are needed to meet demand – a claim opponents have challenged at their respective public inquiries.

The Trump administration thinks imposing tariffs could make filming abroad less attractive and lead to more filming in the USA – presenting a problem for the UK film industry.

This has caused a number of political figures and film-related organisations in Berkshire to urge action.

The Liberal Democrat group is among these. They have called the proposals a ‘James Bond tax’ – since fears have been raised the UK could cease to be a preferred location for filming Bond films.

This is especially pertinent to the local area, given the franchise’s strong links with Pinewood Studios in Iver.

As such, the Lib Dems say the tariffs would ‘deal a devastating blow’ to British jobs and that a plan is ‘urgently needed’ to cushion it.

They have called on the Government to meet with film industry leaders and discuss a response.

Maidenhead’s MP, Josh Reynolds, said: “Trump's ludicrous plan to impose tariffs on British media is yet another attack on our fantastic British industries.

“We need to stand up to these threats to protect our world-leading entertainment sector, and the jobs it provides in our local community.

“If Donald Trump picks a fight with James Bond, Bridget Jones and Paddington Bear, he will lose.”

Clive Jones, Lib Dem MP for Wokingham, added: “Berkshire, the Hollywood of the UK, has a proud history of filmmaking and is home to many important locations.

“Trump’s tariffs now risk wiping out this industry… The Government must act now to preserve and promote British film.”

Meanwhile, Joy Morrissey, Conservative MP for Beaconsfield – covering Iver, and Pinewood Studios – called the tariffs ‘damaging and deeply concerning’.

She said: “This latest move on the film industry is deeply concerning and the Government needs to get a grip fast in its negotiations with the US.

“I firmly believe in free trade. It is vital in driving economic prosperity and stability. Free trade is good for businesses and consumers, and no one wins in a trade war or in the imposition of tariffs.”

Academics are also concerned. Film experts from the University of Reading said potential tariffs present another big challenge at what is already a ‘critical moment’ for a ‘vulnerable industry.’

Professor Lisa Purse said: “Our research already shows freelancers are facing unprecedented challenges.

“Freelancers make up nearly half of the UK film and television workforce and over a third are considering leaving within five years. Tariffs could accelerate this exodus.

“American productions are vital to our £11billion industry, and their withdrawal would disproportionately impact our most vulnerable workers.”

Unions have also sounded the alarm, such as the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatres Union (Bectu), which represents 40,000 staff, contract and freelance workers in the film industry.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said: “These tariffs, coming after COVID and the recent slowdown, could deal a knock-out blow to an industry that is only just recovering and will be really worrying news for tens of thousands of skilled freelancers who make films in the UK.

“The Government must move swiftly to defend this vital sector, and support the freelancers who power it, as a matter of essential national economic interest.”