Hollywood leaders pitch federal tax incentive to bring Tom Cruise home
Hollywood executives pitched a new federal tax incentive at the American Film Market on day one of the 2026 event to encourage major productions like those starring Tom Cruise to film in the United States.
Executives seek to bring big movies home
Josh Rogin, senior vice president of federal government affairs for the Motion Picture Association, stated that star salaries are a key issue. He explained that when Tom Cruise makes a movie in France, all associated jobs become French jobs and taxes go to the French government. The organization aims to restore major films that employ the largest number of workers. Rogin emphasized that the current system supports runaway productions by allowing filming abroad instead of domestically.
Meeting with Trump led to public support
Earlier this year, Stephen Paul served as chair and CEO of SP Media Group when he met President Donald Trump at the White House with Scott Karol and Jon Voight present. They discussed a letter explaining how the industry has lost movies from around the world and the effect on America's global image. Paul told Trump he was ashamed to make a film about Richard Nixon in England because he could not afford to film it here. Following this, Trump took to Truth Social and urged Congress to swiftly enact a Federal Production Incentive aimed at generating Entertainment Jobs in America.
Deadline pressure grows after midterms
Speakers pointed toward an end-of-year deadline to get the bill passed before political shifts occur. Scott Karol noted it is important for producers to give a Jan 1 2027 start-of-production date so their films can qualify. Fresh concerns emerged following the U.S. midterms regarding who will control the House and Senate next year. The group fears Democrats might come in and upset Trump as a lame duck president, creating uncertainty for the initiative.
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