Mel Gibson proposes a groundbreaking U.S.-Italy film co-production treaty that could inject $10 billion annually into American filmmaking while bypassing Hollywood’s toxic environment of high taxes and canceled culture.
Key Takeaways
- Mel Gibson and Italian producer Andrea Iervolino have proposed a bilateral film co-production agreement between the U.S. and Italy as a “pilot project” for similar international agreements
- The treaty could bring an estimated $10 billion in annual direct investment to the American film industry while creating new market opportunities for Italian filmmakers
- This approach offers an alternative to President Trump’s proposed tariffs on foreign film production by addressing domestic issues plaguing Hollywood
- The agreement aims to be signed at the 2025 Venice Film Festival with representatives from both countries’ film industries and governments
- Gibson plans to begin filming his sequel “The Resurrection of The Christ” in Italy this summer, highlighting the practical benefits of such collaboration
A Cultural Bridge Between Nations
Gibson and Iervolino’s proposal comes at a crucial time for the American film industry, which has been losing productions to overseas locations. Rather than implementing protective tariffs that could harm international relationships, this treaty emphasizes mutual benefit and cultural exchange. The proposal includes incentives for Italian producers to make films in America with American stars, effectively investing in the U.S. film industry while gaining access to the world’s largest entertainment market.
“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, Italian producer.
Addressing Hollywood’s Real Problems
While President Trump has previously proposed a 100% tariff on movies produced in foreign countries to protect American filmmaking, Gibson’s approach targets the root causes driving production overseas. The exodus from Hollywood isn’t simply about foreign incentives but rather internal issues including corruption, excessive taxation in states like California, and an increasingly restrictive creative environment dominated by cancel culture. Many filmmakers, including Gibson himself, choose to work abroad to escape these constraints rather than primarily for financial incentives.
“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,” said Mel Gibson and Italian producer Andrea Iervolino.
A Historic Opportunity
The timing for such an agreement is particularly favorable, with President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sharing similar values and priorities. The proposal envisions signing the agreement at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, with representatives from both countries’ film industries and governments present. The treaty would include a 10% federal tax incentive for film and TV production and an American “cultural test” outlined in a draft plan by fellow “special ambassador” Jon Voight, who was appointed alongside Gibson and Sylvester Stallone by President Trump.
This collaboration builds on a rich history of Italian-American filmmaking partnerships that have produced iconic works in both countries. From spaghetti westerns to the epic scores of Ennio Morricone, these cultural exchanges have enhanced cinema globally. Gibson’s upcoming project, “The Resurrection of The Christ,” scheduled to begin filming in Italy this summer, provides a timely example of how such cooperation can benefit both nations while preserving creative freedom that many filmmakers feel is increasingly restricted in Hollywood’s current environment.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The proposed treaty’s economic benefits could be substantial, with Iervolino estimating it could bring $10 billion annually in direct investments to the United States. Rather than punishing filmmakers who work abroad with tariffs, this approach creates positive incentives for collaboration. The Italian government is encouraged to launch support programs for productions that strengthen cultural ties between Italy and the United States, effectively creating a two-way street of investment and creative exchange that builds on historic connections between these film industries.
“support programs for productions that strengthen cultural ties between Italy and the United States,” said Mel Gibson and Italian producer Andrea Iervolino.
If successful, this “pilot project” could serve as a template for similar agreements with other nations, potentially transforming how international film production operates. Japan currently has a similar co-production treaty with the United States, demonstrating the viability of such arrangements. By focusing on cooperation rather than protectionism, Gibson’s proposal offers a forward-thinking solution that addresses Hollywood’s internal challenges while creating new opportunities for filmmakers in both countries who seek creative freedom and economic sustainability.
