Hollywood icon Mel Gibson’s bold proposal for a U.S.-Italy co-production agreement could inject $10 billion annually into America’s film industry while circumventing the stifling constraints of California’s high taxes and Hollywood’s cancel culture.
Key Takeaways
- Mel Gibson and Italian producer Andrea Iervolino have proposed a bilateral U.S.-Italy film co-production treaty as a “pilot project” for similar global agreements
- The proposal includes incentives for Italian producers to make films in the U.S. with American stars, potentially bringing $10 billion annually in direct investments
- This agreement offers an alternative approach to President Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign-produced films
- Gibson is set to begin filming “The Resurrection Of The Christ” in Italy this summer, highlighting his own commitment to international production
- The treaty would capitalize on historically successful Italian-American film collaborations while fostering cultural ties between nations with aligned political leadership
A Strategic Partnership Rather Than Punitive Tariffs
The proposal from Gibson and Iervolino represents a sophisticated approach to addressing challenges in the American film industry. Rather than simply imposing tariffs on foreign productions, their vision establishes mutually beneficial arrangements that could revitalize filmmaking in both countries. The plan includes creating incentives for Italian producers to develop projects in the United States with American talent, opening new markets while bringing substantial foreign investment to American shores.
“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,” said Iervolino.
The ambitious goal is to formalize this agreement at the 2025 Venice Film Festival with representatives from both industries and governments present. The proposal aligns with President Trump’s agenda of strengthening American industries while taking a more collaborative approach than his earlier suggestion of a 100% tariff on movies produced abroad.
Hollywood’s Internal Problems
While President Trump has attributed Hollywood’s decline to foreign incentives drawing filmmakers away from America, the reality is more complex. The industry faces numerous internal challenges that have eroded its competitive edge and creative freedom. California’s punitive tax rates, which are ironically supported by many Hollywood liberals, have driven production costs to unsustainable levels and pushed filmmakers to seek more economically viable locations overseas.
“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 in their joint statement.
The oppressive culture permeating Hollywood has also stifled creativity and driven talented individuals like Gibson to seek opportunities elsewhere. The proposed treaty would provide filmmakers an alternative path forward without abandoning the American industry entirely. Gibson himself is preparing to film “The Resurrection Of The Christ” in Italy this summer, demonstrating his personal commitment to international collaboration.
Building on Historic Cinematic Bonds
The Gibson-Iervolino proposal wisely builds upon a rich history of successful Italian-American film collaborations. From the golden age of cinema through the era of spaghetti westerns, cooperation between these two nations has produced countless classic films, innovative directors, and memorable scores. By formalizing this relationship through an official treaty, both countries stand to benefit from renewed creative and economic exchange.
“Pilot project,” Gibson and Iervolino called their proposal, suggesting it could serve as a template for similar agreements with other nations.
The timing could not be better politically, with President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sharing similar conservative values and priorities. This alignment creates an optimal environment for establishing “support programs for productions that strengthen cultural ties between Italy and the United States.” Iervolino estimates the pact could bring $10 billion annually in direct investments to the United States while opening new international markets for Italian producers.
A Win-Win Solution
As special ambassadors appointed by President Trump, Gibson, Jon Voight, and Sylvester Stallone are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between politics and entertainment. Their proposal offers a thoughtful alternative to blanket tariffs that might inadvertently punish conservative filmmakers who have been forced to work abroad due to Hollywood’s hostile environment. Instead of penalizing countries like Italy, the U.S. can forge cooperative agreements that benefit both nations.
“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,” Iervolino emphasized.
The draft plan also includes provisions for a 10% federal tax incentive for film and TV production and an American “cultural test,” measures that could help rebuild domestic production while ensuring content reflects American values. By creating bilateral agreements rather than imposing unilateral penalties, the American film industry can begin to address its fundamental problems while forging stronger international partnerships.
