In a recent discussion at the inaugural Doha Film Festival, Steven Paul, CEO of SP Media Group, expressed his concerns regarding potential tariffs on foreign films proposed by Donald Trump. The U.S. President has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, although specific details on how this would be implemented are still unclear.
During a Fireside Chat session, Paul explained the origins of the tariff discussions. He emphasized the challenges faced by the American film industry, stating, “Productions have been going everywhere in the world: England, Australia, Bulgaria.” He noted that high production costs in the U.S. and attractive tax incentives overseas have significantly impacted where films are made.
Paul described efforts to revitalize the American entertainment sector, revealing that he, along with various industry stakeholders, has developed a comprehensive plan to present to the President. The coalition, which includes major streaming services, studios, and industry unions, aims to propose measures such as tax credits and co-production agreements to encourage more filming within the United States.
“Our plan included a laundry list of ideas, from tax credits to infrastructure improvements,” said Paul. “We presented this to the President at Mar-a-Lago. Interestingly, he was particularly drawn to the mention of tariffs, which sparked considerable media attention.”
Despite the controversial nature of tariffs, Paul remains skeptical about their efficacy in the entertainment industry. He stated, “It’s very difficult to tariff the entertainment business, and I don’t think it would be good if there were tariffs on the entertainment business.” He expressed hope that the industry could focus instead on fostering international collaborations, particularly between the U.S. and Qatar.
As part of SP Media Group’s efforts to enhance U.S. production capabilities, Paul recently acquired Avenue Six Studios, located in California. This acquisition is intended to support upcoming projects, including a film featuring Jon Voight and Kelsey Grammer, which has recently completed filming at the studio.
In addition to his production activities, Paul is also leading the relaunch of the Atlas Comics brand, which he acquired in 2019. The new projects will include a live-action adaptation of a comic series first published in 1975, which tells the story of a young woman who discovers her unique family connections.
During the Q&A session, Paul was asked about the controversial opinions of Jon Voight, particularly regarding accusations of Islamophobia. He refrained from delving into political discussions, stating, “I’m sadly not going to get into politics,” but emphasized a shared passion for the entertainment industry among Voight, Trump, and himself.
Paul concluded his remarks by criticizing the media for contributing to societal divisions. He stated, “We’re all human beings; we should all be working together. I’m a man of love and destiny, and I want to see great things for everybody.”
The Doha Film Festival will continue until November 28, 2023, showcasing diverse films and fostering international dialogue within the film industry.
