The ongoing discourse around potential tariffs on foreign films has sparked significant discussion within the entertainment sector. During a session at the inaugural Doha Film Festival, Steven Paul, CEO of SP Media Group, expressed concern over the implications of such tariffs on the industry. His remarks come in response to Donald Trump‘s threats to impose up to 100% tariffs on films produced outside the United States.
Paul, who also serves as Jon Voight‘s manager and production partner, elaborated on the origins of the tariff controversy. “We went around all of Hollywood: the idea was, there weren’t enough films being made in the US,” he stated. He noted that international productions are increasingly drawn to locations like England, Australia, and Bulgaria due to lower filming costs and attractive tax incentives. “It’s very expensive to film in the United States,” he explained.
In his efforts to revitalize the American film industry, Paul indicated that a coalition of studios, streaming services, and unions has been formed to address these issues. He mentioned that they presented a comprehensive plan to the president, which included various proposals such as tax credits and co-production agreements. “We gave the whole list to the president,” Paul said, referencing a meeting at Mar-a-Lago. “One of the things that he liked, 20 pages in, was the word tariffs. That got a lot of news.”
While acknowledging the media frenzy surrounding the tariff discussion, Paul cautioned against its potential impact. “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 remarked. He expressed hope that rather than pursuing tariffs, the industry could focus on fostering co-productions and tax incentives.
Paul’s ambitions for the US entertainment landscape extend beyond just local production. “I want there to be treaties so that we can do things – like I’m saying between Doha and America – that’s what I’m hoping,” he said, highlighting the importance of international collaboration.
In addition to his comments on tariffs, Paul provided insights into his company’s recent activities. Earlier this year, SP Media Group acquired Avenue Six Studios, a production facility based in California. This acquisition is part of Paul’s broader strategy to enhance US production capabilities. Recent projects at the studio include a film starring Voight and Kelsey Grammer, produced by Paul.
Furthermore, Paul is leading a relaunch of the Atlas Comics library, which SP Media Group acquired in 2019. He described an upcoming project as “a coming-of-age story – very unique, very interesting, very difficult,” and discussed its central theme of family ties intertwined with supernatural elements.
During the Q&A segment of the session, Paul faced questions regarding Voight’s controversial statements, which some attendees described as islamophobic. He refrained from delving into politics but emphasized the shared passion for the entertainment industry between Voight and Trump. “We are dedicated and thinking about ways to help the business,” he stated.
Paul also criticized the media, suggesting that it often exacerbates divisions within society. He urged unity, saying, “[The media] are dividing the United States, dividing the world, and demonising this one, demonising that one. We’re all human beings, we should all be working together. I’m a man of love and destiny; I want to see great things for everybody.”
The Doha Film Festival runs until November 28, offering a platform for global filmmakers to showcase their work and engage in discussions about the future of cinema.
