In one of the most unexpected turns in recent entertainment news, President Donald Trump has proposed a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States.

In this episode, host Chris Maynard unpacks the potential consequences of this controversial proposal and what it could mean for the future of Hollywood and global filmmaking.

Later in the episode, Chris sits down with Sonnet Daymont, a therapist and horror film consultant, to discuss her work on the film THE WOMAN IN THE YARD, her unique approach to trauma recovery, and her upcoming memoir, When Dangerous Feels Like Home.

Introduction

Welcome from Chris Maynard

Overview of today’s topics

Trump’s 100% Tariff Proposal

Trump’s Truth Social post and policy goals: “Bring movies back to America”

Analysis of Hollywood's recent struggles: COVID, strikes, wildfires, and shifting viewing habits

Industry stats: 2024 production budget cuts, 2025 box office rebound

Policy Uncertainty and Industry Questions

What qualifies as a foreign film?

Challenges with co-productions and digital releases

Legal questions around presidential authority and possible court battles

Global Fallout and Industry Reaction

Backlash from the UK, Australia, and New Zealand

Concerns over lost jobs in international markets

Threat of retaliatory tariffs and a global trade war in entertainment

Economic Nationalism vs. Global Industry

Could tariffs work? Only if paired with serious domestic incentives

Warnings from critics like NPR’s Eric Deggans

The broader question: Are tariffs the right solution or just political theater?

Listener Engagement

Share your thoughts on BlueSky @FollowingFilms.com

Email: contact@followingfilms.com

Meet Sonnet Daymont

Psychotherapist specializing in PTSD, ADHD, social anxiety, and trauma

Academic background in Counseling Psychology and Child Development

Former Pearson Teacher Fellow at Tufts University

Film Consulting & Memoir

Discusses consulting for horror films and her psychological approach

THE WOMAN IN THE YARD – now available on VOD

Upcoming memoir: When Dangerous Feels Like Home, a powerful exploration of healing from trauma

THE WOMAN IN THE YARD – Available now on Video on Demand (VOD)

BlueSky: @FollowingFilms.com

Email: contact@followingfilms.com

Website:⁠ followingfilms.com⁠