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