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

Welcome to The Following Films Podcast — your go-to destination for deep dives into music, movies, and pop culture that push boundaries and spark conversation.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the dynamic indie rock duo Durry to talk about their explosive new single, “THIS MOVIE SUCKS.” This track is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt trapped in a storyline they didn’t choose — a metaphor for navigating life like a movie you didn’t write.

We unpack the song’s message, its raw energy, and the nostalgia-packed music video that pays homage to VHS-era classics like The Matrix, Jurassic Park, Die Hard, and more. From clever film parodies to existential themes, Durry delivers a cinematic experience in both sound and vision.

Whether you're a fan of retro movies, 90s aesthetics, or just searching for your own rewrite in life’s script, you won’t want to miss this one.

Hit play and step behind the scenes of THIS MOVIE SUCKS with Durry — only on The Following Films Podcast.

Today on The Following Films Podcast, I’m joined by cinematographer Martin Ruhe. Martin’s latest film, The Amateur, is a tense, grounded thriller, and we spend a lot of time talking about how he helped shape its unique look and feel. We also get into his earlier work, like the beautifully shot Control, and how his collaborations with George Clooney kicked off with The American and later continued with The Tender Bar. It was a real pleasure hearing Martin break down his process, how he approaches working with directors, and how he keeps pushing himself creatively from project to project.