Your BRIGHT Week in Review
Plus: Dinner and a Movie
Photo of the Week
Tweet of the Week
Can Tariffs Make Hollywood Great Again?
President Trump announced a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced movies, saying the U.S. film industry is “DYING a very fast death.” (For the purpose of this discussion, my assumption is that “Hollywood” refers to American entertainment and not the city since many places like Texas, Georgia, and Oklahoma are taking a lot of the city’s business.)
The LA Times reported:
For more than two decades, major studios have shifted movie production to cheaper countries, including Canada, U.K., Bulgaria, New Zealand, Australia and other countries that offer generous tax benefits to build their local economies, luring films away from Hollywood.
The migration of high-paying jobs has become a critical issue for Los Angeles, which has seen a dramatic loss in film production and jobs in recent years.
In a Truth Social post, President Trump said, “Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
While some on the right say Hollywood isn’t worth saving, actor Nick Searcy said, “Trump's helping the working class of Hollywood that has seen their jobs go overseas. As usual. The producers still make money when they shoot in Thailand, but the Thai crew makes peanuts and the US crews make zero.”
Likewise, actor Robert Davi said, “This is GREAT!!! It has been happening for decades - hurting many businesses in a trickle down effect on all services surrounding.”
Actress and filmmaker Justine Bateman said, “I'm glad that President realDonaldTrump is wanting to take steps to preserve some of America's greatest cultural exports, film and series. I sincerely hope the conversation can be continued with him to discover the best ways to increase American film production.”
It’s worth noting that when it comes to content American entertainment is actually a bright spot, a point that Rush Limbaugh frequently made regarding copyrighted material. Deadline reported:
According to the Motion Picture Association, the industry generated a positive balance of trade in every major market in the world, with exports 3.1 times that of imports. The industry produced $22.6 billion in exports, and $15.3 billion in trade surplus. Trump’s point, though, was to keep that production within the U.S.
Former Facebook Exec Exposes Teen Targeting Tactics in New Book
A new book by former Facebook executive Sarah Wynn-Williams alleges that Facebook monitored when teenage girls aged 13-17 deleted selfies and targeted them with beauty ads immediately afterwards. According to Wynn-Williams’ book Careless People, the practice began in 2017 as part of a broader effort to exploit users’ emotional vulnerabilities, including targeting young mothers and racial groups based on emotional states. Townhall reported that Facebook, now Meta, previously denied using such tools, calling the claims “misleading.” Wynn-Williams also testified before the Senate, accusing Meta of undermining U.S. national security and aligning with the Chinese Communist Party during her tenure.
Wynn-Williams said in Futurism, “To me, this type of surveillance and monetization of young teens’ sense of worthlessness feels like a concrete step toward the dystopian future Facebook’s critics had long warned of.”
Take a Walk
In most of the country, including here in Texas, it’s not too hot yet and it’s the perfect time for a walk outside. BestLife highlighted the many mental and physical benefits of walking in nature. Research indicates that solitary walks in natural settings can significantly enhance mood, bolster memory and attention, and reduce stress levels. Best of all these benefits are not fleeting. Studies show improvements in well-being can last for weeks after a nature walk. Engaging in nature walks also aids in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, fosters positive thinking, and boosts self-esteem. Not the most unbiased source, but BestLife noted, “On their website, the National Parks Service (NPS) boasts that ‘frequent exposure to nature reduces anxiety and depression’ and coupling that with walking ‘improves mood, self-esteem, and relaxation,’ tying everything together and making the pitch complete.”
Melania’s First 100 Days!
With rare bipartisan support, Congress passes bill to outlaw deepfake pornography: The Take It Down Act has been a top priority for First Lady Melania Trump. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law. (USA Today)
First Lady Melania Trump Applauds the Passage of the ‘Take It Down Act’ to Protect Children (White House)
Melania Trump's fashion: What the first lady wore during the first 100 days (USA Today)
Melania Trump's top 10 stylish looks during first 100 days (Hola!)
Fashion Notes: Melania Trump Dons Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Hermès for Birthday Weekend (Breitbart)
Dinner and a Movie
After reading BRIGHT alum Ellie Bufkin’s article, “On V-E Day, honor the heroes of World War II by upholding their ideals of freedom,” I was inspired to highlight Dunkirk this week.
For dinner, I’m looking forward to this recipe from Blue Apron — Lime & Date Chicken with Vegetable Farro, Pistachios & Labneh.
