Italian producer Andrea Iervolino (“Modì”) has announced a proposal for a U.S.–Italy co-production treaty that he says was agreed to by Mel Gibson, who is one of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “special ambassadors” to Hollywood.
The agreement, details of which are sketchy, would “allow Italian producers to develop and co-produce international films between Italy and the United States, thus opening new markets; and that it will offer the USA the opportunity to attract new foreign investments, supporting the goals of the Trump agenda,” Iervolino said in a statement.
Iervolino called the proposal a “pilot project” for the development of similar treaties between the U.S. and all other countries around the world.
“The world must recognize that the American entertainment industry has always been the leading one globally: it remains the main point of reference, capable of setting the rules of the industry worldwide. Meanwhile, many countries have established incentive programs to attract foreign productions and have signed bilateral agreements with various nations — but never with the United States,” Iervolino continued. “This has essentially left a crucial cultural bridge unresolved. It is therefore essential to initiate a win-win agreement between the USA and the rest of the world. Mel Gibson and I are actively working in this direction, using this initial agreement with Italy as inspiration for the rest of the world.”
A representative for Gibson, who is not quoted directly in Iervolino’s statement, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Gibson is expected to start production on his “The Passion of the Christ” sequel “The Resurrection of the Christ” at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios in September.
