Why Indiana Jones, Barbie and other US films were shot in UK

The world of cinema is constantly evolving, and recently, a significant trend has emerged where many popular films, including Indiana Jones and Barbie, have been filmed in the United Kingdom. This shift has raised questions about the future of the American film industry, especially in light of recent comments made by US President Donald Trump. He has proposed imposing a hefty 100% tariff on movies produced in foreign countries, aiming to protect Hollywood from what he perceives as a rapid decline. This announcement has sent ripples of concern throughout the film industry, prompting many to wonder about the potential implications of such a move. The UK has become an increasingly attractive location for Hollywood filmmakers, primarily due to the financial advantages it offers. For instance, the latest Indiana Jones film was partially shot in Scotland, showcasing the country's stunning landscapes. In fact, a staggering 65% of the production spending in the UK last year came from major US film studios and streaming giants like Netflix, Apple, and Amazon. This amounted to approximately £1. 37 billion, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. In contrast, film and television production in Los Angeles has seen a decline of nearly 40% over the past decade, largely due to the high costs associated with filming in the US. One of the key reasons for this trend is the generous tax incentives provided by the UK government, such as the Film Tax Relief, which allows filmmakers to save substantial amounts of money. For example, Universal's Jurassic World: Dominion reportedly saved around £89 million by filming in the UK. In the US, tax incentives vary by state, and many states, including California, do not offer as favorable conditions as the UK. Trump's proposal to impose tariffs raises questions about how it would address the underlying tax issues faced by Hollywood. Jon Voight, a well-known actor, has been appointed as a special ambassador to Hollywood to help navigate this situation, but the effectiveness of tariffs in solving these problems remains uncertain. If the proposed tariffs are implemented, moviegoers could face increased ticket prices as the costs would likely be passed on to them. This could lead to higher prices for premium on-demand services and subscription rates as well. However, it is essential to recognize that not all films can be made in the US, as some projects require specific locations that can only be found abroad. For instance, Amazon is unlikely to produce the next James Bond film entirely in America. The UK government is actively engaging with US officials to discuss this fluid situation, indicating that there may be potential for collaboration in the future. In recent years, several notable films have been produced in the UK, and some of them may surprise you. The Barbie movie, for example, was filmed at Warner Bros studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, which is renowned for producing the Harry Potter films. Other films, such as Mickey 17 and Venom: The Last Dance, have also utilized this studio. Glasgow has emerged as a popular filming location for Hollywood, with the city serving as a stand-in for Philadelphia in Brad Pitt's World War Z. The opening scene of this film was shot in George Square, showcasing the city's versatility as a filming hub. The latest Indiana Jones film also made use of Glasgow's streets, transforming them into a 1960s New York setting. The city was adorned with vintage decorations to create an authentic atmosphere. Additionally, Liverpool has been featured in various films, including The Batman, which utilized locations like Glasgow Cathedral and the Liver Building to depict Gotham City. The director, Matt Reeves, emphasized the importance of finding a location with beautiful Gothic architecture, and Glasgow fit the bill perfectly. In Wales, the live-action Snow White movie was filmed in multiple locations, including Pinewood Studios, which served as the backdrop for many indoor scenes. The filmmakers also utilized a quarry in the Lake District and a beach in Pembrokeshire to create the look of a bustling city. This trend of filming in the UK is not limited to just a few projects; numerous other blockbusters, such as Jurassic World Rebirth and Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, have also chosen the UK as their primary filming location. As the film industry continues to adapt to changing circumstances, it will be fascinating to see how these developments unfold in the coming years.