Italian film producer Andrea Iervolino and U.S. actor-director Mel Gibson have announced a draft agreement to strengthen film collaborations between Italy and the United States. Unveiled on Tuesday, the proposal seeks to establish financial incentives and cultural exchange programs while positioning itself as a template for future treaties between the U.S. and other nations.
The initiative encourages Italian producers to film projects in the U.S. using American talent, thereby directing investments into the American entertainment sector. In exchange, Italy would develop support programs to foster productions that highlight cultural ties between the two countries. While specifics of the incentives remain undefined, Iervolino suggested that global adoption of this model could generate up to $10 billion annually in U.S. investments—a figure not independently verified.
Gibson's Role and Political Context
Gibson, referred to in the announcement as a "special ambassador" to Hollywood, was named earlier this year by former President Donald Trump as part of an informal advisory group intended to revitalize U.S. film industry competitiveness. Trump's social media post in January 2025 identified Gibson, Jon Voight, and Sylvester Stallone as "special envoys" tasked with reclaiming Hollywood's global dominance.
Iervolino emphasized Hollywood's historical influence, stating, "The American entertainment industry sets global standards, yet many nations have bypassed formal agreements with the U.S. This treaty resolves that gap." The producer, known for films like Modì and Three Days on the Wing of Madness, framed the proposal as a "win-win" strategy to boost economic growth and cultural diplomacy.
Next Steps and Global Ambitions
The partners aim to finalize the agreement during the 2025 Venice Film Festival, inviting government representatives and industry leaders from both nations to participate. If successful, Iervolino envisions the treaty inspiring similar pacts worldwide, calling it a "turning point for global cinema."
Critics may question the lack of detail regarding funding mechanisms or the $10 billion projection's origin. Additionally, Gibson's unofficial "ambassador" title—a symbolic gesture by Trump—raises questions about the proposal's political dimensions.
Despite uncertainties, the initiative underscores growing efforts to formalize international creative partnerships. By merging U.S. resources with Italy's cinematic legacy, the treaty could reshape how cross-border productions operate, offering a case study for balancing cultural preservation with economic priorities.
Iervolino and Gibson have yet to provide further comments, leaving industry observers to await concrete developments ahead of the proposed 2025 signing.