This rule is being updated to comply with Section 1257 of NDAA 2023 and align with the currently published version of DoDI 5410.16.  In accordance with Section 1257, the rule will include ways to assess Chinese influence or potential influence over the content of a film, television, or other entertainment project, actions the DoD can take to prevent Chinese censorship of a project, and criteria the Department will use when evaluating requests to support a project.  This information is included in the current version of DoDI 5410.16 and is in the public interest since production companies requesting DoD assistance must understand the limitations of and requirements for DoD assistance.  Production companies must also certify that they have not complied and are not likely to comply with a demand from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) or Chinese Communist Party to censor the content of a project in material manner to advance the national interest of the PRC.  A related form to comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act is being developed.

The Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs regularly dialogues with the community of motion picture, television, and documentary production companies and producers, who are primarily affected by this rule.  Recent conversations have included how revisions to the regulation in conformance with new statutory requirements will impact the manner in which the DoD may support non-DoD entertainment productions and new requirements that productions must meet to request and received DoD support.  These conversations will continue throughout the rulemaking process to ensure DoD receives comprehensive stakeholder feedback.