#38 Beijing’s influence on Hollywood productions

08/19/20 • 59 min

Middle Earth - China’s cultural industry podcast

Hollywood's studios are increasingly wary of provoking China’s government by making films that contain “sensitive” content. Some films have even self-censored portions of their own films intended for the global market, in fear of retribution. On today’s show the conversation dives into the origins of how and when Beijing’s cultural policy began to impact Hollywood decision making in film production. The trio also provide concrete examples of how the studios negotiated a share of the growing Chinese film market and what actions the industry needs to take on that issue.
Featuring
Chris Fenton : Author of "Feeding the Dragon: Inside the Trillion Dollar Dilemma Facing Hollywood, the NBA, & American Business"
James Tager : Deputy Director at PEN America & main author of "Made in Hollywood, Censored by Beijing"

Middle Earth is made by China Compass Productions and hosted by Aladin Farré. If you have a China-themed cultural project like shooting your next documentary or look for a specific talent, please get in touch!

Sponsors
- Win a free month of OVID.tv, which distributes exclusive Chinese films, by sharing your favorite Middle Earth episode on social media. Send Aladin a screenshot on Twitter for a chance to win!

If you are in Berlin, Chengdu, or Shanghai and like music or tech, you should check the WISE festival lineup. The event runs from August 28 through September 4.

Recommendations
- The U.S.-China-Germany film Point Break (2015)
- The U.S.-China film The Meg (2018)

Answers to the quiz
- Too much cleavage was the reason the TV series The Empress of China had to be reshot.
-The Ancient One, a Marvel comic character, got a gender and birthplace change in order to avoid provoking any backlash.
- Abominable (2019), a U.S.-China co-production, was censored by Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines due to its depiction of the nine-dash line.
With thanks to Brenden Gonsalves for graphic design & Sean Calvo for music support.

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If you are in Berlin, Chengdu, or Shanghai and like music or tech, you should check the WISE festival lineup. The event runs from August 28 through September 4.

Recommendations
- The U.S.-China-Germany film Point Break (2015)
- The U.S.-China film The Meg (2018)

Previous Episode

#37 Mahua FunAge: Building a comedy empire

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Founded in 2003, Mahua FunAge (开心麻花) is a cultural company that focuses on comedy content, including plays, musicals, children’s shows, improv, online TV series, and films. As of 2020, it has produced six successful feature films and 40 plays with the support of 400 staff members. Leer Cheng, vice president of the company, joins the show to discuss its recipe for success and how the entertainment industry in China has grappled with COVID-19.

Recommendation
- Almost a Comedy (半个喜剧, 2019).
With thanks to Brenden Gonsalves for graphic design & Sean Calvo for music support.

Next Episode

#39 Star power in China

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China’s entertainment industry has undergone staggering changes over the past two decades. The content, the ways it's delivered, and even the stars themselves are taking shape in a manner that is unique to China and reflects a new type of user — one who has come of age in the digital era. Provincial governments partner with stars to sell goods as arbitrary as farm equipment. Kim Kardashian has collaborated with famous live streamers to sell perfume. The show dives on how the budding Chinese entertainment industry is being shaped by technology and the internet; how Chinese dramas, songs, and TV are received around the world; the power of Chinese fandom; and more.
Featuring
Kevin Feng : Talent Agent & Producer
Allison Jiang : Cultural Writer at RADII
Marian Mationg : Writer at DramaPanda

Sponsors
Win a free month of OVID.tv, which distributes exclusive Chinese films, by sharing your favorite Middle Earth episode on social media. Send Aladin a screenshot on Twitter for a chance to win!

Recommendations
- Mark Chao (Zhào Yòutíng 趙又廷), a Taiwanese-Canadian actor and model.
- Jackson Wang (Wáng Jiā’ěr 王嘉尔), a Hong Kong rapper, singer, and dancer.
- Huáng Bó 黄渤, a Chinese actor and singer.

Answers to the quiz
- Ruǎn Língyù 阮玲玉 is a Chinese star who killed herself in 1936.
-Saving Mr. Wu (2015) is the Chinese film based on the Chinese actor Wú Ruòfǔ’s 吴若甫 real abduction in 2004.
-Jackie Chan’s son was arrested for drug use while having an out-of-wedlock daughter.
- A 2018 scandal involving actress Fàn Bīngbīng’s 范冰冰 “fake” contracts from a film project were worth $1.6 million.
With thanks to Brenden Gonsalves for graphic design & Sean Calvo for music support.