780: Chris Fenton | China's Harrowing Hold Over Hollywood

Soft Power

Chris Fenton explains how China uses Hollywood as a tool for soft power, influencing global perceptions through film. He notes that China's massive market has made it a significant player in the movie industry, pushing American studios to create content that aligns with Chinese political agendas 1. This influence extends to product placements and narrative adjustments that would seem absurd in Western contexts. Fenton recalls an instance of blatant product placement involving Yili milk and actress Fan Bingbing, highlighting the extent of China's sway over Hollywood productions 2.

We were kowtowing the crap out of the US to China to get all our products and services in there.

--- Chris Fenton

This strategy is not just about profit but also about spreading the aspirational quality of democracy within a communist country.

   

Business Balance

Hollywood's relationship with China is complex, with studios often caught between catering to Chinese demands and maintaining Western values. Fenton describes how China once relied heavily on Hollywood for film expertise, but now competes fiercely, reducing American market share from 85% to less than 5% 3. This shift is mirrored in other industries, such as automobiles and technology. A notable example of Hollywood's pushback is the refusal to edit the Statue of Liberty out of a Spider-Man movie, despite Chinese demands 4.

Hollywood's a bit of a canary in the coal mine.

--- Chris Fenton

Such actions suggest a growing willingness to resist Chinese influence, even at the cost of market access.

   

Reactions

The tension between Hollywood and China has led to significant diplomatic and commercial reactions. Fenton emphasizes the need for Western unity in addressing China's encroachment, suggesting that competition with China could unite the West 5. He shares how the Top Gun sequel faced backlash over the Taiwanese flag on Tom Cruise's jacket, leading to its removal to appease Chinese financiers 6. Despite this, the film succeeded without a Chinese release, grossing $1.4 billion, demonstrating that Hollywood can thrive without kowtowing to China.

We can't have it be blamed for kowtowing to China too. That just makes no sense.

--- Chris Fenton

This incident underscores the potential for Hollywood to assert its values while maintaining commercial success.