We’re all in this together–Chinese style
Ok, so Zhang Yimou’s remake of Blood Simple wasn’t exactly the greatest and to say Disney failed with their Chinese take on High School Musical when reportedly, only one person showed up to their Beijing screening, is kind of an understatement. But despite such an abysmal track record, the dream is still alive for big studio execs.
Although China still trails the US in box office sales, the market is growing as the wealthy become more regular movie-goers. Ticket revenues rose more than 30 percent annually between 2004 and 2009, from $219.6 million to $909 million.
Lots of dough, and Hollywood wants it.
Since Beijing only allows the distribution of 20 foreign films a year, American production companies are trying to curry favor under these restrictions by creating more China centric movies like The Karate Kid and Shanghai.
Not only are there more movies being set here, but joint ventures with Chinese film companies is becoming the norm. Just last month Beijing based Chengtian Entertainment acquired a 3.3 percent share of Inception producers Legendary Pictures.
Television is also getting in on the action. Gossip Girl, despite its risque nature, could soon see a Chinese equivalent, sure to be retooled with a whole lot less-if any-sex, and an asian Michael Scott may also make his debut as The Office comes to China.
It’s a slow migration, but Hollywood seems to be inching closer east.
