The Jordan Harbinger Show 780: Chris Fenton | China's Harrowing Hold Over Hollywood
Jan 17, 2023
Chris Fenton, an expert on Chinese influence in Hollywood and author of "Feeding the Dragon," dives deep into the intricate dynamics between the two. He discusses how the Chinese government pressures American studios to create propaganda, altering film content to fit political agendas. Fenton reveals the creative struggles filmmakers face to appease censors while maintaining artistic integrity and shares insights on how Hollywood can resist these pressures. Anecdotes from Fenton's own experiences highlight the multi-layered tug-of-war over storytelling and censorship.
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Django Unchained Pulled
- Django Unchained was pulled from Chinese theaters on its opening night.
- A Politburo member questioned its approval after seeing lines, leading to its immediate removal.
Strategic Product Placement
- China strategically uses product placement in films to promote their chosen industries.
- In Iron Man 3, they highlighted Chinese advancements in medicine and technology.
Looper's China Promotion
- The film Looper had a scene where a character advocates for retiring in China instead of France.
- This scene got laughs in US screenings but was used for propaganda in China.
