Peaks and Troughs: An analysis of the fluctuating relationship between China and Hollywood

Abstract

This thesis will analyse the ever changing relationship between China and Hollywood. It is clear that China’s presence is growing in hollywood. Consumers can see the results of China’s omnipresence on their cinema screens through the way China is discussed, mentioned or featured in recent films. China is playing a larger role due to heavy investment it has poured into Hollywood through not only mergers and acquisitions, but also through strategic partnerships and coproductions. China has looked towards Hollywood as an investment opportunity and in turn Hollywood has considered China to be a necessitous financial resource both for production and also for China’s film market. My objective is to examine the reasons behind the start of China and Hollywood’s symbiotic relationship, the bilateral obstacles faced and possible outcomes for the future of this strategic partnership.

This research will be divided into three Chapters, the first Chapter will clarify the state of China’s film industry leading to its relationship with hollywood through revenue sharing and traditional coproduction. The second chapter will look at political and socio-economic obstacles which have affected the relationship and quality of partnership between the two sides. The final chapter will include a case study on Tencent which illustrates a Chinese company using new strengths in technology and economy to carve out their own space in hollywood through coproductions and studio acquisitions