Experts discuss lessons from Hollywood for the Globalization of China’s Cultural Industries

Since the first half of the 20^th Century, Hollywood movies have achieved unmatched commercial success overseas and captivated audiences around the world, becoming a signature vehicle for U.S. soft power. On April 10, 2018, CCG hosted a symposium to reflect on the development of Hollywood and draw lessons for the current wave of Chinese cultural industries “Going Out,” focusing on the globalization of China’s movie industry.

The symposium brought together experts from cultural industries and CCG representatives for a lively discussion to examine the growth of Hollywood, its relation to U.S. soft power, and to draw parallels and contrasts with the current internationalization of China’s cultural industries.

The symposium opened with a feature presentation given by Chui-Ti Jansen (Liu Qiudi), CCG senior non-resident fellow, founder of the multimedia platform China Happenings,and columnist for the Financial Times. Liu’s speech tracked the historical development of Hollywood and its close links to the growth of U.S. influence, highlighting the relationship to broader trends in the global shift of economic power. Liu also emphasized the important role of movie talent that migrated to California from around the world in the inter-war period and the importance the U.S. government attached to market access for Hollywood movie exports.

Picking up on points raised in Liu’s speech, a panel of experts drew on their extensive experience in various cultural fields to share insights on Hollywood and implications for the internationalization of China’s growing movie industry. Lu Xingdong – seasoned film producer, Chairman of Longs Cultural Industrial Investment Group, and senior council member of CCG – recommended that a self-driven and effective film association is essential for China. Lu also pointed out the importance of comprehensive development and linkages across different segments of the movie industry to assure the quality and profitability of movie productions. Gao Wei of the China Literature and Art Critics Association; Qu Jianping, Founder and President of the CITIC Guoan International Film Production Base; Sun Jiashan, Director of the Contemporary Art & Literature Criticism Center at the China National Academy of Arts; and Wang Qingyong, Chairman of Ajimo Film Investment also shared their opinions on how China can integrate its culture internationally.

Discussion between these industry experts, CCG representatives, and journalists in attendance produced a fruitful sharing of views on the opportunities and challenges for the internationalization of Chinese cultural industries and broader implications for China’s globalization.