Wanda Group
US representative for the Wanda Group
PROFILE
Barbara Robinson
Guest
FROM Barbara Robinson
The Business
The Hollywood-China Connection The new movie Looper stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis. It's due to open simultaneously in the US and China. Not all films get that coveting release plan but this film is different. It's the latest example of a Hollywood trend designed to break into the lucrative Chinese market. The Chinese government restricts the number of foreign films that get distributed in China each year. These co-productions are a way around that quota. But it's not always easy doing business there, as was seen last year when Christian Bale (who'd just wrapped shooting the Chinese film Flowers of War ) tried to visit the blind activist Chen Guangcheng but was forcibly stopped by plain clothes policemen. We talk with a panel of experts about the potential challenges and rewards for filmmakers making movies in China.
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Gov. Jerry Brown: California and China will fight climate change together President Donald Trump reportedly wants the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, and he’s expected to announce a decision soon. California Governor Jerry Brown heads to China to strengthen climate and clean energy ties.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Why is Trump so behind on filling staff jobs, establishing concrete policies? Yesterday Donald Trump signed a “decision memo” to revamp the air traffic control system. But there was little legislative detail in the plan. There’s not much to other splashy announcements from the White House, including tax cuts and the arms deal with Saudi Arabia. And hundreds of positions are unfilled in federal agencies.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Previewing James Comey's blockbuster testimony Former FBI director James Comey testifies Thursday in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee, but his opening statement has been released. In it, he says he felt pressured by Donald Trump to declare loyalty to him and publicly clear him of any wrongdoing in the Russia investigation.