In this episode of Publisher's Verdict, Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, sits down with Chris Fenton, veteran Hollywood producer and executive renowned for his deep experience bridging the U.S. and Chinese film industries. Drawing from firsthand insights, they examine how Hollywood played a pivotal role in shaping China's modern film industry, only to find itself increasingly sidelined. The conversation also delves into the current state of the U.S.-China film relations, the influence of trade policies, and the potential ramifications of the Trump Film Tariffs.
Chris Fenton is a veteran Hollywood executive who produced and oversaw 24 films totaling $2 billion in global box office and packaged over 60 more. Former President of DMG Entertainment Motion Picture Group, he has led international operations and partnerships with Marvel, Hasbro, and Valiant. His memoir, Feeding the Dragon, details his experience navigating the U.S.-China film industry.
Publisher’s Verdict is a new series from TFV Network, where Eric Mika, Founder and Publisher of The Film Verdict, delves into the latest global developments, industry trends, and pressing issues shaping the world of film.
With over 30 years of industry experience, including roles as Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, SVP at Nielsen Entertainment, and Head of Variety‘s international division, where he spearheaded its global expansion, Mika offers an insider’s take from an outside viewpoint. A true globalist, he has lived in Rome, London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, and now splits his time between Los Angeles and Mexico, bringing a rare international perspective to the conversation.
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Intro
(01:53) Working in China in the Early 2000s
(04:13) Is China Fair to Hollywood?
(06:33) How Hollywood Built Modern China's Film Empire
(11:06) Trump Film Tariffs
(16:04) Concerning Issues in Filmmaking Today
(20:28) American Film Needs a Smarter National Strategy
(26:47) Outro