Disney's mouse vs. Chinese monkey
Phil Lelyveld
Entertainment Technology Center
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Yet China will not grant Hollywood the access it desires. Until recently only 20 foreign films could be screened at Chinese cinemas each year. In February the number increased to 34 — though only if the extra 14 are shown in 3D or large format. …
Chinese audiences also love Cameron’s “Titanic”: the new 3D version took in $105 million in its first two weeks of release, double the takings in North America over the same period. …
Government rhetoric suggests that the fledgling domestic market needs protection from American imports, at least long enough for it to grow in strength. Shanghai Film Group’s 3D remake of “Havoc in Heaven,” starring one Monkey King, was released in January and made just $8 million at the box office. DreamWorks Animation’s “Kung Fu Panda 2” made more than $90 million.
The mouse may be commercially mighty, but the monkey has bureaucrats. And, for the time being, they are stronger.
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