Streamlined Guides: Chinese Buyers
Back in January, Streamlined Guides released an edition looking at imported movies at the China box office in 2024 and promised to follow up with a report on Chinese buyers. In the meantime, US president Donald Trump slapped huge tariffs on China, which reciprocated by saying it would “moderately reduce” the number of US films imported into the country.
With Cannes film festival taking place this week, this edition of the Streamlined Guides provides some historical context on Chinese buyers; explores the current situation given Trump’s recent pronouncements and China’s reactions; identifies and profiles the companies currently most active in acquiring foreign films; and updates box office stats for 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. While this report is focused on companies involved in theatrical releasing, a follow-up report will look at Chinese streamers.