Hollywood, once the global beacon of creative freedom, has increasingly bowed to the demands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in pursuit of box office profits. From censoring politically sensitive content to altering scripts and casting choices, major studios have made it clear that access to China's massive film market is more important than preserving artistic integrity or American values. Scenes critical of China are routinely cut, such as in Top Gun: Maverick, where a Taiwanese flag was removed from Tom Cruise’s jacket. Meanwhile, films that promote democracy, human rights, or issues like Tibet and Hong Kong are outright banned in China, discouraging Hollywood from even attempting to tell these stories. This has led to an industry-wide self-censorship, where studios preemptively remove content that could offend Chinese authorities—effectively allowing a foreign government to shape what Americans see on screen.

For those who want to understand the full extent of China’s influence on Hollywood, there are several ways to dig deeper. First, read books like Red Carpet: Hollywood, China, and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy by Erich Schwartzel, which details how China’s financial power dictates American film decisions. Second, follow independent journalists and analysts who cover Hollywood’s relationship with China, such as reports from The Epoch Times, The Wall Street Journal, or Hollywood insiders on Substack. Third, watch documentaries and interviews with filmmakers who have spoken out against Chinese censorship, like Quentin Tarantino’s refusal to edit Once Upon a Time in Hollywood for China. The more people educate themselves on this issue, the more pressure can be put on Hollywood to stop compromising artistic freedom for authoritarian approval.

While Hollywood’s increasing submission to Chinese censorship is concerning, there are ways to stay positive and push back against this influence. Independent filmmakers and platforms like Rumble are creating a space where free speech and artistic integrity can thrive without corporate or political interference. Additionally, audience demand is shifting—box office numbers show that many films designed to cater to China are failing, while movies with strong, unapologetic storytelling are succeeding. For example, Top Gun: Maverick, despite removing the Taiwanese flag, was still denied release in China, yet it grossed nearly $1.5 billion worldwide, proving that Hollywood doesn’t need the CCP’s approval to succeed. Meanwhile, in 2023, Chinese box office revenue dropped significantly, while American audiences have shown an increased preference for films that aren’t watered down for foreign governments.

To stay positive in the face of Hollywood’s compromises, here are three things you can do:

1. Support independent filmmakers and platforms that refuse to bow to censorship, such as watching movies on platforms like Rumble or DailyWire+.
   
   

2. Speak with your wallet by choosing to watch and promote films that champion free expression rather than those that cater to authoritarian demands.
   
   

3. Stay informed and share the truth by educating others on how Hollywood and China operate behind the scenes, using books, articles, and videos to expose the reality of entertainment censorship.
   
   

The fight for artistic freedom is far from over, but the power still lies with the audience. If enough people demand integrity in storytelling, Hollywood will have no choice but to listen.

Artificial intelligence in Hollywood

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly integrated into various aspects of Hollywood film production over recent years. As of December 2023, approximately 59% of film, television, and animation companies in the United States reported using or planning to use generative AI during the pre-production phase. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, indicating a growing reliance on AI technologies in the industry. ​Statista

In scriptwriting and story development, AI-assisted tools saw a 28% increase in use among writers from 2020 to 2023. By 2023, 67% of screenwriters utilized AI for brainstorming and plot development. Scripts partially developed by AI were 25% more likely to receive approval for production, and 54% of AI-written scripts required 40% less revision time. ​SEO Sandwitch

In pre-production planning, AI reduced planning timelines by 40% on average. Approximately 47% of producers relied on AI for casting decisions, and AI tools automated 60% of location scouting in major productions. AI forecasting tools improved production budget accuracy by 25%, and over 80% of pre-visualization tasks incorporated AI-powered simulations.

While specific percentage increases over the past two years are not detailed in all sources, the data indicates a clear upward trend in AI adoption across various stages of film production in Hollywood. This growing integration reflects the industry's recognition of AI's potential to enhance efficiency, creativity, and decision-making processes.

LOOK AT MY TIE! MADE YOU LOOK!

 

Distractions are like weeds in a garden—if left unattended, they choke the life out of your most important goals. In today’s hyperconnected world, distractions come in many seductive forms: social media notifications, endless scrolling, unnecessary emails, and even our own thoughts. The first step in staving off these distractions is recognizing what triggers them. Is it boredom, stress, or the fear of missing out? Once you identify the root, you can begin to implement intentional barriers—like turning off phone notifications, setting specific “tech-free” hours, or creating a focused workspace that signals it's time for business.

Feeding your focus requires more than just eliminating distractions; it’s about creating an environment and mindset that actively support deep work. This might involve starting your day with a clear plan, prioritizing your top three tasks, and tackling them in uninterrupted sprints. Techniques like the Pomodoro method or time blocking can be effective tools. Equally important is aligning your tasks with your larger purpose. When you're working on something that truly matters to you, focus becomes less of a chore and more of a natural flow state.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of choice and commitment. You can choose to be the master of your time or let distractions rule your day. Feeding your focus is like feeding a fire—it grows with the right fuel. That fuel can be your goals, your family, your passions, or the legacy you want to leave behind. The more you feed it, the stronger it burns, pushing away distractions like shadows at sunrise.

Three things you can do to overcome distractions and feed your focus:

1. Create a distraction-free zone — Silence your phone, close unnecessary tabs, and clear your physical space to support focused work.
   
   

2. Schedule deep focus sessions — Use techniques like Pomodoro (25 minutes focused, 5-minute break) to train your mind to stay on track.
   
   

Review your "why" daily — Remind yourself each morning of your bigger purpose or goal. This keeps your focus sharp and distractions less tempting.