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China's influence in Hollywood doesn't stop at banning films like 'Eternals' : It's Been a Minute China has held a soft power over Hollywood for the last few decades. Examples range from the cosmetic, like the way Chinese police heroically restore order in films like The 355. It can also be more overt, like China blocking the release of Chloé Zhao's film Eternals in the country. Sam and Erich Schwartzel talk about how and why China has influenced the American film industry and more reporting in his new book Red Carpet: Hollywood, China, and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy.

You can follow us on Twitter @NPRItsBeenAMin and email us at samsanders@npr.org.

It's Been a Minute

China influences the movies Hollywood makes. But it may not need the U.S. anymore

China influences the movies Hollywood makes. But it may not need the U.S. anymore

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Erich Schwartzel is the author of Red Carpet: Hollywood, China, and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy. Leigh Keily hide caption

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Leigh Keily

Erich Schwartzel is the author of Red Carpet: Hollywood, China, and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy.

Leigh Keily

Over the last few decades, China has held a soft power over Hollywood. Examples range from cosmetic, like the way Chinese police heroically restore order in films like The 355. It can also be more overt, like China blocking the release of Chloé Zhao's film Eternals in the country.

Enlarge this image

Cover art for Red Carpet: Hollywood, China, and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy, written by Erich Schwartzel. Erich Schwartzel hide caption

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Erich Schwartzel

Cover art for Red Carpet: Hollywood, China, and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy, written by Erich Schwartzel.

Erich Schwartzel

Sam and author Erich Schwartzel talk about how and why China has influenced the American film industry and more reporting in his new book Red Carpet: Hollywood, China, and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy.

This episode was produced by Anjuli Sastry Krbechek and edited by Jordana Hochman. You can follow us on Twitter @NPRItsBeenAMin and email us at samsanders@npr.org.