Just got back with my spicy takeaway. Now time to warm up at home and write. And for those of who reading this who are sitting on beach on a sunny day, I don't wanna hear it, ok :)?
There's a lot of talk right now about the global recession and how all countries are struggling. First off, don't blame me. Blame the CEO's of major corporations who went crazy with predatory lending and no controls. And realistically, there will be none as the bailouts continue.
But look at the broader picture. More and more, feature films and TV shows are being made worldwide. In many countries, the look is better. But also the costs are lower. And keep in mind, that's why it's called show BUSINESS, right?
What's happening though? While many countries are injecting money into their economies, credit is still frozen. Banks won't trust each other. Which can really hurt local productions. So people (especially independent filmmakers) go abroad. Makes perfect business sense, right?
To some however, it's not fair. The DGA (Directors Guild of America) is very vocal about trying to keep shoots in the States. They talk about unfair trade competition, NAFTA's to blame, etc. The truth is, they're getting outhustled by international film offices that offer better incentives. And they just don't want to admit that.
Since it's a worldwide business, if financing is better, then how come it's still limited in several ways? More international actors come to the States for work or to emigrate. Many are successful and that's fine. But what about the reverse? What about "Western actors" that go elsewhere? How come you don't see more American actors on Asian TV dramas or in feature films? Usually they come over to do commercials that will NEVER be seen back home for the big bucks. Can't blame them for that.
Go back to actors going elsewhere. When was the last time you saw an American actor in an oveseas produced film? In France, it's become more open. William Hurt, John Malcovich, Johnny Depp, Kristin Scott Thomas are all there and doing quite well, thanks very much. In the U.K. and other parts of Europe, there are some. But the number is small. However in Asia, how many foreign actors do you see in mainstream TV dramas or films? Mainly a handful and that's it.
If "foreign" actors can work in Europe, then why can't they work in Asia as well? A few recent examples. Harvey Keitel did a cameo in a Singapore-based film. Nicholas Cage was in a film done in Thailand. Other than those two, that's it.
I lived in the U.K. and in Japan for a long time. I've done a wide mix of acting and other media work. I speak Japanese, know the culture and did pretty well. So what stopped me from getting more work?
I wasn't perfectly fluent. Which means people just can't be bothered to pay for a translator and don't need the stress (in their view). I looked at it as a permenant resident. Which sometimes threw the powers the be.
Now, a question for all the directors on this site. Imagine you're directing a big-budget feature in Hong Kong. Brad Pitt is available for the lead. And he's fluent in Mandarin. Would you hire him? Or would you say, the audience would never accept him, so forget it?
Don't misunderstand. I've worked in many international companies. So I understand people wanting to protect their local film industry. On the other hand, if you want more opportunity for all, why not open it more both ways? To an extent, it's cultural. The mainstream Japanese audience would have a hard time accepting Tom Cruise and Miho Nakayama in a feature fiilm. But after a certain point, why not say, ok, let's take the first step and get past this? In a way, it's kind of like American baseball. Jackie Robinson was the first player of color to break into the all-white leagues. Which meant that he was THE STANDARD that everyone after him would be judged by. And maybe to the studios, that's the view on this? Not "racial" (whatever that means). But breaking the cultural "norm".
What's your view on this? For all the established actors here, would you want to emigrate to the States? Or would you stay where you are? Your comments please :).
