AI in Film: Hollywood vs. China
- China is embracing artificial intelligence to breathe new life into its classic martial arts films, while Hollywood grapples with the technology's potential impact on jobs and copyright. The...
- In contrast, Hollywood guilds like SAG-AFTRA have voiced strong concerns about AI's potential impact on jobs and are advocating for protections in contracts.
- studios are also challenging AI companies that train their models on copyrighted material.
China’s film industry is embracing AI to revitalize kung fu classics, aiming to breathe new life into iconic martial arts movies featuring stars like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. This initiative, backed by the China Film Foundation, contrasts sharply with Hollywood’s cautious approach. While China seeks to create immersive viewing experiences by enhancing films with stunning realism, U.S. studios and guilds like SAG-AFTRA express deep concerns about AI’s impact on jobs, copyright infringement, and the potential for deepfakes. Hollywood is actively fighting AI’s use of copyrighted material, as seen in lawsuits against AI startups like Midjourney. This article explores the diverging paths of the film industries in China and Hollywood as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI technology, labor concerns, and the future of classic film preservation.It highlights the strategic use of AI in China, including plans for a martial arts video game, and analyzes the implications of these contrasting strategies as each industry seeks to shape its future.
China film industry taps AI to revive kung fu classics
Updated June 30, 2025
China is embracing artificial intelligence to breathe new life into its classic martial arts films, while Hollywood grapples with the technology’s potential impact on jobs and copyright. The China Film Foundation, a government-backed nonprofit, plans to revitalize 100 kung fu movies, including iconic titles featuring Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Bruce Lee. This initiative involves partnering with companies like Shanghai Canxing Culture & Media Co.,which will license 100 Hong Kong films to AI firms.
Chow Yun-fat stars in director John Woo’s “A better Tomorrow” in 1986.
(Cinema City)
In contrast, Hollywood guilds like SAG-AFTRA have voiced strong concerns about AI’s potential impact on jobs and are advocating for protections in contracts. These unions are also pushing for legislation against deep fakes. Arthur Harwit, a film industry analyst, noted the absence of similar labor organizations in china to protest the use of artificial intelligence that could reduce job opportunities.
A scene from the movie “Once Upon A Time In China.”
(Golden Harvest)
U.S. studios are also challenging AI companies that train their models on copyrighted material. Earlier this month, disney and Universal Pictures sued AI startup Midjourney for allegedly using technology to copy famous characters like Yoda and Shrek.
Meanwhile, Chinese officials involved in the kung fu film project expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with AI companies to add “stunning realism” to the movies. They envision creating immersive experiences, such as stepping into a bamboo forest duel. Tian Ming,chairman of Shanghai Canxing Culture & Media Co., said his company is offering full access to its IP and adaptation rights, allocating about $14 million for co-investment in selected projects.
The revitalization effort will also extend to creating a martial arts video game.
Industry experts believe China is capitalizing on its rich martial arts film heritage,which has influenced U.S. action movies for decades. Simon Pulman, a partner at law firm Pryor Cashman, said China has little to lose and possibly much to gain by enhancing the value of these films.
China’s film industry has grown substantially, with local movies now dominating the market. While Chinese productions ofen don’t attract large U.S. audiences, classic martial arts movies have a global following. Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, noted that action transcends language barriers, making martial arts films universally appealing.