I. Introduction: Why This Question Matters Now When the 2023 Hollywood strikes brought the industry to a standstill, generative artificial intelligence was at the center of the debate. Writers and actors walked picket lines not just over residuals and streaming, but over a future in which AI could replace their craft entirely. The rapid emergence…

Introduction: Why This Question Matters Now China’s film industry, the world’s second-largest, is under pressure from a sharp box office decline and the rapid rise of generative AI. In 2024, China’s box office revenue fell to 42.5 billion yuan ($5.82 billion), down 22.6% from 2023 and 34% below the pre-pandemic peak in 2019 (Reuters). At…

Spring Kickoff: Early-Year Blockbusters Captain America: Brave New World (February 14) Marvel Studios kicked off the 2025 blockbuster season with Captain America: Brave New World, releasing on Presidents Day weekend and immediately setting the competitive tone for the year ahead [Hollywood Reporter]. The film marked Anthony Mackie’s first full theatrical outing as the star-spangled Avenger,…

Introduction: A Diverging Recovery, or a Delayed Slowdown? China’s economy in Q2 2026 presents a puzzle: it’s still growing, but the growth isn’t evenly shared. The headline story is one of strong industrial and services activity on one side, versus weak consumption, a prolonged property slump, and rising labor-market pressure on the other. The key…

Macro Picture: Growth Is Real, But Hiring Remains Selective Hong Kong’s economic outlook has improved, with GDP forecasts revised upward as the city continues its post-pandemic recovery (Hong Kong Economic Situation – Latest Developments). Yet employer confidence has not fully matched this macroeconomic momentum. Companies are balancing cost control with productivity gains, leading to a…