Will the West Be Won by China?

A global competitor in an increasing number of business sectors, China is now on the verge of tackling one of the most beloved and profitable of American industries - feature film production.

China has long produced film fare for its domestic audiences but the upcoming Chinese production,"Empires of the Deep," is an anomoly due to its English language dialogue, $100 million dollar budget and international cast. Described by the NY Times as a mash-up of "Avatar," "Gladiator" and "Pirates of the Caribbean," it has the potential to make waves here and abroad. The question is whether Chinese real estate magnate, Jon Jiang, the film's financier and primary producer, will be heralded as a cinematic visionary or a wealthy gambler with his very own "Waterworld" on his hands.