Hollywood

Biodata

Locations

• Starlight Pictures — Li Chen’s film and television company, located in Hollywood. Its office building is a recurring workplace and meeting place 1 148.
• Hollywood Walk of Fame — A landmark with more than 2,500 terrazzo and brass star medallions honoring figures in film, television, recording, radio and theater. Li Chen takes Dazzler and others to visit it 42.
• Chinese Theatre — The venue for the Transformers premiere, where stars and fans gather to see the film 87.
• Film studios — Older studio lots declined as productions increasingly shot on location or sought tax breaks elsewhere. Li Chen visits Transformers and Batman productions at one such aging studio 48.

Entertainment Industry

Studios and production

Li Chen entered Hollywood as an outsider, founded Starlight Pictures and acquired MGM. He retained MGM’s staff, valuing their industry connections, distribution experience and film library; the acquisition battle cost over five billion dollars 1 5.

• Producer control — Hollywood is described as operating under a producer-centered system. Li Chen keeps control of the Batman script and asks producer Jeff to supervise director Zack Snyder 12 49.
• Financing — After earlier studio bankruptcies, banks became less willing to lend to film companies. Starlight secured more than $100 million for Transformers, attracting investors after paying initial dividends from Superman 24.
• Distribution and ratings — Major studios benefit from established theatrical connections and influence over film ratings, advantages that smaller companies struggle to match 5 53.
• Competition for releases — Li Chen schedules Transformers for the end of May 2009, avoiding a crowded summer calendar and a clash with Starlight’s own Batman film 87.

Publicity and influence

Hollywood’s reach makes it a concern for S.H.I.E.L.D. When Li Chen promotes Superman amid public anxiety over Tony Stark’s disappearance, Maria Hill warns Nick Fury that Hollywood is influencing public opinion. Audiences leave screenings reassured by Superman’s defense of Earth 6.

Starlight’s marketing for Transformers includes a Super Bowl trailer and a sustained publicity campaign. Its premiere draws fans and stars to the Chinese Theatre 82 87.

Careers and connections

Hollywood attracts aspiring performers from around the world, but opportunities are scarce. The account describes hopefuls living in cramped rooms and working odd jobs while seeking auditions; industry backing gives performers such as Kitty Pryde and Dazzler an advantage 42 45.

• Henry Cavill becomes famous throughout Hollywood after playing Superman, helping attract actors to Starlight’s Batman auditions 25.
• Scarlett Johansson seeks commercial-film roles after working primarily in independent films. Li Chen later gives her the part of Catwoman 5 26.
• Mary Jane dreams of becoming a Hollywood star. Li Chen promises to help her find a role and later arranges an agent through Renee 58 145.
• Natasha Romanoff enters Li Chen’s company as an undercover agent but becomes the lead actress in Lucy; S.H.I.E.L.D. subsequently agrees that she will honor her film contract 84 109.

Major Events