US Entertainment Industry Players Hang Asa On President Joe Biden's Shoulders

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris (Instagram @kamalaharris)

JAKARTA - Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were named president and vice president of the United States on January 20 local time. The new journey is felt not only by the American people, but also by people around the world.

Since starting his campaign, Biden is considered to be familiar with a number of Hollywood public figures. The couple has great support from many Hollywood artists who believe the two can make a big difference in the entertainment industry.

Through social media, a number of Hollywood stars have uploaded their pride that Biden was elected president of the US. Not only the entertainment sector, other sectors also have hopes for Biden.

"This is America's day. Today is a day of democracy. A day of history and hope, renewal and resolution," Biden said in his speech.

Not a few Americans have compared Biden with the previous US president, Barack Obama. Obama is very familiar with the entertainment industry. He has held film screenings, concerts, and workshops at the White House. The people's expectation for Biden to do the same thing is quite big.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Becomes Major

The most anticipated from Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' performance is how they handle the COVID-19 pandemic. As is known, many sectors have been affected by the pandemic, one of which is the film industry which has suffered losses.

The entertainment sector expects not only business openings. But also incentive assistance, business assistance, and budget assistance to continue the shooting process.

Currently, several regions in the US have opened cinemas, although in limited capacities. Profits also do not come easily because there are still many people who are skeptical because they are worried about the spread of the virus in theaters.

However, the problem also comes from the not many films that will be shown in theaters. Now, film business players must compete with streaming services that offer the convenience of watching new films.

Now the real work begins, folks. Follow along at @POTUS as we build back better. pic.twitter.com/fHViqSqwp2

- Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 20, 2021

In addition, people are also curious about how Biden cooperates with China. In 2012, when Biden was still US vice president, he struck a deal with Chinese president Xi Jinping to make it easier for American films to enter the Bamboo Curtain country.

"If there's one big thing that could change (under Biden), it's a trade deal with China that could expand the number of US films allowed to be distributed in China," analyst Michael Nathanson told The Wrap.

China as the second largest film market compared to the US can bring more benefits to Hollywood. Just look at the current situation where Chinese cinemas are still open to the public.

China also glorifies their local products. Among the films that have aired amid the pandemic, some of the box offices have gone to local films. As for tentpole films such as Wonder Woman 1984, it must receive a small advantage.

But on the other hand, Chinese people are not always enthusiastic about Hollywood films. For example, Mulan from Disney who was shown in theaters. The films 'assembled' by Hollywood for China were considered not very successful because local people doubted the way other cultures told their stories.

The best thing that Biden can do for the entertainment industry is how to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic so that the filming and theatrical broadcasts can run smoothly.

Piracy

Piracy in Hollywood has been a long issue. Joe Biden is no stranger to this problem. In his 2011 statement, this 78-year-old man regarded piracy as theft.

“People out there are stealing from Americans - stealing their ideas and robbing America of creative energy. There is no reason we should differentiate the treatment of intellectual property from that of tangible property, "Biden quoted Billboard as saying.

Because he is familiar with this problem, Biden is considered capable of bringing the film industry into the international arena.

Together with Obama, he made a policy on illegal streaming that is not covered by copyright law. Now, the people of the United States hope that Biden can solve the piracy case he spoke about.

Film industry activists believe Biden and Harris are able to bring profits and revive the film industry as before. Compared to previous presidents, Donald Trump is considered less concerned about this sector.

"It's about the economic impact for this country. The message doesn't just help Hollywood keep its content alone. But it also helps maintain content in Hollywood so we can employ people. "

Meanwhile, the inauguration of Biden and Harris which took place at the Capitol Building in Washington DC was attended by a number of Hollywood stars, including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Whoopi Goldberg, and Justin Timberlake.