I want to add that despite the doubts I've expressed above, I would not exchange the ten years or so I spent living in China for anything. I have a great respect and admiration for the people of China and have numerous friends within the country. I believe my remarks are pragmatic and realistic and are based upon my belief that the Chinese are too intelligent and savvy to give away anything without receiving something greater in return. Remember the trade deficit. I also wonder if Western television product will travel as well in China as it has throughout the rest of the world. This is not to say that companies in other industries like McDonald's and Coca-Cola have not done well and that others will not succeed, but I can't help but believe that any major inroads by foreign groups into Chinese broadcasting will be a long time coming, and not easily won without paying a heavy price. The pot of gold is definitely there and it can't be ignored, but staking a claim will take perhaps more patience and perseverance than we possess.

Looking Back
So much has changed since I first traveled to China: the country has modern hotels, the economy is booming, you can eat and dance at the Hard Rock Café or grab a Big Mac if you're tired of noodles and dim sum. Animators no longer work for 50 dollars a week and you don't see any Mao jackets being worn on the streets. I almost want to say, "What a shame." China has changed and so have I. I continue to work on projects in China and still travel there quite often, but at times I miss the old, crazy days of building a studio and working with people who were so eager to learn, not only about animation but about different people and cultures. I retain very positive memories of those early years and I am very glad to have been there at the beginning.

Milt Vallas is an animation executive with over 30 years experience in the industry. He was president of Pacific Rim Productions and oversaw the operations of Pacific Rim Animation Studios in China and Manila for seven years. He currently is a consultant to a number of clients and specializes in the development, financing and production of animated projects. His company, Media Vision is located in Studio City, California.