When movie star Fan Bingbing went missing in June there was little doubt that the Chinese government had her in custody for tax evasion. Confirmation came this week when the actress resurfaced, apologizing to the country and begging for “everyone’s forgiveness!”. Chinese authorities have announced Fan will pay at least $70 million in back taxes or face criminal prosecution.

The episode has shined a spotlight on the use of what are known in China as “yin-yang contracts,” wherein two different contracts for different amounts are used; one with the full value of the contract and one with a lower value used with tax agencies. Now that the government seems to have taken notice, the Chinese film and television industry has come to a standstill as everyone restructures their deals to comply with the country’s tax laws.

Speaking of China, Hollywood’s share of the country’s box office for the year is off by roughly $500 million and we wonder why. Back in North America, September grosses nearly set an all time record and October is off to a great start.

Of course we also cover the week’s top entertainment headlines including how Apple is stumbling its way into original TV programming, the RIAA diversifies and Bill Cosby heads to jail.

Ansel Elgort to Star in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ansel-elgort-nabs-male-lead-steven-spielbergs-west-side-story-1148420

Banksy Auction Prank Leaves Art World in Shreds

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2018/oct/06/banksy-sothebys-auction-prank-leaves-art-world-in-shreds-girl-with-balloon

comScore Announces Official Worldwide Box Office Results for Weekend of October 7, 2018

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comscore-announces-official-worldwide-box-office-results-for-weekend-of-october-7-2018-300726675.html

Audrey Wells, Screenwriter on ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ and ‘The Hate U Give,’ Dies at 58

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/audrey-wells-dead-under-tuscan-sun-hate-u-give-screenwriter-was-58-1149868

Box Office: ‘The Nun,’ ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Fuel Near-Record September Revenue

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-nun-crazy-rich-asians-fuel-record-september-1148096

Fan Bingbing, Missing Chinese Celebrity, Is Fined for Tax Evasion

https://variety.com/2018/film/asia/china-fan-bingbing-fined-for-tax-evasion-1202966663/

Chinese Stars Rush to Pay Taxes in Biz Crackdown

https://variety.com/2018/film/asia/chinese-stars-make-tax-payments-in-biz-crack-down-1202968474/

China’s Film Industry Grinds to a Halt Because of Fan Bingbing Tax Scandal

https://www.scmp.