Film world's liaison in China

Amid the flood of superhero movies pouring out of Hollywood, Noah Weinzweig, of Beijing-based Teneighty Productions, has often been the big studios' man in China, working on projects such as Thor 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy.

"My work with Marvel is fantastic," Weinzweig says. "I feel fortunate to work with such an incredible company and the people behind it are just wonderful. Helping the world stay safe by creating more superheroes is a virtuous endeavour. And who wouldn't want to do that?"

The provocative Canadian, who's lived in China for almost 20 years, has watched the mainland develop in unimaginable ways. "How has China not changed since then? It's a completely different country in every way. I think I've witnessed more change here in 20 years than my grandparents experienced in Canada through their 95 years of life," he says.

"In terms of my industry, there were very few filmmakers around in 1995, just the likes of Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige. There was very little infrastructure, few crews. But now there is an explosion in media and the Chinese box office rivals America's, potentially exceeding it soon."

Securing access has also become a lot easier over the years, allowing his company inside some of the most protected and far-flung areas, from parched Mongolian plains to Shanghai's skyscraper metropolis to industrial plants hidden in the countryside.

The importance of guanxi ("relationships") is something Weinzweig knows all too well. "I have a long track record in China, which helps build credibility and contacts, whether government or personal. It's been critical."