For years, the goal of many Chinese actors was to cross over to Hollywood where the prestige was much greater, pay is not necessarily higher though. But as China's film industry grows bigger and more sophisticated, talent from Hollywood is shifting to China. CGTN's May Lee has more on the change in direction.

Once upon a time, the hopes and dreams of nearly all actors were pinned on making it in Hollywood but that was then this is now.

Some of the biggest names in Hollywood like academy award winner Michael Douglas are heading east to star in Chinese films, a move that has a lot to do with business.

Ivanhoe Pictures CEO John Penotti, who produced the upcoming film "Crazy Rich Asians", believes Hollywood actors shouldn't even question crossing over into China's film industry.

JOHN PENOTTI, PRESIDENT AND CEO IVANHOE PICTURES "Those who don't look at China, they do it at their own peril. I think that holds for producers, directors, writers in any language, but for sure in English and Mandarin, and absolutely actors who now understand the strength of having a profile there."

And it's now less about using western actors to elevate films for US consumption, and more about raising production quality in China to entice the domestic audience. With the growing Chinese box office, which hit $8.6 billion in 2017, production budgets are bigger, which means, more can be spent on big named talent.

CHRIS FENTON, TRUSTEE US-ASIA INSTITUTE "You're starting to see actors become very strong business people and pushing themselves into the market in China and saying hey if you have great product that you're trying to put together and I can be one of the elements in that, I am interested."

But a big Hollywood name doesn't necessarily guarantee a hit. The Great Wall, starring Matt Damon, cost $150 million to make, but grossed just $334 million worldwide. A cautionary tale for projects currently in the pipeline. "Unbreakable Spirit", produced by China Film Group, stars Bruce Willis and Mel Gibson served as art director. The $65 million movie, about the Japanese bombing of the Chinese city of Chongqing during World War II, comes out August 17th.

CHRIS FENTON, TRUSTEE US-ASIA INSTITUTE "Now China is on the verge of becoming the biggest market in the world so there will probably be a point when we see US actors say, well I'm only going to do that US film if I don't have a great opportunity in China. I don't know when that day is going to come and I can't say it's definitely going to happen but I wouldn't be surprised if it does."

And according to Industry insiders, there's another reason for the crossover to China.

MAY LEE LOS ANGELES "There are fewer opportunities to make theatrical movies in Hollywood now because of competition from streaming services. And a lot of the films that are being made are the giant tentpole, blockbusters. So there are a lot more industry professionals who are looking at China as the place to do what they love and make some decent money as well. May Lee, CGTN, Los Angeles."