TVB News World - Asian Entertainment News Daily

For Hong Kong artists, working in mainland China represented a land of golden opportunity. Numerous mainland enterprises and brands required celebrities’ star power to endorse their products. Both international brands and mainland-based brands desired to find Hong Kong and Taiwan artists to meet endorsement needs in China.

Previously, only Hong Kong superstars had the chance to appear in [mainland] commercials. However, recent television artists from popular television series, also received endorsement deals. For example, Yang Mi (楊幂) became popular after the airing of television series House "宮". Her endorsement fee rose ten-fold from the initial price of $300,000 Yuan.

Currently charging $300,000 Yuan, Kevin Cheng (鄭嘉穎) soared to popularity after the airing of Step by Step Startling "步步驚心" aired in China. A skin care brand immediately invited him to attend promotional activities in Beijing, paying him $150,000 Yuan for the event. How can artists not be tempted?

In addition, it was rumored that Kevin earned $160,000 Yuan per episode while filming in mainland China, which was sixteen times his TVB salary. TVB executive, Virginia Lok (樂易玲) commented, “Kevin has currently reached this price! I can tell you that his price is not the highest. $160,000 Yuan per episode is not too high. It’s okay. However, Kevin still has a long contract ahead with TVB!”

The following artist endorsement fees were obtained from an intermediary who was familiar with artists appearance and endorsement fees (Yuan) :

Artist Appearance Fee Endorsement Fee

Jackie Chan $2,000,000 $22,000,000

Jet Li $1,200,000 $10,000,000

Zhang Ziyi $1,200,000 $12,000,000

Jay Chou $1,100,000 $12,000,000

Tony Leung $1,000,000 $8,000,000

Faye Wong $1,000,000 $8,000,000

Chow Yun Fat $1,000,000 $8,000,000

Andy Lau $1,000,000 $8,000,000

Maggie Cheung $1,000,000 $10,000,000

Jacky Cheung $1,000,000 $8,000,000

TVXQ $420,000

Fahrenheit $450,000 $3,000,000

Carina Lau $550,000 $4,000,000

Song Hye Kyo $500,000 $6,000,000

Tang Wei $500,000 $3,000,000

Cecilia Cheung $550,000 $4,500,000

Shu Qi $500,000 $4,000,000

Vicky Zhou $350,000 $3,000,000

Ada Choi $160,000 $1,300,000

Charmaine Sheh $100,000 $1,500,000

Michelle Yim $80,000 $600,000

Sonija Kwok $80,000 $800,000

Fala Chen $50,000 $400,000

Sharon Chan $40,000

Wayne Lai $40,000 $200,000

Kevin Cheng $150,000

Source: Ming Pao
Translated by: Jayne @ JayneStars