TVB News World - Asian Entertainment News Daily

Facing a high staff turnover among artists and production crew, TVB quickly drafted an emergency response plan. Alleged to be responsible for the recent exodus of employees, TVB executive, Virginia Lok (樂易玲) hastily met with Bowie Lam (林保怡) yesterday to ask him to return to the company. Unfortunately, the paradox was that on the same night, Bowie also met with Ricky Wong (王維基), Chairman of City Telecom, who will be entering the free television broadcasting industry next year and pose as as a rival station to TVB. In addition, Bowie was offered a $18 million Yuan contract to sign with a mainland company. Bowie certainly had numerous “chips” in hand to choose from!

With the exodus of personnel, TVB was thrown into confusion recently. Vice Chairman, Mona Fong (方逸華), asked General Manager, Stephen Chan (陳志雲), to regain control of the Artist Management department and resolve the recent staff turnover crisis. Currently overseeing the Artist Management department, Virginia Lok also took the opportunity to meet with Bowie Lam, who had left TVB in May.

Frowning in Careful Consideration

At 10 AM yesterday, Bowie Lam and Virginia Lok met at the Sai Kung pier for tea. The duo appeared to be very harmonious, chatting and often laughing together. Bowie poured tea for Ms. Lok and served her roast pork buns. Although the contents of the conversation were not clear, it was likely that Ms. Lok attempted to persuade Bowie to return to TVB due to the recent high staff turnover and ex-TVB artists joining rival television stations. Although appearing at ease initially, Bowie started frowning and wrung his hands together in reservation, while appearing in deep thought as the conversation progressed.

After conversing for over an hour, Ms. Lok paid the bill and left. Since Bowie and Ms. Lok spent the time chatting rather than eating, the bill was only several hundred dollars (HKD). Walking to the parking lot together, Bowie and Ms. Lok waved goodbye and left Sai Kung in their respective cars.

In the evening, Bowie Lam attended the dinner again, but this time met with Ricky Wong, Chairman of City Telecom. At 7:20 PM, a reporter spotted Mr. Wong inside the restroom of a Japanese restaurant located inside a hotel. Ten minutes later, Bowie appeared at the same restaurant. Due to the timing of the appearance of Bowie and Mr. Wong at the same restaurant, the reporter estimated that the duo met to discuss collaboration plans.

Five Bodyguards Preventing Interview

Asked whether Bowie was meeting Ricky Wong for dinner, Bowie only smiled and did not respond. At this time, five men dressed in black appeared to block the reporter from asking further questions, leading the reporter to leave the scene. The situation was intriguing and Bowie took the opportunity to calmly enter the restaurant. Although Bowie failed to respond, Mr. Wong wrote on his blog yesterday, “I hope to convince a heavy decision-maker to quit.” Allegedly, Bowie had agreed to return to TVB to film War and Beauty 2 "金枝慾孽2" earlier, unfortunately there were still many changing variables in development.

Aside from Ricky Wong’s attempt to recruit Bowie, a mainland company offered to sign him for $18 million Yuan. Bowie Lam had a lot of options to choose from!

Facing a crisis, TVB not only attempted to seek the return of former stalwarts such as Bowie Lam, it also attempted to persuade artists with soon-to-expire contracts to remain at the company. It may be possible for Stephen Chan (陳志雲) to pursue these efforts personally.

The reporter contacted Steven Ma (馬浚偉), who expressed the desire to leave TVB earlier. Steven admitted that he spoke on the phone with Mr. Chan, “We did not have time to sit down and discuss in detail. I am currently filming a series, but he took the initiative to call and understand the situation.”

Steven Ma indicated that Ms. Lok contacted him regarding contract renewal matters two weeks ago. Sir Run Run Shaw’s favorite, Chan Fai Kwong (陳輝光) and Catherine Tsang (曾勵珍) also spoke with Steven.

Joe Ma Still Has to Consider

With his management contract due to expire at the end of the year, Joe Ma (馬德鐘) admitted that TVB offered him favorable conditions to attract him to stay, “I am still in the consideration stage. Since I have been with the company for many years, I do wish to see the outside world.” Joe indicated that he has been in discussion with Ms. Lok regarding his contract renewal and has not been in touch with Stephen Chan. Joe indicated that there was a fifty percent possibility in renewing his management contract with TVB.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: Jayne @ JayneStars

It is now less than three months before the annual TVB Anniversary Awards Ceremony《萬千星輝頒獎典禮》however the contenders who had temporarily been highly looked upon to be the new TV King and Queen, were indeed few and far between.

The highly regarded contenders for now were Kevin Cheng (鄭嘉穎), Michael Tse (謝天華), Fala Chen (陳法拉) and Linda Chung (鍾嘉欣). However, they were still, in fact, a far cry from the previous two consecutive winners, Sheren Tang (鄧萃雯) and Wayne Lai (黎耀祥).

In order not to let the Anniversary Awards lose it’s shine, TVB immediately deployed some strategies including launching four blockbuster dramas helmed by their first line Siu Sangs actors and Fadans actresses in the remaining months.

The four blockbuster dramas that TVB pinned their high hopes upon were forensic criminal investigation drama, Forensic Heroes 3《法政先鋒 III》, starring Wayne Lai and Maggie Cheung Ho-Yee (張可頤), psychological thriller, When Heaven Burns《天與地》, starring Moses Chan (陳豪), Bowie Lam (林保怡) and Charmaine Sheh (佘詩曼), ancient periodic imperial harem drama, The Queen of All《萬凰之王》, starring former Fadan Jessica Hsuan (宣萱) and current Fadan Myolie Wu (胡杏兒) and last but not least, the comedy-drama, Detective Liza and Gods《荃加福祿壽探案》, starring popular veteran thespian Liza Wang (汪明荃) and the three fortune gods consisting of Wong Cho Lam (王祖藍), Johnson Lee (李思捷) and Louis Yuen (阮兆祥).

By releasing these four grand production dramas, TVB hoped that it would drum up the much-needed publicity for the striving of the TV King and Queen title and anticipation just in time for the TVB Anniversary Awards.

Since TVB was renowned for treading on stable grounds, it was known that in order to maintain the quality of their TV King award recipients, there was a huge chance that they would stick to their conventional past winners such as Wayne Lai and Moses Chan, thus leaving hot contender Laughing-Gor Michael Tse out in the cold and making his happiness all boiled down to nothing.

Changing strategies to boost out more hot contenders

[Caption: The TVB drama, "When Heaven Burns", starring Charmaine Sheh, Moses Chan, Bowie Lam and Kenny Wong (黃德斌) will be debuting in grand splendor in November]

In the month of September, only the undercover-police-triad drama, Lives of Omission《潛行狙擊》, managed to be the pride of TVB by stirring up heated discussions amongst avid television fans and headlining the various newspaper and magazines out there. However, even though the other recent TVB dramas like Ghetto Justice《怒火街頭》and Yes Sir, Sorry Sir《點解阿 Sir係阿 Sir》had also received glowing reviews from the audiences, all of them still failed to make history for TVB and break the previous records left behind by their predecessors.

As such, the current contention for the TV King and Queen awards were fought between the likes of Michael Tse who has yet to secure his seat as a first line actor, Kevin Cheng who was a former TV King, Fala Chen and Linda Chung.

A backstage crew of TVB revealed, “Up till this moment, only Michael Tse and Kevin Cheng are the more outstanding ones. However, both of them do not have enough potential (唔夠料) to be this year’s TV King. As such, one of the senior management staff has voiced out that if either of them wins the TV King award, there wouldn’t be enough commotion.”

Not wanting to let their anniversary awards night look too dismal, TVB’s inner staff hurriedly strategized and devised a plan to release all four blockbuster drama series that already have their staple first line actors and actresses leading in them, in a bid to boost out more hot candidates running for the TV King and Queen awards.

Pushing forward for the last sprint

First up to fight the frontline would be Liza Wang’s and the three fortune buddies’ “Detective Liza and Gods”. It would be premiering on 3 October 2011 and broadcasting at 8:30pm.

As for Wayne Lai who has an opportunity to win the TV King award for the third consecutive time, his “Forensic Heroes 3″ drama which also co-stars Maggie Cheung Ho-Yee would be succeeding the 9pm time slot after “King of Chok” Raymond Lam‘s (林峯) Men With No Shadows《不速之約》has ended its run.

Directly after “Detective Liza and God”, the 8.30pm time slot would be followed up by “The Queen of All” which starred Jessica Hsuan and Myolie Wu. “Queen” had also been referred to as the hybrid version of War and Beauty《金枝慾孽》and Beyond the Realm of Conscience《宮心計》. “Queen” will premiere on 31 October 2011.

The drama responsible for delivering the final hype to the Anniversary Awards was none other than the cannibalism thriller, When Heaven Burns, which has a stellar cast of Moses Chan, Bowie Lam, Charmaine Sheh, Maggie Shiu (邵美琪) and Kenny Wong. It would be premiering on 21 November 2011 and taking up the 9pm time slot of “Forensic Heroes 3″.

The banquet of endless copying

It is a well-known fact that TVB dramas have always been accused of plagiarism. In recent times, there was Raymond Lam’s “Men With No Shadows” which was accused of plagiarizing Japanese popular manga series cum 2006 film adaption, Death Note, and Hollywood film Meet Joe Black.

Whereas the four soon-to-be-broadcasted Anniversary dramas were all seriously lacking in originality. While “Forensic Heroes” and “When Heaven Burns” continued to imitate their western counterparts, “The Queen of All” and “Detective Liza and Gods” lifted ideas from the past TVB classic dramas.

“Forensic Heroes 3″ said to have copied sensational American crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Leading actors of “Forensic Heroes 3″ : Wayne Lai and Maggie Cheung Ho-Yee

“Forensic Heroes 3″ portrays about how the police cracks cases from a scientific point of view. By capitalizing on their expertise, forensic experts assist the police in deriving the crux of the cases from analyzing crucial clues left behind in the scene like fingerprints, shoe prints, blood spatters, hair fragments and etc. While investigating the crimes, the male and female characters also get romantically involved with each other, totally resembling the plot out of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigations”.

“When Heaven Burns” a replication of Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors

Leading actors of “When Heaven Burns”: Charmaine Sheh, Moses Chan, Bowie Lam, Maggie Shiu and Kenny Wong

“When Heaven Burns” primarily focuses on the controversial topic of cannibalism, clearly inspired from the 1993 American film adaption of the 1974 book, “Alive”, which documented the chronicles of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571.

“When Heaven Burns” depicts of the immoral sin the four main leads committed while on a tour overseas. Due to being trapped up in the mountain in freezing conditions, they were being forced to practice cannibalism and feed on human remains to survive the ordeal. However, the conflicting matter was eventually exposed when the body of the human remains surfaced after bits of the snow capped mountain had melted away due to global warming.

“The Queen of All” was remarked to be a mixture of “War and Beauty” and “Beyond the Realm of Conscience”

Leading actors of “The Queen of All”: Jessica Hsuan, Myolie Wu, Sunny Chan (陳錦鴻) and Joel Chan (陳山聰)

The past ancient periodic dramas,”War and Beauty” and “Beyond the Realm of Conscience”, both paint a vivid picture of the intense rivalry between the concubines in the imperial harem.

Since the previous success formula, where every female main lead is evil to the bone in both dramas, proved to be a huge hit with the audiences, it had been further replicated in “The Queens of All”.

In “Queens”, Myolie Wu would be acting as the evil empress who would resort to cunning schemes and trickery to harm Jessica Hsuan, thus leading to a open strife and discreet infighting between the two women, undoubtedly sounding like a carbon copy of “War and Beauty” and “Beyond the Realm of Conscience”!

“Detective Liza and Gods” a reproduction of Old Time Buddies 2: To Catch A Thief

Leading actors in “Detective Liza and Gods”: Liza Wang, Aimee Chan (陳茵媺), Wong Cho Lam, Johnson Lee and Louis Yuen

This drama would be set in the 60s and described about how Liza Wang, who ran a detective agency, employed the three fortune buddies (Wong Cho Lam, Johnson Lee and Louis Yuen) and together they formed the formidable snooping team which cracked complex cases in their various state of disguises.

The background and gimmick of this drama was undeniably similar to the 1998 comedy-drama, “Old Time Buddies 2: To Catch A Thief”《難兄難弟之神探李奇》, which had starred Gallen Lo (羅嘉良) and Maggie Cheung Ho-Yee, especially since both dramas featured the important element of disguise.

Fala Chen could end up empty-handed

TVB’s change of tactic to welcome the TVB Anniversary Awards Ceremony held in December, could meant that current TV King Wayne Lai might be able to retain his title and Moses Chan, who has been appearing in the entertainment news of late due to his passionate love life with Aimee Chan, could stand a chance to win the TV King award due to his recent increased publicity. This also meant that Michael Tse and Kevin Cheng may tragically suffer a reversal of fate and turn from the current hot contenders to being knocked out in the cold.

As for the TV Queen position, some sources pointed out that with Stephen Chan‘s (陳志雲) return to power, he would grant his approval to raise his “Stephen Chan camp” member, Fala Chen, up to the throne. However, it was known that during Stephen Chan’s entanglement in the corruption lawsuit, Fala had temporarily abandoned his ship and discreetly jumped over to lean on Virginia Lok (樂易玲) thus putting her initial chances of winning the TV Queen award at peril.

A crew from behind-the-scenes disclosed, “Fala Chen is an intelligent and prudent woman. Very unlike her fellow peer, Bernice Liu (廖碧兒), who had blatantly drew a clear line with Stephen Chan back then. Actually, when Stephen Chan was in trouble and could’t even defend for himself, Fala had already switched over to the “Virginia Lok camp” and every time when Virginia gathered her camp members for a dinner, Fala would always give Virginia full “face” and attend those gatherings. Sometimes, even together with her boyfriend, Sit Sai Hang, in tow!”

Myolie Wu the Dark Horse

Through Fala Chen’s dependence on Virginia Lok when he was embroiled in the bribery and fraud charges, Stephen Chan already has a rouge gauge in his heart about the extent of Fala’s “loyalty” to his camp.

It could thus be said that Fala’s chances of clinching the TV Queen award this year, based on her role as Madam Jo, could be strongly diminished anytime now!

As for Linda Chung, her kneeling and shouting scene at Moses Chan’s Law-Sir in TVB drama,”Yes Sir, Sorry Sir”《點解阿 Sir係阿 Sir》, may have touched the hearts of several audiences but a source cited that the senior management staff felt that Linda wasn’t an ideal candidate as she didn’t command enough onscreen presence and wasn’t ready for the TV Queen award as yet (未夠火候) hence greatly reducing her chances of being TV Queen this year.

In contrast, Myolie Wu, who had always been criticized for her “gwing” facial expressions and average acting skills, has recently been highly applauded for her convincing turn as a vicious empress in the upcoming epic drama, “The Queen of All”, which was said to be a huge departure from her previous mediocre acting performances. It was thus believed that Myolie could have an edge over her fellow contenders and might even emerge to be the dark horse on the awards night!

The backstage crew insider continued, “The director and those backstage crew that participated in the production of “The Queen of All” were talking in unison about how Myolie Wu had kept all her “gwing” expressions such that her acting skills seemed like it didn’t belong to her but that of another person’s. However Myolie has been known to have little affinity with the audiences thus her chances of winning would have to depend on the overall reception from the audiences when the series is out and the tastes of the senior management staff.”

Predicting the top five choices of TV King and Queen

Every year for the Anniversary Awards, TVB’s first line Siu Sangs actors and Fadans actresses would strive to be more outstanding than the other, in a bid to win the inaugural TV King and Queen awards.

This year, the current hot contenders for TV King were Kevin Cheng for his role as Law Ba and Michael Tse for his role as Laughing Sir. As for TV Queen, Fala Chen for and Linda Chung were both highly looked upon for their roles as Madam Jo and Miss Koo respectively. However, the contention will only get more heated and intense with the addition of more candidates after the upcoming launch of the four heavyweight TVB dramas.

It was predicted that the following ten actors and actresses have the best chance to strive for the TV King and Queen award for the Anniversary Awards this coming December:

“Best Actor” (in no random order)

Kevin Cheng for his role as Law Ba in “Ghetto Justice”

Michael Tse for his role as Laughing Sir in “Lives of Omission”

Moses Chan for his role as Song Yi Lang in “When Heaven Burns”

Wayne Lai for his role as Po Kwok Tung (Jack) in “Forensic Heroes 3″

Bowie Lam for his role as Lau Chun Hung in “When Heaven Burns”

“Best Actress” (in no random order)

Fala Chen for her role as Madam Jo in “Lives of Omission”

Charmaine Sheh for her role as Yip Chi Yan in “When Heaven Burns”

Jessica Hsuan for her role as Consort Quan in “The Queen of All”

Myolie Wu for her role as Empress Shencheng in “The Queen of All”

Linda Chung for her role as Miss Koo in “Yes Sir, Sorry Sir”

Maggie Cheung Ho-Yee for her role as Chung Hok Sam (Kelly) in “Forensic Heroes 3″

Source: bbs.163.com, Next magazine, iHKtv
Translated by: Ah K @ JayneStars

Yesterday Kenneth Ma was recording for Starry Kitchen. With only average cooking skills, Kenneth expressed he loves eating seafood the most. Is rumored girlfriend Nancy Wu good at cooking? He said he doesn't know! When speaking of many artists are making money as 'couple teams', Kenneth also hopes to do the same. He said the more rumors the better because he can make more: "There are a lot of beauties in TVB too, even the news anchor isn't bad."

About TVB's poaching issue, Kenneth still has a 2-3 year contract with TVB. He also hopes to earn money in Mainland. In fact, he has tried before too but because of schedule conflicts with a TVB new series, he gave up on the Mainland one.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

Kate Tsui and Michael Tse were guests at a Halloween event, the two had on colored contact lenses to accommodate the costume theme. When speaking of Bosco Wong teasing him earlier that he's always Laughing and needs to take a break from it, Michael said: "He really understands me, love him to death! But I can only rest after I finish shooting the film version. No matter what he says, I understand the actual meaning because we know each other very well."

As for TVB's poaching issue, Kate said: "I haven't heard of this issue, but I'm not sure of the truth. (Anyone invited her over to their company?) TVB and I still has a very long contract, so able to defend my job for now." Michael understands Ricky Wong needs talents and high salary poaching is normal, but he feels it's just a rumor.

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

Carina Lau and Tony Leung's marriage rumored on the rocks again. Yesterday Carina attended the Hong Kong sales exhibition for the Shanghai 'Mandala' properties. Aside from dressing in a low-cut dress to prove she's not pregnant, she also denied changes in her marriage. She denounced the person who wrote the report, that [he/she] has a bad character.

Carina said: "Aiya! You really must ask the writer, I don't know how to answer, nor do I know why they wrote such report. Perhaps some magazines just want to attract the eyes, so they make up ridiculous stories. We are still in showbiz, so there will always be gossips."

Asked if she and Tony are as in love as ever and won't have problems? Carina asked reporters back, what problems will there be? However, she does admit they sometimes have arguments, she said: "This matter does not only happen in married couples, but in boyfriend and girlfriend or even between friends. This is life. Lately, Tony is in HK, you all shouldn't be so sensitive, some people don't have a good character, writing such stories without any evidence. I just laugh it off." She plans to go on vacation with Tony soon, but does not plan to go skiing in Japan because still hasn't finished shooting The Grand Master, so she didn't want him to get hurt. Reporters were surprised the film hasn't completed shooting, Carina said: "You all go ask Wong Kar Wai. I want to ask him too!"

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

Louis Koo and Jennifer Tse attended Samsung's cell phone event. Louis' leg injury remains unhealed as he appeared at the event in crutches. He said he does physical therapy 45 minutes a day, including walks and stretches. He is hopeful to be out of crutches within two weeks, Louis said: "I have to shoot two films in October, and they need to be completed by the end of the year. One of the films is a cop and robber movie, I play a thief with brains, so not many action scenes." He said the doctor didn't ask him to stop drinking or anything, so it's nothing too serious. Recently, a reader exposed Louis went all the way to France to marry a girl named Kashi? Louis helplessly laughed: "I will not respond to facts that are untrue." Asked when the facts (marriage) will be true? He said: "I want to know too, but not many people ask me. My family and friends aren't rushed." Does Louis have a girlfriend now? He smiled: "I don't comment on my personal life."

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

Vincent Wong and his girlfriend Yoyo Chen were guests at an autumn and winter shoe fashion show as a 'couple team'. Vincent and Yoyo have already been together for 3 years, he reveals he has plans to marry Yoyo next year and will design a 'surprising' proposal for her. Vincent is currently working hard saving up for marriage and hopes to get a bridal endorsement. Yoyo laughed and she looks at the sincerity before she decides to marry or not. She doesn't mind however many carats the wedding ring is, just as long as her boyfriend has the thought.

Source: Mingpao, Oriental Daily
Translator: aZnangel @ AEU

Bosco Wong and Kate Tsui were models at the Nikon press conference. This is their first time as a 'couple team' earning money together. Bosco was asked if he's afraid girlfriend Myolie Wu would be jealous? He said: "Nope!" Earlier Steven Ma was upset because his series The Life and Times of a Sentinel TV ratings reported a success, but didn't get a celebration. Michael Tse said Steven is immature if he's leaving TVB because of that. Bosco was asked if he thinks Michael is being too high-spirited? He laughed: "Perhaps he still Laughing, too into character and haven't pulled himself out yet. I will tell him to refrain himself and don't be Laughing 24 hours a day! (Does he support Michael for TV King?) There are too many powerful people this year. Whoever wins, I'll be happy. Of course if I win, I'll be even happier."

Kate expressed she supports Fala Chen for TV Queen, but Bosco jokingly glared at Kate and she immediately tried to fix what she said: "Of course there is also Myolie Wu, actually I'm quite familiar with Myoile myself." She joked and said if Bosco and Myolie wins together, they must give out [wedding] invitations, make it a double happiness.

Source: Mingpao, Oriental Daily
Translator: aZnangel @ AEU

The first concert of Twins' "2011 Everyone Bounce Concert" Tour was held this week in Guangzhou Tian He Stadium. Hit songs, hot dances and remembering the past ten years were the common pattern, starting from "Our Souvenir Album" to "Next Station Tin Hau", the music and dance were quite satisfactory in comparison to the previous Hong Kong concert. But, Ah Sa appeared to be expertly at ease the entire time, yet Ah Gil did not appear to be herself from the beginning to the end, even slipping and falling when performing a cartwheel. Afterwards Show Luo (Xiao Zhu) appeared on stage duetting "Little Dimples". Not only did the whole atmosphere explode, but Xiao Zhu unexpectedly looked to be followed on Weibo, also getting Ah Gil to loosen up.

Ah Gil is slow to warm up

That night the weather was fairly good, and the temperature rather high. Twins started out with "Our Souvenir Album" to test the waters, and naturally had hit songs and hot dances when arriving at fast songs, occassionally wiping sweat and drinking water, but did not take away from the enthusiasm of them and fans. The two of them changed outfits several times throughout, but they were essentially similar to the Hong Kong Coliseum concert. During the high-profile cartwheel, human pyramid and other trademark dance moves section, Ah Sa completed them smoothly. But Ah Gil could not keep up when performing the cartwheel and fell, drawing sighs from the crowd. But fans gave applause to encourage and afterwards, Ah Gil expressed that she slipped because she is not used to wearing high-heels to cartwheel. Maybe it is because of this cartwheel that haunted her since Ah Gil's performance subsequently all looked trembling nervously. No matter whether it was singing or interacting with fans, it all looked extremely nervous, facial expression and limb movements all looked stiff, even stuttering when she started to talk.

In contrast, Ah Sa appeared even more comfortably at ease with a welcoming smile to everyone. Afterwards on Weibo, Ah Gil explained: "I really took time to practice my voice, fortunately I held down any throat pain and so on." In the middle of the concert, not only did fellow labelmates BOY'Z appear to duet , but also Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, Ekin Cheng, Hacken Lee, Hins Cheung, Wong Cho Lam and other good friends in the entertainment circle each sent their blessings through VCR. When singing , Ah Sa started to speak from her heart: "Really did not expect to still be able to stand on this stage after ten years. It really is not easy. Before it felt very happy to sing this song, but now I have to hold back tears to sing this song, thinking of things that have happened while singing."

Xiao Zhu appears on stage stealing the limelight

Although this is considered a special commemorative concert for Twins' tenth anniversary, but that night as soon as Show Luo appeared on stage as a guest performer, he still drew even louder shrieks. Xiao Zhu was "late" all along until the encore. After singing <3650>, Ah Sa suddenly said: "Have to use Mandarin now to introduce this guest performer." Suddenly the whole stadium was covered by cheers, and Show Luo dressed in a formal suit appeared on stage to duet "Little Dimples" with Twins, even making the atmosphere higher. Seeing Xiao Zhu trying to act cute from time to time, even Ah Sa could not help but laugh out: "I right away feel that it is very funny as soon as I see you." Ah Gil very politely said that it was an honor to be able to have Xiao Zhu invited as a guest performer. He very mischievously said: "No, I just passed by here that is all, walking down the street nearby, saw there was a concert, just happened to have bought a suit and came here, I did not even have concert tickets," and the entire crowd burst out laughing.

\Behind the flashy performance

Recently, stars' concert stages have become more and more beautiful, using many LED screens which look enormous and vibrant, lights, smoke, and lighting effects even more stunning and refreshing than 3D movies. But backstage to this concert, it was simple, chaotic and crowded. The steel frame structure stage was unbeatable in size, being able to hold singers and numerous dancers' hit songs and hot dances, one gorgeous outfit appearing on screen one after another. However their space to change clothes, rest, and prepare were all in a temporary tent. Even Twins as famous singers still have to endure the hot heat and tense narrow space.

Gillian's fall: Click here
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TVB News Video: Click here

Source: Sina
Translated by: starlightcolors @ AsianFanatics

Recently, TVB has had to face numerous problems that seem to be emerging almost daily now, both externally from outside sources as well as internally amongst its management and artists.

In addition to the royalty dispute with the Big 4 record companies that the company is still dealing with, there have also been reports lately that other TV stations are actively ‘poaching’ their artists as well as behind the scenes people. Following the departure of one of TVB’s top execs (Ho Lai Chuen, who was the former head of TVB’s non-drama production department) a few months ago, a group of scriptwriters also tendered their resignations a few days ago, causing a ‘leaving the nest’ syndrome within the company. Add to that the fact that various artists have publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the company, the most recent one being veteran ‘green leaf’ artist Lee Kwok Lun, who, after having served TVB for close to 30 years, recently criticized the company for its disregard and lack of respect toward veteran artists. As if that weren’t enough, a few of TVB’s ‘biological’ sons / daughters, such as Charmaine Sheh, Steven Ma, etc. have decided not to renew their contracts in favor of seeking better opportunities elsewhere [in the Mainland]. With all these issues brewing, it looks like the ‘television empire’s’ status as Number One Brother in the HK TV industry is in serious danger of collapsing.

Stephen Chan’s responsibilities completely restored

With the danger of losing many more employees a serious threat due to aggressive ‘poaching’ by newly formed free to air TV stations, TVB’s Vice-Chairman Mona Fong became gravely concerned and felt the need to take action in the hopes of salvaging the situation. Therefore, an emergency meeting of top management was called to discuss the situation. According to an inside source, Ms. Fong has appointed one of her ‘favorites’, GM Stephen Chan, to deal with the situation, despite his corruption case being in appeals status. It is said that Stephen’s responsibilities, a portion of which were suspended during the corruption trial, have been completed reinstated, including directly overseeing the Artists Department. In addition to the ‘official’ approval of Stephen Chan’s responsibilities being restored, it is reported that other topics of discussion during yesterday’s emergency meeting included the reports of ‘poaching’ by other companies, as well as the ‘problem’ of many artists expressing their discontent with TVB lately and refusing to renew their contracts. There are also rumors that an internal review of possible ‘mishandling’ of situations with artists was also discussed.

Virginia Lok: “There are no artists leaving!”

When asked about the situation, TVB’s director of foreign affairs Tsang Sing Ming confirmed to our reporter that Stephen Chan has officially taken over all of the responsibilities that he had previously [prior to the corruption scandal]. As for director of production and resources Virginia Lok, whose main responsibility is to oversee the Artists Department, she emphasized that the Artists Department has always been under Stephen Chan’s oversight: “Even though he did not participate directly in matters related to the artists when he returned last year, he did read all of the reports that were turned over to him from our meetings.” Ms Lok also confirmed that she has received notification of Stephen Chan officially taking over the Artists Department again: “Yes, in fact, I went up to meet with him earlier today. It’s actually better for me that he oversees the department again, as some situations can be resolved quicker.”

Due to ‘rumors’ that someone in management ‘will be held accountable’ for the recent flux of artists, behind the scenes people, and execs leaving the nest, the reporter asked Ms Lok if she was ‘questioned’ about the situation, to which she calmly replied: “There are no artists leaving!” (Some of the siu sangs have expressed the desire to leave?) “For first-line artists, contract negotiations can take a longer amount of time because the company needs to discuss with them their plans for the future and career development, so the renewal process generally takes longer.”

Source: Oriental Daily
Translation: llwy12 @ AsianFanatics

In today’s modern society, plastic surgery has been glamorized into something so commonplace, such that it is nothing worth frowning upon in recent days.

With such a mindset in tow, many female celebrities no longer have any qualms about joining the league of plastic surgery converts. Going under the knife with some artificial enhancers, each and every one of those celebrities had, in recent months, grown increasingly flawless like porcelain dolls.

Furthermore, plastic surgery has been gaining favor with starlets for being able to offer them an immediate convenience and solution in turning back the aging clock and almost magically transforming them to look as captivating as possible.

However, Kate Tsui (徐子珊), who has often been rumored to have had gone under the knife, begged to differ. Kate candidly admitted that she wouldn’t be able to withstand the risks of a botched plastic surgery and also joked that if the rumors were true that she had underwent plastic surgery, then this final “product” was indeed a huge failure. It was absolutely out of the norm that Kate had used mockery to reply to those nasty plastic surgery rumors, truly a person with a philosophical view of life!

Kate revealed, “In the past, I would shudder upon hearing those two words, ‘plastic surgery’, as I felt that it was very terrifying and it caused me to think about gruesome bloody scenes which involved the grafting of skin and bones. However, with the advancement of technology and it’s growing acceptance from the public, plastic surgery has become extremely common. To me, plastic surgery can be accepted when one has grown old but still hopes to maintain his or her confidence.”

[Caption: Kate Tsui professed that she might consider undergoing cosmetic surgery when her muscles become flabby and loose in the future.]

Wishes to look like those western beauties

Kate divulged, “Many female celebrities in the entertainment circle were rumored to have done plastic surgery. I am of course not fortunate enough to be spared from the rumors hence it is inevitable to be suspected of being one of them. To be honest, I feel wrongly accused but this allegation is also simply just too hilarious for words. This was because the so-called before and after photos that the tabloids posted of me, looked exactly the same to me. Hence, I was thinking in my heart, how in the world is anyone going to pick a distinctively different before and after photos of me?”

Kate continued, “I profess that a good makeup truly makes a whole lot of difference but shedding off weight from fat to thin plays an integral part too. Everyone can just compare my chubby look when I first entered the industry with my current body shape. Yes, I looked significantly different but the prominent features and contour of my face has not changed at all. If I had really gathered my guts and went for a plastic surgery, then wouldn’t it be a total failure since I’m still stuck with my former look? If I were to undergo plastic surgery, I would have raised the stakes higher and altered my features such that they carried the high bridged nose and big eyes of those western beauties. ”

There’s no ugly women in this world, just lazy ones; Kate Tsui works hard to maintain her good complexion and applies a facial mask twice a day

[Caption: Kate Tsui back in her 2004 Ms HK days]

[Caption: Kate had cut her hair short back in her early days for TVB drama, On The First Beat《學警出更》]

Kate remarked, “I currently do not have the guts to accept such a challenge yet. Hence I would wait till I’m much older and gauge whether my muscles have grown flabby and loose before making such a decision. To avoid wasting money (on plastic surgery in the future), the only way is to persistently try my best to maintain myself in a tip-top condition.”

Kate added, “Talking about maintenance, I am a terribly diligent person as I would apply a moisture content facial mask and a whitening facial mask everyday, without fail. The facial masks would be put on before I apply my makeup and after I have removed my makeup at the end of the day. During my spare time, I would also do a facial and body massage. Furthermore, I usually exercise adequately and in recent days, I have been actively learning some Argentina Tango and the instructor said that frequent practice would result in slimmer calves and help in elongating one’s legs so I would definitely put in extra effort to attain that effect!”

Source: Oriental Daily, iHKtv
Translated by: Ah K @ JayneStars

TVB was faced with a plethora of problems recently. Following the corruption scandal of TVB executive, Stephen Chan (陳志雲), and senior management fighting over the validity of royalties, a large number of TVB employees resigned recently. This included the departure of over ten scriptwriters. If the situation continues to deteriorate, many series currently in production may be greatly affected. Popular artists, such as Fala Chen (陳法拉), Myolie Wu (胡杏兒), and Wayne Lai’s (黎耀祥) work may be halted at any time due to disruption in the production process of currently filmed series.

TVB Faces Stiff Competition From Rival TV Stations

In 2012, there will be an addition of three free broadcasting television stations in Hong Kong, which includes Ricky Wong’s (王維基) City Telecom, Richard Li’s (李澤楷) Now TV, and iCable’s free broadcasting arm. The Hong Kong Broadcasting Authority has completed the examination and approved the three companies’ petition for the free television broadcasting licenses, while the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau will likely submit the materials to the Executive Council for review within one month. Next year, there will be three new free local television stations competiting with TVB and ATV.

Since former TVB executive, Ho Lai Chuen (何麗全), moved to rival station, Now TV, he has been recruiting ex-colleagues to join him at the new company. According to reliable sources, more than half of TVB artists and production staff were being actively recruited by Ricky Wong’s City Telecom. In addition to promising salary increases, City Telecom allegedly will pay for the early contract termination fees of TVB employees interested in working at the new company.

It was understood that TVB had more than thirty employees who handed in their resignation letters, in which the directing and scriptwriting departments were the hardest hit. Even Producer Lee Tim Sing (李添勝) became the object of recruitment. It was understood that “Golden Scriptwriter” Cheung Wah Biu (張華標), who had agreed to return to TVB earlier to partner with Tim Gor on Rosy Business 3 "巾幗梟雄3", was recently recruited to join City Telecom as well.

Allegedly, over ten scriptwriters resigned due to low salary wages at TVB. The production department was severely impacted. A high-level emergency response plan was drafted to retain employees, including increasing salaries by half.

TVB Acknowledges Resignation Movement

Asked about recent resignnations at TVB, Deputy Director of External Affairs, Tsang Sing Ming (曾醒明), noted that TVB received no more than ten resignation letters to-date and that the situation was not serious, “There are 280 employees in the Program Development Division, with over 80 scriptwriters. The remaining staff perform data collection and writing duties. Over the last several days, the resignations came mainly from the drama department. The number of resignations were a little higher than usual.”

Asked whether TVB immediately offered salary raises to retain employees, Mr. Tsang said, “The Human Resources department said that salaries were adjusted in July, with the most generous increases occurring mainly among assistant director and junior scriptwriter positions.” Mr. Tsang stated that TVB had a large number of employees; staff turnover and new employees joining the company were normal occurrences. Mr. Tsang stressed that the temporary influx of resignations did not have an impact on production.

Producer Lee Tim Sing admitted that former TVB employees were recruited by other television stations. However, Tim Gor turned down other companies’ recruitment offers, “My contract will not expire until next year. At that time, I will be 65-years-old and my capacity will be limited.”

Tim Gor admitted that working in TVB will push one to his own death, “The work never ends! Since arriving at work, I have worked from morning until night.” Regarding TVB artists and production staff being hired to work for other televsion stations, Tim Gor acknowledged that he heard this was the case, stating it was time TVB examined the reason why employees were filled with grievances.

Wayne Lai Urges Wage Increase

TVB may suffer a ”vacuum” of scriptwriters at any time. Series currently being filmed, Palace Schemes of East and West "東西宮略", starring Fala Chen (陳法拉) and Roger Kwok (郭晉安), and Lucky Father "當旺爸爸" starring Linda Chung (鍾嘉欣) and Steven Ma (馬浚偉) will inevitably be affected. Filming The King Makers "造王者", Wayne Lai (黎耀祥) was not concerned that the current resignation movement will affect the quality of the series. ”There will be senior, experienced staff overseeing [the production process].”

Wayne Lai also felt that salary increases were a priority, “In fact, the turnover in scriptwriters has always been a serious matter. Based on what I know, even a scriptwriter possessing a university degree will only receive a monthly salary of several thousand dollars. I would like to take this opportunity to say that TVB should increase the salaries for the company’s artists and production crew in order to increase morale.”

Currently filming Exchanging Happiness, Myolie Wu said, ” TVB films numerous series each year. Even if faced with such a situation [high staff turnover], it will be able to handle it.” Appearing at a promotional event, Maggie Cheung felt that staff turnover at television stations were the norm.

Source: Oriental Daily and Appledaily
Translated by: Jayne @ JayneStars

AngelaBaby Yeung Wing along with director Jingle Ma Chor Sing promoted their new film LOVE YOU YOU (HA YUT LOK YAU YAU) all over. Yesterday they attended a Guangzhou press conference. Many fans went in support. Ma Chor Sing praised Baby's great potential, in three years her achievements would be even better. Baby even was called "the romantic film little heavenly queen", which made her very happy. Yet she still would like to make attempts in different areas.

After the press conference, Baby even deliberately stayed for ten minutes to meet with fans. Fans presented their homemade cakes and a variety of gifts. Speaking of memorable experience from the production, Baby remembered the crying scene on the island. On the boat she saw the beautiful sky and scenery. As for being called the "romantic film little heavenly queen" in the Mainland, she was rather happy; yet aside from romance she would like to try different genres. For example her next film she will try an action film. Director Ma Chor Sing said that her development in three years would be even better. Baby's idol was Zhou Xun. When asked whether she would like to surpass Zhou Xun in three years, Baby said that she was an elder who in three years would be even more amazing. She did not dare to be mentioned in the same breath with her.

Source: takungpao, singtao
Translated by: hktopten

Deanie Ip Tak Han with A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) shone at the Venice Film Festival. Yesterday the Federation of Motion Film Producers of Hong Kong according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences film selection rules decided to recommend A SIMPLE LIFE to represent Hong Kong in competition for the 84th Oscar Best Foreign Film Award nomination. The Academy will arrange for screening in the U.S. starting next month and the official nominations will be announced early next year.

Sister Deanie was very happy to learn that A SIMPLE LIFE would have a chance to represent Hong Kong at the Oscars. She said, "I am very happy to be a part of the film!" Lead actor Andy Lau Tak Wa also said that he was very happy. He hoped through the real emotions would be able to touch every person in the world and also hoped for even more people to know director Ann Hui On Wa and Sister Deanie as well as other outstanding actors of A SIMPLE LIFE.

The Federation board said that this year had many outstanding Hong Kong films. Films that received board member support included WU XIA and OVERHEARD 2 (SIT TING FUNG WON 2). Finally A SIMPLE LIFE received the most votes and was selected to represent Hong Kong in competition for an Oscar Foreign Film Award nomination.

Meanwhile Mainland Chan will compete for the Oscar Foreign Film nomination this year with Zhang Yimou's new film HEROES OF NANJING as SACRIFICE, TILL DEATH DO US PART, and WU XIA all faltered. As for Taiwan, famous Taiwan director Wei Te-Sheng's SEEDIQ BALE will compete. The film competed against A SIMPLE LIFE and other films at the Venice Film Festival and went home empty handed.

Source: singtao
Translated by: hktopten

Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi and Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) in the film LEGENDARY AMAZONS (YEUNG MOON NUI JEUNG ji KWUN LING YU SAN) played Mu Guiying and Yang Zongbao. In the poster unveiled yesterday, Pak Chi looked anxious on horseback, while Siu Chai looked heroic with a spear in hand.

Director Frankie Chan Fun Kei revealed that the film in order for viewers not to be in the brutality of war all the time added the Mu Guiying and Yang Zongbao romance. Pak Chi and Siu Chai in the film were considered happy rivals. Their kiss scene would also have a moving score. He also pointed out that even Big Brother Jackie Chan was touched after seeing the drama in the rough cut.

Source: singtao
Translated by: hktopten

Two nights ago Jeana Ho Pui Yu, DaDa Chen Jing, Shiga Lin Si Nga and others gave away post cards to promote their film LAN KWAI FONG (HEI OI YEH PO). Jeana and DaDa played it safe and dressed more conservatively. Jeana said, "It's the first time I gave away promotional items in Causeway Bay. I never imagined that so many people would be here. With security on hand I feel very safe."

DaDa said that this promotion was different from the ordinary promotion so she dressed more conservatively. With all the safety precautions she felt very at ease.

Source: takungpao
Translated by: hktopten

Eva Huang Shengyi and Raymond Lam Fung earlier promoted their film THE SORCERER AND THE WHITE SNAKE (BAK SEH CHUEN SHUET), which will be released simultaneously in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Lam Fung played Hui Sin but different from the previously cowardly Hui Sin. This time he would give for White Snake. Lam Fung said, "Honestly I didn't used to think Hui Sin was a man, but this time he finally gave and made this romance a little more equal." He directly said that at first he worried that viewers would make comparisons to previous work and did not understand why director Ching Siu Tung would cast him as Hui Sin. When he learned that the new version would be sunnier and the entire romance would be more balanced, he believed that the life and death scenes would be even more touching. He joked, "Female viewers absolutely can bring tissues to the movie!"

Ching Siu Tung was a famous action director, but Lam Fung in the film was the only one without any fight scene. He honestly said that was regrettable. He said, "The director is known for making martial art very pretty, I too want to learn from him. Yet at the most I just did wire work and rock climbing." During the shoot, he said that the most difficult was being in the water. Actually originally he did not need to get wet but accidentally fell into the lake. The director thought the visual was decent and finally wanted him to soak in the lake and romance White Snake. He was all wet for three days. Lam Fung hoped to work with the director on his next action film because he too wanted to become an action star. He said, "Romance is more direct with the result, but fight action after editing would be different and may even make myself look better in fights. (Yet romance is more relaxing?) Who says? The last time I injured my neck from a romantic scene."

As White Snake Huang Shengyi said that many action scenes in the film relied on special effect assistance, but she made many preparations as well to avoid too many bad takes. She also honestly said that working
with Ching Siu Tung was stressful but also very exciting. She hoped to be able to fight more. Was she not afraid of injury? She said that she scratched her finger but a prop bruised her face, but she did not regret making action scenes. Instead she thought it was very fun because she was able to learn a lot. She would not succeed just from doing. In the film she also had many wire scene, in one of which she had to turn in mid air then fly out. However she turned 20 to 30 times and she was dizzy. The toughest however was diving head first from ten floors up. She recalled, "At the time I was very scared but after struggling for several minutes I jumped. I finally jumped seven or eight times. Aside from the first time, I wasn't so scared anymore. That was just psychological." Speaking of her wardrobe malfunction at the Venice Film Festival, she helplessly said, "I am more careless, the director often asked me why I constantly had accidents." She joked that Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin taught her some wardrobe malfunction prevention techniques. I believed soon I would have to ask her for more advice."

Source: takungpao, singtao
Translated by: hktopten

Lately, numerous happenings in TVB have been giving the company a headache. Following Stephen Chan's incident leading to internal unrest among TVB executives and the unsolved Big 4 royalty disputes, recently a tide of poaching stirs up among the behind-the-scenes employees. Earlier over 10 TVB scriptwriters resigned from the company and if the situation worsens, many of the TV serial productions will have a great impact. The popular Siu Sang and FaDans including Fala Chen, Myolie Wu and Wayne Lai can be left with no jobs at anytime.

Yesterday a reliable source stated over half of TVB's behind-the-scenes employees were poached over to the new television station founded by City Telecom's chairman, Ricky Wong, who recently applied for a free TV license. Aside from the multiple fold pay increase, the company offers to compensate the early contract termination fees. According to the news, there has been over 30 employees that handed over their resignation letters. The main catastrophe lies within the editors and directors, even TVB's golden producer Lee Tim Shing was a potential poach candidate. Yesterday the source also mentioned over 10 low-paid scriptwriters resigned. The situation in the TVB production department is getting quite serious.

Reporters contacted TVB Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs (Tsang Sing Ming) to clarify. He quoted the information provided by the Human Resource department, and expressed until today TVB received less than 10 resignation letters, so the situation isn't too serious: "TVB employs 280 TV program developers, over 80 of them are scriptwriters and the rest of them are classified as data collectors and composers. In the last several days, most of the resignations clustered in the production sector. The number of resignations is indeed higher than normal." Asked if TVB will immediately give a pay raise to keep their employees? Mr. Tsang said "HR said pay adjustments have already been made in July and the majority of the adjustments were made for the assistant directors and junior scriptwriters." He expressed there are many employees in TVB, it is normal that there are some coming and going. He stressed that the productions temporarily have not been affected.

Producer Lee Tim Shing admitted he was a target for poaching, but declined the offer: "My contract expires late next year, by then I would have turned 65 years old, my abilities are limited." Tim Gor said frankly working for TVB can be a killer: "I never stopped working, today I went to work and worked from morning until night." As for the poaching incident, Tim Gor has heard of the news and said it's time for TVB to self-reflect on why their employees are leaving.

Since the production team can be 'vacuumed' at anytime, it is inevitable for the currently filming series including Fala Chen and Roger Kwok's Schemes of East and West and Steven Ma and Linda Chung's Prosperous Father to suffer a great impact. However, Wayne Lai, who is currently filming The King Makers is not worried of the high quality productions being affected: "There are seniors and experienced people watching over us." Wayne also believed pay raises is an urgent priority: "In fact, scriptwriters leaving the company has always been a serious issue. From what I understand, even screenwriter graduates only get a few thousand on the paycheck. I do want to take this opportunity to say that I hope TVB will give raises to behind-the-scenes employees and boost the morale." Myolie Wu, currently filming Endless Exchange of Enjoyment, said: "TVB shoots so many series each year, even if there is such situation happening, they can handle it." Maggie Cheung appeared at the TV station for an event, and felt that TV station employee shifts are normal.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

Jamie Chik, Meg Lam and Lo Hoi Pan's classic stage play Shrimp Crazy Family (蝦仔爹哋) started their first performance last night inviting heavyweight guests Joey Yung, Eric Tsang and Carol Cheng to kick off a hilarious show.

Joey played a '3D Goddess' that came out of a 3D television set. Known to love playing tricks, Lo Hoi Pan was performing Joey's songs and purposely made strange sounds, which almost made Joey burst in laughter. When Meg joined in on the fun, she shouted: "Wah! Joey Yung! Let me touch her." Then her hands swept through Joey's shoulders and body. Lo Hoi Pan then asked: "You can touch?" Then he approached Joey's shoulders, but fortunately she wasn't fearful.

During the interview, Joey frankly said she didn't mind being touched publicly: "It feels like the customs checking you, so much fun. Doesn't really matter, this is an one-time memory that won't happen again!" She also expressed that it wasn't enough for her to only be in one segment.

Backstage when Felix Wong saw Joey's 6-inch heels, he quickly looked for a pair of flip flops for her, which extremely moved Joey: "He's such a great person."

Last night, Michael Tse and his wife, Chin Ka Lok and Angela Tong were in the audience to support the show.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translator: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

As one of the hot favorites for TV Queen, Linda Chung was shooting earlier in Central for TVB new comedy series Prosperous Father. Linda plays a clumsy policewoman who got herself into a mess while trying to catch a thief. Linda did not mind at all to wreck her beautiful girl image, no wonder she has confidence for TV Queen this year! She expressed whether if it's her role in Twilight Investigations or the 'Miss Koo' in Yes Sir Sorry Sir, there was a lot to display: "The happiest is that I got to play different types of roles this year, and didn't have to be the well-behaved girl I'm used to. Lately, there has even been people on the streets calling me Miss Koo. This proves people like it, I already feel like a winner!" She said her greatest opponent in the battle for TV Queen is Myolie Wu because of her seniority and years of acting. As for herself, she just hopes for the My Favorite Character award.

Shooting another comedy, Linda laughed and said experience makes it easier, but chasing thieves and all the hurdles that came with being a police officer in the warm weather is quite difficult: "The dialog in this series is very interesting. It's always about me bumping into thieves out of the blue and many other things happen."

Source: Oriental Daily
Translator: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

Aimee Chan and Ruco Chan were invited yesterday to an opening ceremony. It was said they were both favored by Virgina Lok, and will get take an award at the awards ceremony this year as well as had the privilege to attend this event. They expressed their mutual support for one another, but did not think they will get awards themselves. Ruco laughed: "Perhaps this year the Chans are prosperous, Moses Chan is a Chan too, so I think those who are a Chan are luckier." Asked if he feels pressured? He said: "Nope! I am not acting for awards, the most important is for acting development in every series I'm in. Of course I will be happy if there is an award, treat it as a bonus."

Aimee also felt if there is pressure, then good work can't be done, so for every series she will just get into character and not worry about the awards. It seems as if Aimee's speaking skills suddenly got better, asked if Moses Chan taught her how to answer these questions? She smiled: "I never knew how to talk, nor have I talked to him about this." If she and Moses wins awards together, will they then announce their relationship? She played dumb: "What relationship! But there are series I'm shooting." Asked if Moses gave her any of his valuables? She said: "Nope, just coffee."

Source: Mingpao
Translator: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

For more than a decade, TVB’s annual “JSG Top Ten Awards Ceremony” took place as a ‘major event’ at the HK Coliseum. Our paper received word recently that this year’s (2011) JSG Awards will take place on January 14th, however the venue for the show will no longer be the HK Coliseum – instead, the event will take place in Studio One at TVB City. With the drop in attendance from over 10,000 audience members (HK Coliseum) to only about 700 audience (Studio One), the huge difference in the ‘grandeur’ of the event is very apparent. In the past, the JSG Awards used to be one of the ‘grandest and most important events’ in the HK Music industry, however now it seems to have become 'just another television program’ -- it’s no surprise then that the general impression of the JSG Awards is that it went from being a ‘big show’ to a ‘small show’!

According to reports, after Stephen Chan returned to TVB, his number one priority was to work with the Big 4 record companies to resolve the almost 2 year old royalty dispute. Though both sides had agreed on a compromise in terms of the royalty fees, the negotiations reached a stalemate due to TVB’s stipulation that contracted singers are not allowed to appear on other TV stations. With the Big 4 record companies standing firm and TVB refusing to budge on the issue, both sides could not come to an agreement; therefore, singers from the Big 4 record companies will continue to be ‘absent’ from the upcoming JSG Awards Ceremony. To ‘add salt to the wound’, many artists from the other record companies (non Big 4) have decided not to renew their singers’ contracts with TVB either, as they did not want to be tied down by the restriction of not being able to appear on other TV stations. With the decreasing number of contracted singers and only ‘their own people’ – EEG artists such as Joey Yung, Leo Ku, Raymond Lam, etc – backing them up, it is reported that TVB has decided to ‘cut back’ on production and move the JSG Awards to Studio One instead of HK Coliseum.

Also, according to reports, singer Miriam Yeung – who lost the “Most Favorite Female Singer” award to Joey Yung at JSG last year – won’t be attending the awards ceremony this year, due in large part to her record company being dissatisfied with TVB over the loss of the award. Even though Miriam’s singer contract with TVB expired over a month ago, she has not taken steps to renew with TVB, though she has continued to maintain a ‘friendly’ relationship with the station – so far, she has not appeared on other TV stations, plus she participated in one of TVB’s big charity shows 《星光熠熠耀保良》which was held last week. In addition to Miriam, it was also reported that the contract for singer Janice Vidal, whose duet with newcomer JW won the “Golden Song” award at JSG last year, will expire early next year – rumor has it that due to disagreement over awards at the upcoming ceremony, there’s a possibility that she won’t be attending either.

In response to the reports of the JSG Awards taking place at Studio One instead of the HK Coliseum, TVB’s director of external affairs Tsang Sing Ming expressed: “Because the HK Coliseum is already fully booked, we are currently seeking out another location for the awards ceremony. If there is no other suitable venue, then Studio One will be the last resort." Asked whether TVB was ‘cutting costs’ due to the lack of singers, Tsang Sing Ming responded: “That has nothing to do with it. It’s just that we haven’t found a suitable venue yet, that’s all.”

Asked about the change in venue for the JSG Awards, Miriam Yeung stated: “Where the event takes place isn’t really important; the most important is the content of the program.” Multiple “Female Singer Award” winner Joey Yung responded: “Actually, where the event takes place isn’t too important; the important thing is that the awards are a recognition and encouragement to the singers for their efforts in the past year.” Last year’s “Asian Region Favorite Male Singer” award winner Raymond Lam commented: “Actually, the venue isn’t the most important. Studio One’s facilities are actually quite good and are comparable to other venues elsewhere.”

Source: Oriental Daily
Translation: llwy12 @ AsianFanatics

Recently, TVB has been in constantly in the news and now there is rumours about turbulence with screenwriters in the company. This meant that there might affect the amount of scripts produced. Currently filming for a new series ‘Lucky Father’, Steven Ma expressed that he is not worried. He continued that TVB has many screenwriters and talents and that the quality of the scripts produced will not decrease. Steven also revealed that all the scripts for ‘Lucky father’ series is all ready and therefore is not worried.

Regarding Steven requested TVB to terminate his contract early, he said: “There are outsiders saying that Ricky Wong from City Telecom HK persuaded me to get TVB to finish my contract there. I do not even know this guy and I have never been contacted by this person. Clearly there are some things spreading from nothing. I will be pushed by others to do things.”

Finally, certain individuals on the social networking website Weibo had been spreading rumours about the restructure of screenwriter’s salaries by a certain television company. In response to this, Steven strongly emphasised that for good artists to exist, it comes from good scripts, therefore more credit should be given to screenwriters.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: Elvina Chang @TVB News World