[2009.12.02] HUANG XIAOMING REPRISES FLIRTING SCHOLAR 2

Huang Xiaoming, Zhang Jingchu

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of takungpao.com

Yesterday afternoon, the film FLIRTING SCHOLAR 2 (TONG BAK FU DIM CHAU HEUNG 2) announced its production start in Beijing. Before the event the company kept the identities of the leads secret. Mainland actors Huang Xiaoming and Zhang Jingchu will play the new version Tong Bak Fu and Chau Heung. Nat Chan Pak Cheung, Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) and Zhou Libo will play the other three prodigies Jook Ji San, Tsui Ching Hing, and Man Jing Man. Yuen King Tan's Sister Guava will continue to appear in the sequel, as well as Madame Hua Cheng Pei Pei and Mother Tong Mimi Chu.

Jimmy Heung Wa Sing who produced hit films like GOD OF GAMBLERS (DOH SUN) and FIGHT BACK TO SCHOOL (TOH HOK WAI LUNG) eased out of the Hong Kong film industry for years. Recently with the thriving Mainland film market he decided to return. Months ago he released the "5510 Great Film Project". This film will be Huang Xiaoming's first film with 5510 Project. Heung Wa Sing paid a lot of attention on this project's first film investment. For a good first shot, the actor suitability and box office draw in three lands on both sides of the strait are rather important. With so many excellent actors, Heung Wa Sing gave the nod to Huang Xiaoming to play the role and praised his strong potential. The ability to play both good and evil was very rare among young actors. Director Lee Lik Chi expressed that lately he just saw Huang Xiaoming in THE MESSAGE. His performance was a pleasant surprise and gave him a lot of confidence in Huang Xiaoming's ability to play Tong Bak Fu.

Huang Xiaoming played the role in a television series seven years ago. At the time he played a "cute" Tong Bak Fu that was very popular with the audience. Its rating remained high and now it is still hot in Japan and other areas. Huang Xiaoming was able to play both reputable and comedic, costume and modern then. This time the film added a lot of fighting and dancing, which with Huang Xiaoming's martial art film and music background would be a piece of cake. He was considered the perfect choice for the role in the Mainland.

Stephen Chow Sing Chi's portrayal was very memorable. When asked whether he was confident about exceeding it, Huang Xiaoming very humbly expressed, "Sing Yeh is the 'King of Comedy', I am fighting to be a 'Little King of Comedy'. Sing Yeh has always been my idol. His Tong Bak Fu was a classic. Classics can't be exceeded, but I am confident about shaping a special Tong Bak Fu."

The press conference venue was decorated like a mansion and even the crew was dressed like servants. The most important "Chau Heung selection" was also special. First eight young women dressed in the traditional red Chinese wedding gown came on stage with their veils.  Reporters and online representatives guessed which one was Chau Heung. Finally the Huang Xiaoming played Tong Bak Fu unveiled the real Chau Heung as Zhing Jingchu. That day, after the event the team rushed to the Hengdian set to start the shoot the next day.