[2022.03.23] RAYMOND LAM RUSHES TO FINISH FILM BEFORE STARTING ANOTHER

Raymond Lam looks vicious in his upper deck bus fight

The Louis Koo Tin Lok, Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Raymond Lam Fung and Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) starred, Soi Cheang Pou Soi directed WALLED IN (GAU LUNG SING JAI WAI SING) has already started production in Hong Kong at the end of November last year. Originally the production planned to wrap up after the Lunar New Year, but due to the fifth wave of the pandemic worsening, actor Deon Cheung Chung Chi tested positive and led the team into a panic. Later when the pandemic grew out of control crew members also tested positive and the production came to a halt. Recently as the pandemic eased, WALLED rapidly resumed production. Because Lam Fung in April or May would have to work on another Emperor new film NOI MOK, the team recently focused on finishing his scenes and "hand him over".

The film took place in the 80s Kowloon Walled City's lawless zone, for which sets were built all over Hong Kong. The team lately constructed a large scale Walled City scene in an empty space at Kowloon Bay and erected a giant green screens. A bucket truck was used to assist with the shoot of Lam Fung's bus fight scene. The production was rather serious.

Around 7PM, Lam Fung arrived on the set in a van. Because almost 100 people were at work on the set, to ensure safety a temperature check station was set up at the entrance. The cast and the crew had to take a rapid test and temperature check before entering. Lead Lam Fung was no exception. His assistant left the vehicle to pick up his testing kit for him, then the test was done inside the van. 15 minutes later after the result was confirmed, the vehicle was permitted to enter the location.

With a young wife and a small child, Lam Fung in order to reduce the risk of infection remained inside the vehicle before taking his mark and avoided contact with others. He even had dinner inside the vehicle. The team starting from dusk prepared for the action scene and even used a very convincingly "Lam Fung 2.0" double to test the mark for the shoot to be at its most accurate and precise.

Around 8 PM, Lam Fung appeared in short hair, a mask, a jacket and taped fists. After talking with the crew he immediately went inside the bus for his fight scene. Spending several months before the production began on stunt training, he fought from the upper deck to the lower deck of the bus. Full of expressions when he punched, he looked dominant. After shooting many shots, he immediately put on his mask out of an abundance of caution. Then he went to watch the play back with the director, talk about the results, after which he returned to the bus to continue the shoot.

[2022.03.22] EMPEROR MOTION PICTURES UNVEILS ITS 2022 MOVIE LINE UP

Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Andy Lau in ONCE UPON A TIME IN HONG KONG

Nicholas Tse would be the action director in HOI GUAN JIN SIN

Aaron Kwok has more maturity and variations

Wai Ka Fai praises Sean Lau for his energy, an actor he cannot see the bottom of.
courtesy of singtao.com

The acting collision of Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Andy Lau triggers a series of sparks 

Charlene Choi's toughness and coolness add more layered colors to the role

WE ARE FAMILY, CALL ME CRAZY, MAMA'S AFFAIR

The rare collaboration between Nicholas Tse and Jacky Cheung has already rocked the city before it starts

Jacky Cheung

Karena Lam

Francis Ng

Cya Liu

Aaron Kwok deliberately adjusts his schedule to accommodate Simon Yam, Raymond Lam, and Alex Fong Chung Shun

The golden team of Sean Lau and director Wai Ka Fai are together again
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Stephy Tang says that TABLE FOR SIX is about family, no matter when it will open it will still be heartwarming

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HONG KONG unveils Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Andy Lau's all new looks

Jacky Cheung and Nicholas Tse work together again with the latter as the action director as well

Wai Ka Fai has worked with Sean Lau countless times and says his acting has no bottom

Aaron Kwok would play a lawyer with a sense of justice
courtesy of mingpao.com

With Hong Kong's fifth wave of the pandemic growing more severe, the cinema industry in coordination with preventive measures closed starting January 7th. The livelihood of those in the business has been hugely impacted. The government yesterday announced that starting on April 21st, if the pandemic would show no sign of rebounding and trend downward, social distancing measures would be relaxed and cinemas would have hope to open up again. However with still a month away from the "quarantine lift", changes might take place. Many films that have been halted from releases earlier, including Lunar New Year films TABLE FOR SIX (FAN HEI GUNG SUM) and CHILLI LAUGH STORY (HOP GA LAT), held an optimistic attitude and have not set whether they would be released for Easter. TABLE's lead actress Stephy Tang Lai Yan looked forward to seeing the audience at the movies.

The cinema industry under the fifth wave of the pandemic closed for business for over 3 months in accordance to the social distancing measures from early January to April 20th. Many movies have been affected. The Louis Koo Tin Lok starred G STORM (G FUNG BO) was released on New Year's Eve last year and after six days in release cinemas were forced to close. Mainland film LAKE CHANGJIN 2, the Ron Ng Cheuk Hei starred LOVE IS BLIND, HATE TOO (JI MING 24 SIU SI) and BREAKOUT BROTHERS 2 (TOH YUK HING DAI 2) were unable to be released in January as scheduled. Two Lunar New Year films TABLE FOR SIX and CHILLI LAUGH STORY held it even worse. They were ready for release after a round of promotions, but slipped up right at the gate.

The government yesterday announced hope to relax the gathering restriction mandate. Public entertainment venues like cinemas would open again on April 21st if the pandemic did not rebound, confirmed cases and numbers of deaths continued to decline. After the news was announced, industry insiders took an optimistic approach. With both cinema operation and film production, Mandarin Motion Pictures gave an official response on whether G and BREAKOUT 2 would open again in April, "No comment yet."

Would the two Lunar New Year films TABLE and CHILLI change their strategy and package anew for an Easter release? The marketing departments replied, "Currently we have not received any notification." TABLE's lead actress Tang Lai Yan said, "Even I don't know when the movie will open, it would depend on the film company's arrangement. As an actor, after finishing a movie I of course hope to be able to watch it with the audience at the movies as soon as possible. The film is about family, actually no matter when it opens, no matter when you watch it it would be just as heartwarming." As for LOVE and LAKE's release, Emperor Motion Pictures said, "No comment yet."

Emperor Motion Pictures yesterday announced its 2022 film rundown, including 7 films that would be on the way and 5 big productions that would plan to begin production. Under the pandemic, Emperor Motion Pictures not only did not stop but kept going harder. Its production rate rose instead of falling, 90% of which were domestic productions that ensured film professionals would be able to save their jobs and shine the "Hong Kong film" gold painted label  together. With the numerous star studded casts and enormous production heavyweight films, the total investment amount exceeded HK$ 1.5 billion! ONCE UPON A TIME IN HONG KONG (GUM SAU JI)'s stars Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Andy Lau Tak Wa and Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin also unveiled their costume looks.

The 2022 Emperor Motion Pictures would gather the best of the current film industry with variety in its subjects. They would also focus on domestic productions, which included the epic luxury production ONCE UPON A TIME IN HONG KONG (GUM SAU JI). This would also be the first time Leung Chiu Wai, Lau Tak Wa, and Choi Cheuk Yin's costume would be publicized.

The HK$ 350 million production ONCE UPON A TIME IN HONG KONG unveiled its lead costumes for the firs time. Leung Chiu Wai and Lau Tak Wa's big screen reunion would set of dramatic spark. Director Felix Chong Man Keung said, "When I graduated from the film academy, I only learned about film. I didn't know what was 'drama'. Now the 'drama' that I have learned came from them; over the years, we watched each other grow. This time we had the opportunity to work together again, they indeed have matured a lot. I watched two Best Actors decide how to perform a scene, in full control and proper with precision. The skills within which couldn't be measured with money. Those who know how to watch would be pleased thoroughly."

Since the film was able to get Wai Jai and Wa Jai to perform, it naturally had its own unique charm. Director Chong revealed, "They have always been cautious with the screenplay choices, and just as caution with their characters. They would discover the interesting parts within. In addition the film differed from the average film. Despite its crime film packaging it actually is an epic story that is full of tension. They rarely come in contact with this type of genre, naturally they are attracted to it."

Speaking of lead actress Ah Sa, Director Chong praised her for putting in a lot of effort. She would appear in an never been seen breakthrough look. "I really want to thank Ah Sa, we were already very honest when we started talking. I really liked her completely without make up, which gave me a lot of inspiration. After confirming her casting, I made minor changes to the character. In the end I wasn't mistaken at all. Don't be fool by Ah Sa's silliness, after so many years in show business her toughness actually exceeds many industry insiders in order for her to achieve such success. I took this toughness and coolness and put them into her character, and discovered Ah Sa's unique, all new and interesting side!"

In addition many eye catching blockbusters DETECTIVE VS. SLEUTHS (SUN TAM DAI JIN), MAMA'S AFFAIR (AH MA YAU JOR DAI YI GOR), LUI YING OI HUP (INSIDE RESPONSE OUTSIDE COORDINATION), WE ARE FAMILY (CHOOK JO GA YUN), TRIAD 2 (JAT JIK 2) and SUM SIU SIM BEI KAU (LATE NIGHT DODGE BALL) would wait for their releases. The Gu Changwei directed, Ge You and Karry Wang Junkai starred CALL ME CRAZY would also be coming soon!

DETECTIVE VS. SLEUTH would be a Hong Kong suspense thriller crime film. Director Wai Ka Fai and star Sean Lau Ching Wan have been called perfect film industry legendary partners. Director Wai admitted that when he came up with the protagonists "Detective" Lee Chun, Ching Wan was already the first choice. "As everyone knows, Ching Wan is a great actor. Working together again this time, I realize he still has a lot of energy. So I give him another push and he runs even faster. I feel he is a good actor with unfathomable skills; in addition I really like the way we work together. He really trusts me and I also really trust him!"

As for Emperor Motion Pictures' soon to start production major products, they would include the Herman Yau Lai To directed, Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Cya Liu starred HOI GUAN JIN SIN (CUSTOMS FRONT LINE) with special performance by Francis Ng Chun Yu; the Alan Mak Siu Fai directed, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Raymond Lam Fung, Alex Fong Chung Shun starred NOI MOK (INSIDE INFORMATION0 would also be a major feature in active preparation; the series of sequel films would include director Zhang Yimou's IMPASSE 2, READY OR KNOT 2 (BUT YUT SING FUN 2) and TRIAD 3 (JAT JIK 3), all of which are planning to start production!

The Yau Lai To directed HOI GUAN JIN SIN would star Cheung Hok Yau, Tse Ting Fung, Cya Liu with special performance by Ng Chun Yu. Director Yau said that this would be a very refreshing line up. He brought them together because he was after a fresh feeling. They are all Best Actors and Best Actress, professional and serious. The film would center around the Customs department with an intriguing story. Director Yau explained, "Customs is a key branch in Hong Kong's Disciplined Services, which Hong Kong film rarely made them the 'leads'. This time I want to give the film a new vision, so I chose to shoot a story about the Customs." Ting Fung would serve as an action director for the first time, conceivably he would give his all and design thrilling and intense action scenes!

After PROJECT GUTENBERG (MO SEUNG), Kwok Fu Sing would work with Emperor Motion Pictures again in the Mak Siu Fai directed new film NOI MOK and in direct confrontation with Yam Tat Wa, Lam Fung and Fong Chung Shun. Director Mak said that the negotiation process with the four hunky actors basically went rather smoothly. Director Mak said that he and Sing Sing have not worked together in almost 20 years. He felt that Sing Sing's acting was growing with more maturity and variations, so Sing Sing was an actor he looked forward to working with very much. The screenplay took three years. Director Mak said, "Yam Tat Wa's character would start the entire story. Sing Sing would play a lawyer who is full of sense of justice and very unusual way of thinking. This sense of justice is related to the character background. Lam Fung would play a cop, I hope the character would be a little more mature. He would ditch his handsome packaging, which Lam Fung understood as soon as he heard as he let the team do whatever it wanted with his looks! Fong Chung Shun this time would play a bullied character, drastically different from his normally masculine image. The interaction of the four actors would certainly set off sparks." As for actresses, Kathy Yuen (Tong Yee), Niki Chow Lai Kei, Gladys Li Ching Kwan would participate. The film originally was slated to start production after the Spring Festival, but due to the pandemic it was slightly delayed. Director Mak and the entire cast hoped to start work as soon as possible and provide industry workers with even more job opportunities. The film company in order to ensure the safety of everyone on the team would conduct a rapid test before work everyday, without any regard for the rise in production cost that would cause. They hoped that the film would begin production in early May.

[2022.03.21] SIMON YAM SLAPS BIRTHDAY TWIN PATRICK TAM

Patrick Tam receives birthday gifts from his children

Simon Yam's heart aches over having to slap Patrick Tam

Simon Yam's daughter posts childhood photo with her father to celebrate his birthday
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Patrick Tam Yiu Man just celebrated his 53rd birthday two days ago. Due to the pandemic he only had a low key celebration with his family. His children gave hand made presents to him. His co-star Simon Yam Tat Wa who also has the same birthday celebrated with his daughter as well.

Earlier Ah Tam worked with Yam Tat Wa and Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) in the new film MAN ON THE EDGE (BIN YUEN HUNG JEH). The scene in which Yam Tat Wa mercilessly slapped him was very memorable. "I was very touched to be slapped time and again by the Best Actor, because Brother Wa is amazing. He worried that I would have internal injuries, so every time he would be very precise. He joked that each time he hit me, his own heart would hurt a lot. Thus he kept comforting me, but I told him I would rather get the pain over with and not to hold back. In addition in the story I would have revenge, haha!"

[2022.03.21] ANITA, THE FIRST GIRL I LOVED WIN AWARDS IN OSAKA

ANITA wins the Audience Award and the Competition Special Mention
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The Louise Wong Dan Nei starred film ANITA (MUI YIM FONG) at the 17th Osaka Asian Film Festival won two awards, including the audience voted audience prize and the competition special mention. The Yeung Chiu Hoi and Ng Wing Shan directed, Renci Yeung Si Wing and Hedwig Tam Sin Yin starred film THE FIRST GIRL I LOVED (HEI FOON NEI SI NEI) won the "ABC TV Award". Due to the pandemic, the cast and the crew of both films were unable to personally attend the award ceremony.

Wong Dan Nei happily said, "I am very honored to have taken part in ANITA. This film is able to win two awards this time. Back then Sister Mui at the Tokyo Music Festival also won two awards, which made the whole thing even more meaningful. I sincerely wish and hope that the film ANITA would be able to go even further, for even more people to know the inspirational story of our legendary Hong Kong diva. Thank you very much!"

ANITA's director Longman Leung said, "Thank you the Osaka Film Festival jury, also to Japanese friends who like ANITA. Sister Mui often mentioned that she really liked Japan. The awards have been a great encouragement to our team. I hope that the pandemic would pass as soon as possible and we would be able to meet again."

First time director of THE FIRST GIRL I LOVED, Yeung Chiu Hoi happily said, "I really didn't expect it, what a surprise! Earlier when I found out about the selection it was already like a victory. Such a large scale film festival with so many Asian films, I felt very honored to have a film participating. I just got the news of the award and I am still emotional. I don't know if it's real or not. I am very grateful that this film has won awards in Hong Kong, England, Australia and Japan. I never would have guessed that the first film I directed would have so many people who liked it at so many film festivals. This is a movie that belongs to Hong Kong, in the future I would make even more films for the audience to enjoy. (Would the award be a shot of confidence?) It is, but I still have a lot of shortcomings. I need to put an effort into learning. This award has made me feel very lucky. I hope to share it with the team."

[2022.03.20] AARON KWOK RUSHES BACK TO WORK WITH SIMON YAM TO SAVE THE FILM INDUSTRY

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Best Actor Aaron Kwok Fu Sing would work with three film industry hunks on the Emperor anti corruption new film. Playing a lawyer in the film, Sing Sing would have a lot of professional lingo to deal with. With over 30 years of acting he believed that he would be able to hand it.

During the pandemic Sing Sing still had endless film offers. Later he would work with Simon Yam Tat Wa, Raymond Lam Fung and Alex Fong Chung Shun on the Alan Mak Siu Fai directed Emperor new film NOI MOK (INSIDE INFORMATION, tentative title). Sing Sing would play a lawyer in a war of wits with a police officer Lam Fung. Yam Tat Wa's character would be rather special, the soul of the entire story who would traverse throughout flashbacks in the film to bring it to its climax. Fong Chung Shun this time would be a "wolf in sheep's clothing", again accepting a huge acting challenge.

When Director Mak's INTEGRITY (LIM JING FUNG WON YIN MOK) was released two years ago, he already stated that it would be a trilogy. The second film was ready long ago, but due to the pandemic its production start was delayed multiple times. Now for it has been set for April or May. The story was rumored to revolve around criminals using a charitable organization to launder money. The cast and the crew spent a lot of time on research. Because the subject would be fresh and cross the line, viewers would certainly be interested.

Director Mak however had a headache over the choice of actresses. Reportedly he was interested in inviting two "pretty mama" Niki Chow Lai Kei and Kathy Yuen (Tong Yee) to perform. He said yesterday, "We have been in contact, when I have any further information I would tell everyone then."

With young children at home, Sing Sing was unwilling to see the Hong Kong film industry to continue in suspended animation. Earlier after ROB N ROLL (LUM SI HAI GIP) wrapped up production he only rested for three months before deciding to "return" to prop up the market. He would be extra careful with the table read, costume fitting and work later on in order to protect himself and others. In addition, Yam Tat Wa turned 67 yesterday. Due to the pandemic he only stayed home to celebrate with his wife and daughter, and was busy with familiarizing himself with the script. As for his birthday wish, he simply replied, "I just want the pandemic to pass soon, for everyone to live their normal lives again!"

[2022.03.20] STEPHEN CHOW PLASTERS "ARTWORK" ALL OVER HIS HOME

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courtesy of singtao.com

Stephen Chow wants to join the NFT wave and release film character NFT

Joan Cornella created the FROM CHINA WITH LOVE NFT for Stephen Chow

Artist Joan Cornella is a Stephen Chow fan
courtesy of mingpao.com

In recent years Stephen Chow Sing Chi rarely did any interview. Yesterday he made a rare appearance online for the "FWENCLUB X Stephen Chow" Ask Me Anything session, and answered question in the "Sing Yeh style" humorous ways. Speaking of earlier when Spaniard artist Joan Cornella released a NFT series, one of which resembled his character in FROM CHINA WITH LOVE (GOK CHAN LING LING CHAK). This time he "spoke up" out of gratitude. "Very obviously he has watched my movies since he was little, one of my fans. I really like him too. He looks a lot like Al Pacino, would he be able to guest star?" Later the host asked what NFT meant to a creator like him? Chow Sing Chi said, "You think I am a creator? I am probably an artist, but don't tell anymore. Because you knew even without me saying it, since you knew keep talking about it would be pointless. Whether for a creator or an artist, NFT recognizes copyright. I feel for us it's a good thing, it's very meaningful." As for his collection, he said, "I have a lot of work from Van Gogh, Picasso....'s photos, they are all over my house."

Near the end Chow Sing Chi asked everyone if he would release NFT, which film's character should he use? FWENCLUB founder SK Lam said GOD OF COOKERY (SIK SUN). Chow Sing Chi asked which character, but before anyone could respond he said, "Probably Yu Fa, you look like you are more interested in Yu Fa."

[2022.03.20] 64 YEAR OLD VETERAN RADIO DJ SIU KWOK WAH PASSED AWAY

Simon Siu was not only a veteran DJ but also the founder of YES! magazine
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Simon Siu was a cancer survivor.  Despite having only 2/5 of his tongue after multiple operations, he still returned to work

Simon Siu was one of the founder of YES! magazine

Michael Leung, Simon Siu and Joe Ngai's Radio Hong Kong program THREE LONELY HEARTS was popular with young listeners

Simon Siu had a son and a daughter.  His son's quick wit could match his.
courtesy of mingpao.com

Veteran radio program host Simon Siu Kwok Wah two days ago passed away at age 64. Siu Kwok Wa in 1989 with Joe Ngai Chun and Michael Leung Kai Cheung host the Radio Hong Kong program THREE LONELY HEARTS, in the same year he and Ngai Chun founded the magazine YES! and became an editor in chief. Later he went to Commercial Radio, in 1994 he joined Metro Radio and host BANANA CLUB with Simon Loui Yu Yeung and Au Kam Tong. He also became the screenwriter and the actor of the film with the same title, and was one of the few hosts who have worked for all three Hong Kong radio stations.

In 1989 with the film HEART TO HEARTS (SAM YUN SAI GAI) won the 8th Hong Kong Film Award Best Screenplay along with ROUGE (YIN JI KAU)'s Lee Pik Wa.

In 1989 Siu Kwok Wa was diagnosed with oral cancer, after surgery he was left with only 2/5 of his tongue. In 2009 he was selected as the Regeneration Society's "Hong Kong Top Ten Regeneration Fighters"