Sunday, March 29, 2020

[2020.03.30] HONG KONG FILM INDUSTRY IS IN CRISIS







courtesy of mingpao.com

As the novel coronavirus spread globally, Hong Kong economy went on a downturn. Every business and industry have been impacted, the unemployment rate rose, the film industry also ran into a tsunami style impact. The film production rate was almost zero as the industry was trying to come up with ways to save itself. Known as the new generation film tycoon, Louis Koo Tin Lok said, "The tsunami is coming, we have to do something." At the end of March, the government initially would allocation HK$ 20 million to promote the film industry. The Federation of Hong Kong Film Workers at the same time also would meet with various film companies to discuss the grand revival scheme, unite to save the market so everyone on and off screen would benefit, have jobs and show signs of life again.

After Hong Kong filmmakers switched to the Mainland market to make Renminbi, Hong Kong film in recent years has lost its luster. As the tension rose in Hong Kong last year and early this year the novel coronavirus broke out, the industry development has taken a nose dive as the entire industry has come to a halt. The Federation of Hong Kong Film Workers president Tin Kai Man lamented, "Everything has stopped, no job! Many behind the scene people have switched jobs, some basic level took second jobs as security guards, Uber drivers and sales clerks."

Tin Kai analyzed the current situation, in the market on one government assisted HK$ 3.25 million production budget feature film HAND-ROLLED CIGARETTE (SAU GUNE YIN) was in production. Reportedly all film companies had no film that would start production before April as the film industry fell into a crisis! He said, "Before the pandemic, at the end of last year we already started to ask the government for help. The government has already allocated HK$ 20 million. At the end of this year the Federation would help the industry with some startup information, but that would only be the first step. The Federation would also fight for more funding allocation with the government to help others, like rapid film production start and training programs. However for the longer term domestic films are still necessary. In this area, the Federation has talked with the government, but the government could not become the investor. Thus the Federation at the end of this month will meet with various film companies and make suggestions to see what the government can do, rebuild everyone's trust to make more Hong Kong films; because many bosses now don't make movies in Hong Kong, Hong Kong workers don't benefit and all of the Hong Kong film industry is dead!" Tin Kai revealed that he has talked with (Louis) Koo Tin Lok, who expressed his support. "He even said, 'The tsunami is on the way, we have to do something.' Later they would met with other bosses to sit down and discuss how to start productions, now we have to give a little more push in this direction."

Universe film company boss Daneil Lam Siu Ming admitted that he has already moved the base to Beijing to focus on making Mainland movies. However he would still make some Hong Kong films. "This year one or two will be made in Hong Kong. In the summer we will start work on THE WHITE STORM 3 (SO DUK 3). At the end of the year we will make an airplane disaster film starring (Andy) Lau Tak Wa." Originally in April two movies would have started production, a Barbara Wong Chun Chun directed romance and a Oxide Pang Chun directed OUT OF INFERNO 2 (TOH CHOOK SUN TIN 2 tentative title), both with Mainland actors in the leads. However now it would depend on the pandemic development.

Director Andrew Lau Wai Keung years ago began to switch to make Mainland films. With the box office success of THE FOUNDING OF AN ARMY and THE PILOT, he most recently directed FROZEN CHOSIN went to shoot on location in Liaoning last year. Midway through due to the outbreak it was forced to shut down. Lau Wai Keung said, "We estimate that it will be the end of the year, because we need to coordinate with the winter snow scenes and the pandemic has not settled yet. Now we can only plan for other productions that won't require to be overseas, pure Hong Kong films and animation. I heard that many behind the scene workers are unemployed, even if they switch jobs the food business is also very hard to make a living in."

Mandarin Motion Picture boss Raymond Wong Pak Ming has been the center pillar of the Hong Kong film industry, from on screen, film production to cinema circuit. The "pandemic market" had certain impact on him. The currently in production G STORM (G FUNG BO) has been forced to stop production and without any idea about a date to resume, but the losses still have not been as serious as his cinemas. "The influence on the cinemas is very sharp, in comparison to February in previous years the business has dropped over 60%. Family viewers did not even dare to go the movies. We can only take the full safety measures, disinfecting and cleaning we definitely need to do, taking temperatures of viewers, if they have fevers then sorry their tickets will be refunded. In addition we would give each viewer a mask, wearing it at the movies is a little safer."

In recent days the government took a new approach and closed six types of venues including cinemas for 14 days. Wong Pak Ming agreed with the move. "I feel the government has to assist the industry, including the cinemas, show business, music, and drama worlds because everyone has stopped without a job." With the 14 days closing, many films including the Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing starred THE BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR (BAK FAT MOR NUI JUEN) and THE PHANTOM LOVER (YEH BOON GOR SNG)'s all new 4K restored versions, the Michelle Wai Sze Nga starred LOST AND FOUND IN TOKYO (SHOOK NUI OI MAN YAU), the Hidetaka Yoshika and Kumiko Goto starred TORA-SAN, WISH YOU WERE HERE and other films all had to postpone their releases.

As the film industry "stopped", not only behind the scene workers had no jobs, actors were not spared either. As an actor, a martial art director and Hong Kong Stuntman Association president Chin Kar Lok has not worked since after the Lunar New Year. Originally he had two movies to be shot overseas in March, but due to the pandemic they had to be postponed. However Kar Lok did not complain or slack off, feeling that with danger there would be opportunity. Everyone had to prepare and plan during the ice age. "Many people ask if the film industry is in serious trouble, entering into an ice age. I can relate, but it's not just the film industry, the travel industry, restaurant and bar industry and others have been affected as well. Instead earlier the Hong Kong Stuntman Association talked with Tsang Chi Wai, after the pandemic ends what should we do? During this period although production has stopped, but a pause might not be a bad thing. In the past everyone just kept charging head and overlooked a lot of things; for example, now that I have stopped, I have more time to be with my two daughters. Our relationships are better. Thus with risk there is opportunity. Think positively, the pandemic will pass. Then we would need a lot of entertainment and action films. Now we shouldn't be lazy. We have to build a firm foundation, discuss through video and social media platforms and plan." He estimated that the ice age will end at the end of the year.

Kar Lok hoped that the film development fund would provide even great support to the industry later so more domestic films could be made. "We can't just have co-production films, this way Hong Kong talent would be lost. In the past 10 years I have enjoyed staying in Hong Kong to make movies. I am not worried about the Mainland market but if Hong Kong doesn't make more domestic films everyone would be lost. The veterans would be gone and the new ones wouldn't be able to get into the business! I hope the entire industry would unite and make more Hong Kong film."

Have stunt people switched jobs due to a lack of work? Kar Lok said, "It's the climate, under the pandemic, many have been affected. Some stunt people switched to drive taxis due to a lack of work, now even taxis have no passenger. Under this situation we can only think harder and do other jobs, like using their kung fu knowledge to make some videos to teach people to strengthen their bodies online and provide everyone job opportunities. We just want everyone to have a job first." For now he has not received any request for assistance from members in financial difficulties, but earlier Eric Tsang Chi wai donated some masks, rice, canned goods and some everyday products for gift bags, The Chin Stuntman Association presented the bags to elders and members with lacking opportunities. "It was rather pleasant, an encouragement. Although it was very enormous or generous, we did whatever we could do. I hope each member and person with the ability would take that extra step, helping those around them in need."

If they did not work they did not eat, without any movie to make the behind the scene basic level personnel looked for a way out. Some at the "make up and hair department" enrolled in beauty courses to be certified then look for job at beauty salons; some also started permanent eyebrow business. At least they would not need to wait for movies to start work to eat. Some production assistants waited for several months without any work. Some of them became taxi drivers and some went to home renovation, as they became the hot professions for behind the scene film professionals.

Film productions could not be without catering. In recent years many veteran catering sisters have retired. A mother and son pair worked as basic film workers, the mother was in catering for a few years and the son was moving equipment. Without any film production, mother and son switched jobs to work at a theme park to make a living. Yet with the outbreak even theme parks have been put to a halt.

[2020.03.30] ROWENA CORTES WAS ONCE MISTAKEN FOR DATING LESLIE CHEUNG

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courtesy of singtao.com
courtesy of mingpao.com

April 1st would be the 17th anniversary of Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing (Gor Gor)'s passing. This year due to the severity of the novel coronavirus outbreak, public memorial events were canceled. However "Gor fans" and friends still would remember him in different formats. Rowena Cortes (Lo Wan Na) had many opportunities to work wiht Gor Gor in the past. She spoke with Gor Gor's super fan and Cheung Kwok Wing impersonation contestant Simon Au Shun Hei about how much they missed Gor Gor.

Au Shun Hei was envious of Lo Wan Na for having worked with Gor Gor. Lo Wan Na revealed that she and Gor Gor spent a lot of time together on the set and even revealed that Gor Gor really liked preserved eggs. Each time when they had meal boxes, Gor Gor would stare at the half preserved egg in her box and she would automatically hand it over.

Because Gor Gor often put his arm around her, the crew mistook that they were dating. Lo Wan Na said, "Leslie really like to have heart to heart talks with female friends. I started at the same time as he did and we often worked together, so we were confidants. Later I even turned into his 'tile friend', after work we would go to his home to play mahjong. Despite seeing each other from morning to night, we would not be tired. He really knew how to care about friends. When we saw working overnight on the set, he would tell jokes to cheer everyone up. With him it was never boring."

Gor Gor as a judge described Au Shun Hei as a mix of himself and Louie Castro (Ga Si Lok) at the impersonation contest. Lo Wan Na felt that Au Shun Hei's personality was like Gor Gor, as both were very vain, warm and really took care of friends. What would they like to say to Gor Gor the most? Au Shun Hei said that Gor Gor would forever be his idol, no one would be able to replace him. Lo Wan Na said that she really missed Gor Gor and even blew a kiss to Heaven for Gor Gor.

Friday, March 27, 2020

[2020.03.28] HONG KONG CINEMAS SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT'S TWO WEEK SHUT DOWN ORDER

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Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet Ngor yesterday announced that in the latest effort against the pandemic all entertainment venue would suspend operation for two weeks, they included cinemas. The restriction would begin at 6PM today. The theater industry including the Hong Kong Theatres Association all expressed their support, would fully coordinate with the government restriction, fight the pandemic with the entire city and work hard toward returning to a healthy Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Theatres Association issued a statement after the announcement, "Since the outbreak began, the theater industry has been severely impacted. Cinemas has been paying a lot of attention on the audience's health and released the following procedures like 'isolation/alternate seating ticket', delaying the opening and moving up the closing time for cleaning and disinfecting of the entire cinema, requiring viewers to wear masks and taking their temperature as they entered in hopes to strengthening viewer confidence about going to the movies. The cinema environment was even safer than anywhere else, the risk of infecting was not high. Because viewers purchased tickets online, they could pick up tickets without any contact. Inside viewers could wear masks and enjoyed ample viewing space. Despite during the outbreak the box office still reached new lows, the theater industry still persisted in continuing operation in hopes of preserving employee's employment opportunity. However, due to the worsening situation, in hopes of reducing the temptation of going outside and coordinating with the government ordered stronger restriction order cinemas would work with the government and temporarily close for 14 days. The cinema industry hopes to successfully win the fight against the pandemic with Hong Kong and continue to provide quality viewing experience to the audience."

Cinema City circuit boss Raymond Wong Pak Ming's 5 cinemas before suspending operation at 6PM would still run movies as scheduled. However the April 1st release of the 4K restored THE BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR and the April 8th release of the 4K restored THE PHANTOM LOVER in memory of Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing would be rescheduled after the reopening of cinemas.

Golden Scene film company responded, "We very strongly agree with the cinema temporary closing. Because the current box office has been very low but employees still had to go to work as usual, both viewers and employees would have risks. As for films that we have scheduled, we would wait until the reopening of cinemas to release them. We would have no problem. As the entire city unites to fight the pandemic, health is the most important!"

The film LOST AND FOUND IN TOKYO (SHOOK NUI OI MAN YAU) originally was scheduled for an April 2nd release, which now has been halted. Star Michelle Wai Sze Nga said, "I feel it is a good thing, being safe is more important than the release date. I personally agree and support this method. My promotions have already been done in advance anyway, now I can only post online to promote. With how severe the pandemic is, staying at home is the safest."

[2020.03.28] LESLIE CHEUNG REMEMBERED ON THE SIDE OF BUSES

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April 1st would be the 17th anniversary of "Gor Gor" Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing's passing. Due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, the annual flower presentation was canceled earlier. Film poster designer Yuen Tai Yung's son, artist Yuen Kai Tsang, hand drawn a classic Gor Gor look with fresh flower in his hand and printed 12 giant posters to be posted on buses in memory of him all over Hong Kong. Hopefully it would bring back people's memory of Gor Gor's great music, film and art achievements.

[2020.03.28] STEPHY TANG LEARNS TO ENJOY HER SECOND BEST ACTRESS NOMINATION

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Nominated for the Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress for the second with the film MY PRINCE EDWARD (GUM DOH), Stephy Tang Lai Yun appeared on a ViuTV interview and stated that she never thought that she would have anything to do with awards from making movies. "I remember my first nomination in 2018 as very sudden, I didn't know how to react. This time with the second nomination I know how to experience the joy. Actually I am not just lucky, everyone is recognizing me. I am very happy!" In 2018 with the film EMPTY HAND (HUNG SAU DOH) she won the Hong Kong Film Critic Society Best Actress award. After winning the first film award of her life she finally learned to think about her next step and hope to take a different route from before. Those who have enjoyed MY PRINCE EDWARD praised Tang Lai Yun's performance as a metamorphosis. After hearing that she was both shocked and moved.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

[2020.03.27] TWO LESLIE CHEUNG FILMS RETURN TO THE BIG SCREEN

courtesy of mingpao.com

April 1st would be the 17th anniversary of Gor Gor Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing's passing. "Gor" fans have never forgotten, but due to the pandemic the flower presentation at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel would be canceled and be replaced with an online memorial event. Two of Gor Gor's films THE BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR (BAK FAT MOR NUI JUEN) and THE PHANTOM LOVER (YEH BOON GOR SING) have been restored anew in 4K and would be released on the big screen to remember the glory of the superstar of a generation. On April 1st Gor Gor and Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha)'s THE BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR will be screened. On April 8th Gor Gor and Wu Chien Lien's THE PHANTOM LOVER will be screened.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

[2020.03.26] RAYMOND WONG SUGGESTS GOVERNMENT ORDERED CINEMA CLOSING TO FIGHT THE PANDEMIC



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The novel coronavirus has turned the Hong Kong economy into a toxic pool of water. With 5 cinemas under his Cinema City circuit banner, Raymond Wong Pak Ming decided to fight the pandemic himself! As early as February this year, everyday between each show the cinema has already cleaned every seat even more, the cinema also gave mask to each viewer, hand sanitizer and took temperature. He even spent over HK$ 1 million to bring in international medical class equipment to elevate the cinema's health standard and ensure the safety of viewers and employees. If anyone with an electronic monitor wrist band was found at the cinema, the cinema would immediately call the police.

Speaking of each cinema's ways to fight the pandemic, including alternative row ticket sale, Wong Pak Ming yesterday stated that the most effective way would be for the government to order cinemas to close 14 days to prevent mass gathering. "The Singapore government has announced that all cinemas must halt operation at the end of April. I really agree with their method. The Hong Kong government shouldn't be several beats slower. It should follow suit and order cinemas to close for 14 days. Then it can effectively prevent the pandemic from spreading!"

Wong Pak Ming pointed out that he thought about closing his cinemas, but because they were mostly in shopping centers, if he closed them he would need to compensate the shopping centers for their losses. Thus he did not follow through. Forcing cinemas to close would certainly lead to economic losses, Wong Pak Ming said, "If the government would order cinemas to close, it should have some financial assistance for everyone to get over the hard time together. The most important is the safety of the people."

Many film companies have been unwilling to release new films in this environment, making Mainland cinemas to extend the run of IP MAN 4: THE FINALE due to a lack of film to release. Hong Kong cinemas also ran into similar problems. Wong Pak Ming said, "If the government doesn't order the cinemas to close, we have to come up with ideas. April 1st would be the anniversary of Gor Gor (Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing)'s passing. We have restored two classic films THE BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR (BAK FAT MOR NUI JUEN) and THE PHANTOM LOVER (YEH BOON GOR SING) into 4K editions. Their runs will begin on April 1st. PHANTOM was the final film that Gor Gor made as a producer, it was well worth remembering."

As for Wong Pak Ming's suggestion, Anita Yuen Wing Yi and Karena Ng Chin Yu both thought it was a great idea. Ng Chin Yu said, "Public safety is the most important, closing cinemas for 14 days would prevent mass gathering -- a good way to prevent the pandemic." Yuen Wing Yi also felt that the suggestion could be viable, but the most important would be for everyone to take the full prevention measures. Health was the most important.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

[2020.03.25] FOR THE WEEK ENDING SUNDAY MARCH 22 2020

For Sunday February 22 2020
Photos courtesy of Yahoo! Movies Hong Kong



10 THE GANGS, THE OSCARS, AND THE WALKING DEAD
  Can : Gong Wu Mo Lan Si
   d. Kao Pin-Chuan
   Roy Chiu, Huang Ti-Yang, Long Shao-Hua Yao Yi-Ti,
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 106 mins.
  Opening March 19 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/yCxCcl6mTa0

[ THE METROPLEX ]
   Producer BS and his long time director friend Wenxi have always dreamt to make it big in movie industry. The duo has been working together for more than a decade, but nothing’s ever successful. They treat the filming of ceremonies, weddings and funerals, like a movie, with drones and all, but they still struggle financially. They even work for the mob to pay their debts.

   One day, their creditor and the mob boss Brother Long suddenly takes an interest in Wenxi's script. He only has one condition: to let his wife Shanny be the leading actress. Their break has come! They are finally appreciated! BS and Wenxi grab the chance and take the offer, and they party all night long to celebrate. After they sober up, they find the leading actress floating in the swimming pool, dead... They don't dare to let the mob boss know, so they decide to finish the movie no matter what it takes, even with a corpse...


  9 THE CAVE
  Can : Kei Jik Gau Woon
  Lit : Miraculous Rescue
    d. Tom Waller,
    Erik Brown, Jim Warny, Tan Xiaolong, Ekawat Niraworapanya
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 104 mins.
  Opening March 12 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/x51S0_0Ie4A

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Based on true events, THE CAVE tells the untold story of the rescue that captivated the world, from the point of view of the unsung heroes in the Tham Luang mission to free the trapped 13 'Wild Boars', culminating in a triumphant outcome against all the odds.


  8 JEXI
    d. Jon Lucas, Scott Moore
    Adam Devine, Rose Byrne, Alexandra Shipp, Michael Pena,


  7 THE INVISIBLE MAN
    d. Leigh Whannell
    Elizabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Aldis Hodge, Michael Dorman


  6 THE PLATFORM
    d. Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
    Ivan Massague, Antonia San Juan, Zorion Eguileor,
      Emilio Buale, Alexandr Masangkay


  5 MY SPY
    d. Peter Segal
    Dave Bautista, Chloe Coleman


  4 THE CALL OF THE WILD
    d. Chris Sanders
    Harrison Ford, Karen Gillan, Dan Stevens


  3 MR. ZOO: THE MISSING VIP
  Can : Ho Gau Duk Gung Dui
  Lit : Good Dog Special Assault Team
    d. Kim Tae-yun,
    Lee Sung-min, Kim Seo-hyung, Bae Jung-nam, Kal So-won
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 114 mins.
  Opening March 19 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/qqfckyhUs-8

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Joo Taeju is the top agent of National Intelligence Service. While Taeju was on a mission to guard a very special VIP, the VIP disappeared by a sudden accident and he can understand what animals are saying after his accidental fall NIS Director Min and agent Mansik suspect Taeju who is suddenly acting strangely, but Taeju is on a mission to find the VIP with help of Ali, a military dog...In the middle of downtown, never seen a team play between a man and an animal's start to happen!


  2 BATTLE OF JANGSARI
  Can : Hung Chuen Jeh
  Lit : Lucky Survivors
    d. Kim Tae-hun, Kwak Kyung-taek,
    Kim Myung-min, Megan Fox, Choi Min-ho
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 110 mins.
  Opening March 12 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/PvgRKm7Xk9E

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Based on the incredible true story of Jangsari Landing Operation. When North Korea invades South Korea on June 25, 1950, they pushed South Korea and its ally US Army to the southernmost city. U.S. General MacArthur planned Operation Chromite, which would see the joint allied forces to take back a strategic location of Inchon and in order for it to succeed, he needed a small battalion to flank the North Korean army and eliminate their supply line at Jangsari beach.

    Having lost his family on his retreat away from North Korea before the War, a model student Choi Sung-pil enlists in the army to fight for the South. Ki Ha-ryun is a rebellious youth from the South who volunteers to fight in the war. All of the 772 students and youths are like them who are barely out of school with only 2 weeks of boot camp training. Task force commander Captain Lee Myung-jun knows that it’s a long shot, but he has no choice but to lead them into a crucial mission. Meanwhile, US war correspondent Maggie braves the dangers of the battlefield to report on the war in the frontlines. She feels empathy for the Korean students who must go into battle on behalf of the veteran soldiers for their country, and tries to do what she can on her end to rescue them.

    With little ammo, scant food supplies and raggedy weapons, can the students successfully carry out their mission and return home safely?



  1 THE HUNT
    d. Craig Zobel
    Betty Gilpin, Hilary Swank

[2020.03.25] CLOUDY DAYS REMIND IRENE WAN OF LESLIE CHEUNG

Irene Wan performs on Nancy Sit's program
courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com
Irene Wan says whether outside or inside Leslie Cheung was perfect.
Timothy Wong's street stall is closed for renovation for half a year, but his coffee shop is getting a lot of take out business
courtesy of mingpao.com

Irene Wan Bik Ha two nights ago attended the taping of CANTOPOP AT 50 at Television City. Irene revealed that she would sing Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing's songs FALLEN FOR YOU and WIND CONTINUES TO BLOW.

Speaking of her impression of Gor Gor, Irene said that she worked with Gor Gor on the film ROUGE (YIN JI KAU). He was her most perfect co-star. "Gor Gor's appearance, personality and acting basically were perfect and the most excellent. He was also very nice and very attentive to people, Gor Gor was always like that. Gor Gor's name was very suitable because he took great care of everyone, constantly bringing everyone joy."

Irene also said that once in Canada, he ran into then already announced retirement Gor Gor and Daffy Tong. They were very much in love and she felt that he rather enjoyed life then. When he saw her he greeted her. Then sometimes at parties she and Gor Gor would run into each other, so when the news of his passing spread she did not remember it at the moment and thought that it was only April's Fool. Now whenever the day was cloudy she would think of him.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

[2020.03.23] 87 YEAR OLD VETERAN ACTOR LEUNG TIN PASSED AWAY

Leung Tin once received the ATV Brilliant Achievement Award
Leung Tin has been a radio play performer, a stage actor, in the 1960s he joined TVB
Leung Tin worked with Bill Tung

Leung Tin (second left) performed a Radio Hong Kong performance of  DUKE OF MOUNT DEER with friend Chung King Fai (third left)
courtesy of mingpao.com
courtesy of on.cc

Veteran actor and producer Leung Tin yesterday at 2PM passed away at the hospital at age 87. Leung Tin was the first generation of Hong Kong young actors, from the 60s when he worked on TVB's first black and white long running television series until the color television era. He also worked at RTV and ATV, from on to off camera. Leung Tin has witnessed the Hong Kong television history changes, rises and falls. Earlier he was rumored to have severed dementia.

Leung Tin once played the Beijing diva Chau Hoi Tong in a series. He also sang the theme song and another song GOLD CANARY, as well as releasing an original soundtrack record. Leung Tin in his teens met "drama master" Chung King Fai. They performed plays at the youth club drama society. Later when Chung King Fai joined TVB he invited Leung Tin to perform and thus became gold label partners on television. In film he worked on JULY RHAPSODY (NAM YUN SEI UP) and A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) in recent years.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

[2020.03.22] MICHAEL NING TAKES RISKS TO BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL

Gordon Lam is particularly excited about returning to his old haunts
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Best Actor Gordon Lam Ka Tung and Michael Ning (Bak Ji) two nights ago appeared in the Chung King Mansions in Tsim Sha Tsui to work on their film HAND-ROLLED CIGARETTE (SAU GUEN YIN). In the story the two had physical altercation with over a dozen extras. With the novel coronavirus spread, the team was caution with the preparation. During the rehearsal the leads put on masks, after they officially took their marks they were arranged to be disinfected. Bak Ji and Ka Tung was confident in the team's arrangement. Bak Ji admitted, "As long as the full safety precautions were taken then there is no problem. If we are a little safer, we can be good role models and give a shot of confidence to other colleagues who are tempted to start productions."

Bak Ji made great sacrifices for his costume. He shaved his hair in the front and grow it out in the back, the fake tattoo on his chest also was not easy to wash off. "When I go out I wear a hat, at home I would use all my strength and alcohol to wipe off the tattoo. It hurts a lot!" Returning to his old haunts brought back a lot of memories for Ka Tung. "I used to work at the hotel next door, and always came over with co-workers for samosas. Although I haven't been here in over 20 years, the memories were still very unforgettable."

[2020.03.22] BETTER DAYS WINS BIG AT THE HONG KONG FILM DIRECTORS' GUILD AWARDS

courtesy of on.cc
courtesy of singtao.com
SUK SUK's Tai Bo after winning the Hong Kong Film Critic Society Best Actor wins again
Best Actress is BETTER DAYS' Zhou Dongyu 
BEYOND THE DREAM's Terrance Lau receives Best New Actor.  He says to receive the recognition of professional directors is an enormous encouragement.
Derek Tsang's BETTER DAYS wins three awards and becomes the big winner
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild Awards every year presented recognition and encouragement to outstanding colleagues from a professional perspective. Yesterday the event announced the winners, but due to the novel coronavirus, this year's award presentation was not able to take place as scheduled and made alternative arrangements. BETTER DAYS became the big winner with Best Film, Best Director (Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung) and Best Actress (Zhou Dongyu). The results have been seen as a preview of the Hong Kong Film Award and thus the team's chances was considered even better.

Due to the novel coronavirus, this year's award ceremony could not take place as scheduled. The executive committee after some discussions decided to announce the winners online instead. It hoped that after the pandemic would subside to make alternative arrangement to present the awards.

Yesterday the event announced the winners. All members from the professional perspective cast one vote per person. BETTER DAYS became the big winner with Best Film, Best Director and Best Actress.

BETTER DAYS' team responded to the awards. "Thank you Hong Kong film colleagues for your recognition of BETTER DAYS. We will stay true to our original intent, work hard on creating, and not disappoint everyone; at the same time we wish that the pandemic will quiet down soon, everyone will be safe and in the future we will together make even more good movies."

MY PRINCE EDWARD's New director winner Norris Wong Yi Lam said, "Thank you to each director elders at the Hong Kong Film Directors Guild. As a first time film director, I know about my shortcomings and have a lot that I need to work hard on, learn and cultivate. Although now Hong Kong film is experiencing a depression, I would take advantage of the time to prepare myself and live up to the new director title."

Terrance Lau Chun Him with BEYOND THE DREAM won Best New Actor. He said, "Thank you Hong Kong Film Directors Guild. To be able to receive the recognition of professional directors is truly an enormous encouragement. Thank you Golden Scene, Thank you to the BEYOND THE DREAM team. To be able to run into a group of colleagues who love film and tell this story in unity is the greatest gift of this experience. I look forward to being able to share this story of BEYOND THE DREAM with even more viewers in its official release in the future."

The Executive Committee Special Prize winner, BAMBOO THEATRE's director Cheuk Cheung represented the entire production team to sincerely thank the Hong Kong Film Directors Guild for giving the film this special recognition and encouragement. "I hope this documentary will enable even more and more Hong Kong people to try to enter one after another actual bamboo theater!"

THE HONG KONG FILM DIRECTORS' GUILD AWARDS 2020
BEST DIRECTOR:
Derek Tsang (BETTER DAYS)
BEST FILM: BETTER DAYS
BEST ACTOR: Tai Bo (SUK SUK)
BEST ACTRESS: Zhou Dongyu (BETTER DAYS)
BEST NEW ACTOR: Terrance Lau (BEYOND THE DREAM)
NEW DIRECTOR: Norris Wong (MY PRINCE EDWARD)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SPECIAL PRIZE: BAMBOO THEATRE