[2020.02.06] JACKIE CHAN OFFERS 1 MILLION RMB FOR NOVEL CORONOVIRUS VACCINE

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Jackie Chan on social media expressed that he was willing to offer 1 million RMB for anyone who creates an effective vaccine against the novel coronavirus. "In order to help fight the outbreak, I am willing to do anything." However even he called his idea childish.

Hong Kong UA cinema circuit yesterday morning announced on social media a new arrangement to prevent outbreak. The entire UA circuit and K11 Art House starting next Monday will implement "alternate row ticket sale" to reduce the density of the audience. Viewers must wear medical masks at the cinema. The entire circuit will open at 2PM. Emperor circuit also has new arrangements, including cleaning and disinfecting public areas every year, adding air purifiers, automatic hand sanitizer dispenser for customer use, and requiring employees to wear medical masks. Bob Lam Sing Bun said about the new circuit arrangements, "I understand the intention of the cinemas, hoping to have a little more space between viewers in order to be safer. However they may have to alternate seats too for any effect."

[2020.02.05] HONG KONG FILM AWARDS NOMINATIONS TO CHANGE FORMAT

Rene Liu
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As the Wuhan novel coronavirus continues to worsen, show business has been affected as well. The Hong Kong Film Awards was rumored to announce its nominations at a press conference on the 11th but now would switch to make the announcements online; also that Hong Kong Film Award presentation would move from the Cultural Center in Tsim Sha Tsui to the Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition center and be scaled down, even red carpet would be cancelled in order to keep the masses from gathering and increase the risk of novel coronavirus infection. The Hong Kong Film Award Association public relation and marketing consultant Ms. Wong admitted that this year's Hong Kong Film Award would change its nomination announcement format. Early next week the Association would announce the format to the media. As for whether the award show would cancel the red carpet and switch location to the KITEC it would be too soon to tell. Currently the presentation ceremony is still being planned and no decision has been confirmed.

Andy Lau Tak Wa's originally scheduled 12 show concert series at the Hong Kong Coliseum in the middle of the month was cancelled due to the severity of the Wuhan outbreak. Wa Jai's tour has been affected as well, the Wuhan stops of the tour, originally scheduled for April 17 to 19, was cancelled according to the organizer. Since the concert ticket sale has not begun, no refund process would be involved.

Many singers have cancelled their Mainland concerts recently. Yesterday Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying) also announced that two shows, the March 14th stop in Wuxi and the March 28th stop in Quanzhou would be postponed. She posted, "I wish that the outbreak will settle down soon, please pay attention to persona hygiene, take care of your family's safety, see you on the new flight day."

Li Ronghao's concerts were also affected. The tour with dates originally scheduled for February 15th in Malaysia, 19th in London, 21st in Paris and others would be postponed. He apologized to fans in Kuala Lumpur, London, Paris, Milan. "Due to the outbreak spreading globally, for everyone's health and safety I want to avoid increasing the risk of infection from mass gathering. I very regretfully decided to postpone the concerts in Malaysia and Europe. I know that many friends have already booked hotels and flights. For everyone's health, I am truly sorry. Everyone please relax, after the outbreak has passed I will immediately come over and sing for you. I give you my word, everyone please take care."

[2020.02.04] CARLOS CHAN SINGS LIVE FOR FAN SCREENING

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Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Gladys Li Ching Kwan have been going to different cinemas for their Lunar New Year film YOU ARE THE ONE (NGOR DIK SHUN POON NAM YAU)'s audience appreciation events. Ka Lok earlier even held a friends and family screening and a fan screening at at the Emperor Cinema in Tsim Sha Tsui. Both shows were full and the response was enthusiastic, both leads were pleasantly surprised.

A fan asked Ka Lok to sing the film theme song REACH HIGH FOR LOVE a cappella. The two leads performed live. Singing live for the first time, Ka Lok admitted that he was a little nervous. "Ultimately during recording we didn't record together. We haven't rehearsed at all before. For the fans though I wouldn't mind toughing it out!"

[2020.02.03] JACKIE CHAN RECEIVES HONG KONG STUNTMAN ASSOCIATION AWARD

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The Hong Kong Stuntman Association on the Lunar 7th held is spring banquet. Due to the severity of the novel corona virus outbreak, although the association spring banquet went on as scheduled it still took the full preventive measures. It invited two professional St. John's emergency medical team members to bring two types of infrared thermometer to examine each guest and member. Attending guests and members would have to wear medical masks. That night, the Association presented the "Outstanding Contribution award" to Jackie Chan, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Yuen Shun Yi, Wong Shu Tong and Yeung Pan Pan.

That night aside from the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers and each affiliated organization representatives, Big Brother Jackie Chan Tsang Chi Wai two honorary presidents also attended. Other attending guests included Leung Siu Leung, Pak Piao, Chin Siu Ho, Chung Fat, Yuen Cheung Yan, Lam Wai, Sin Lam Juk, Lee Fai, Simon Chui Yee Ang, Lee Hoi Sang, Yeung Pan Pan, Wong Shu Tong.

The novel corona virus outbreak still was not under control, but they still held a spring banquet? President Chin Ka Lok said that the Association held meetings to discuss whether to reschedule, but many members expressed that they really cherished this annual association gathering. They would regret it if it would be cancelled. After discussing it with committee members, to keep from disappointing numerous guests and members, finally they decided that the spring banquet would go on as scheduled.

For safety and health the Association not only urged all attending guests and members to wear surgical masks but also invited two professional St. John's emergency medical team members to bring two types of infrared thermometer to examine every guest and member.

The event presented the "Outstanding Contribution Award" to Jackie Chan for his effort to make Hong Kong action film break out of Asia and internationally renowned; other "Outstanding Contribution award" winners were Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Yuen Shun Yi, Wong Shu Tong and Yeung Pan Pan to honor several elders' contribution, sacrifice and effort toward Hong Kong film; the "Outstanding Action Performance Award" went to masters Tsui Bo Wa and Lee Fai.

In addition, guests and members voted for three favorite action films of 2019 -- THE WHITE STORM 2 DRUG LORD (SO DUK 2 TIN DEI DUI KUET) (action directors Han Ping and Ng Hoi Tong), LINE WALKER 2 (action directors Chin Kar Lok, Wong Wai Fai, Tang Shui Wai and Ng Hoi Tung) and GUILT BY DESIGN (CHUI MIN CHOI KUET) (action directors Chin Kar Lok and Wong Wai Fai).

This spring banquet was Charles Heung Wa Keung sponsored. The Association has already applied for a charity organization certification. It promised to develop and promote Hong Kong action films. The Association earlier produced a documentary about stunt people. The film has completed its post production and will be released soon. The Association also would spare no effort in charity in hopes of repaying the community and helping even more those in need.

[2020.02.03] DADA CHAN WANTS KEVIN CHU'S SECRET TO STAYING YOUNG

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DaDa Chan Jing and the new generation god Kevin Chu Kam Yin worked together for the first time. In the new film THE SECRET DIARY OF A MOM-TO-BE (BABY FOOK SAU GEI) they played new parents. With 9 years in the business DaDa as the Hong Kong Film Award Best Supporting Actress teamed with the less experienced Chu Jai showed her elder presence. Yet in terms of actual age, DaDa was two months younger than Chu Jai. DaDa enviously said, "Chu Jai is 31 but still is kept very young like he is 24. I want to think of ways to freeze my age!" With a baby face Chu Jai was in pursuit of masculinity. "Girls with guys of the same age indeed would be more mature. I am working vrey hard to follow DaDa's maturity progress."

DaDa in the film played a career woman, with the love of her husband Chu Jai she had absolute control over her life. She said that after finishing the film she was not able to leave the role, as she constantly wanted to take care and advise Chu Jai. Chu Jai stated that he did not only played a protected animal, at work he and DaDa took care of each other. He said, "I know she want to lose weight, she can't eat a lot. I gave her crackers to keep her full and cheer her on."

They described the production as fun but tough. The film was completed in a short time. Playing parents were the most memorable. Chu Jai felt that the "panic" response was challenging. "In the scene I was being tricked, my wife pretended her water broke and had to give birth. I had to perform a series of panic expressions." DaDa said that acting while holding a 5 month old baby was very stressful. "The baby was very small, I was very afraid that I would hurt him while carrying him and make her uncomfortable. This scene gave me a Mama feeling, imagining how I would feel when I have my own baby. I would be scared at every single moment."

DaDa and Chu Jai felt that the film was a good opportunity of practicing being parents. DaDa said, "In real life there is no parent training class. Making the movie is like a rehearsal. I discovered that being a parent is very noble, not easy at all." Chu Jai said that at the current stage he was in full career mode, parenthood to him was too early to even speak of.

DaDa however kept an open mind. She would not resist getting married and having a child at any time. She said, "I am 30, I am not a kid, I am mature enough, I have a sense of responsibility to take care of others. As long as I have suitable someone I would think in this direction. If I haven't found anyone I would spend a few more years on screen. Now Hong Kong film's space is getting smaller and smaller, I would cherish any opportunity. When I see Chu Jai I would remember when I first started in the business, with that passion and struggle."

DaDa humbly said that she did not have as much experience as Chu Jai, this time

THE SECRET DIARY OF A MOM-TO-BE will open on Valentine's Day. They expected to spend February 14th promoting. They did not have any suitor invitation.

DaDa admitted that in real life she was romantic. She arranged for a candle lit dinner with her boyfriend just like in the movies. She recalled, "I lit over 100 candles on the roof and asked him to fix the antenna on the roof. When he saw he was very moved." Chu Jai loved to pay attention to details. He once gave a blow dryer to his girlfriend. "She could use it everyday, when she did she would think of me."

Hong Kong remained in a tense situation and ran into the novel corona virus outbreak. Would they worry about the box office? Chu Jai felt that the box office was beyond his control. He did his best as an actor and hoped that the new film would bring the audience a moment of relief. His small goal in 2020 was to make those around him happy, including the audience. DaDa lamented that a lot of social problems were beyond her control. She only wanted to bring positive energy with this film and give everyone room to breathe. She said, "Everyone can relax a little and change the angle to start anew!"

DaDa in the New Year would look forward to new development in love. She admitted, "I haven't (dated) in awhile, even work has been hindered. Without love, how can I make romantic film?" Chu Jai said, "Men the opportunity is here!" DaDa stated what she was looking for in a man, "kind and put family first. Then it would be about feeling and fate." Each Lunar New Year she would buy peach blossom to promote her luck with people. she said, "This circle is very small, very hard to find someone. I want to find someone outside the industry. I would learn to play golf, cook, meet different people."

[2020.02.02] MAINLAND ORDERS COMPLETE FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION HALT DURING OUTBREAK

Andrew Lau's new film production is delayed due to the outbreak

Dicky Cheung postpones his Macau concert with the outbreak in mind
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To thoroughly confirm the spirit of Central's guidance to strength outbreak control, reduce gathering of masses, and better protect workers' safety and health, the China broadcast television community group association television producer and actor committees two days ago issued a joint press release to announce film and television production halt during the novel corona virus outbreak period. The statement pointed out that during the period of the novel corona virus prevention, all film and television production companies, teams and actors should follow the related national regulation and temporarily stop film and television series production work.

If any film and television company, team in this period does not stop production and triggers the spread of the outbreak, they would bear the responsibility. During the outbreak, film and television producers and actors have the right to decline production work. If any production is discovered to be continuing during the outbreak, it can be reported to the China broadcast television association television producer committee and actor committee, or the local government and outbreak prevention department.

In coordinate with outbreak prevention, famous costume film studio Hengdian film and television studio earlier has already announced that it would temporarily be closed to production. The indefinitely production halt has deeply affected the team and the film and television industry suffered severe impact. Hengdian film and television studio yesterday announced that in order to reduce each team and actor's losses, the studio during the production halt would remove all production base and production set cost and cut the charges of the hotels under its banner in half. In addition, Hengdian's actor guild would also during the production halt provided each extra 300 yuan of housing bonus and 200 yuan living expense stipend for the month to get past the difficult times together.

[2020.02.02] ANNIE LIU IS GLAD TO SEE HER HELLISH TRAINING IS NOT WASTED

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Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau) last year gained weight then lost weight for the film THE GRAND GRANDMASTER (MUK DOI JUNG SI), as she accepted the hellish training to become a boxer. At the same time she learned to swim. In the New Year she stated tha she would again participate in an extreme location marathon and continue to accept challenges.

Lau Sum Yau in the Lunar New Year film THE GRAND GRANDMASTER played a boxer. She first had to make herself fat then lose the weight a again, which could be considered a hellish training. However she saw the good the result was, she felt that it was worth all the effort. Sum Yau had zero boxing experience, so she spent 4 months to train to look like a boxer. She said, "I really had a coach, I was very happy the director (Dayo Wong Tze Wa) gave me time to train. It was my first fight scene. Although the training was very tough, I had to keep practicing during the shoot and I couldn't stop after the wrap because I promised the director to show off my back for everyone at the premiere. however I saw how great the final result was, the effort I gave wasn't wasted."

Sum Yau was very happy to work with Tze Wa, saying that he was an extraordinary director. "He put a lot of thought into many of the golden quotes in the film, reflecting a lot of social situations. His individual shadow looms over a lot of the film. He also gives actors a lot of space. I feel that he resembles a instructor even more. He is also very passionate about boxing. We once went to see a MMA fight and I asked him a lot of questions." however seeing Tze Wa giving his all to GRAND, Sum Yau has not had the desire to direct because of him. He said that the directors' responsibility and stress were great. She still had a lot of room for improvement as an actor, so she would do her best as an actor first and would think about other stuff in the future.

For the Lunar New Year, Sum Yau said that in the past she mostly went away on vacation. This year she would stay in Hong Kong instead and would decorate her home and Chinese candy box. Yet when faced with the Lunar New Year candy in the box, Sum Yau did not dare to indulge. She said that she would use it mainly to treat friends. She would only dare to have one piece of chocolate. "I like New Year food like the rice cake, but I would only have a small piece. I need to have control, I don't dare to indulge myself." As for her goal in the New Year, Sum Yau admitted that every year's New Year wish would be achieved very quickly. In 2019 she conquered her fear of waters and successfully learned to swim. In April this year she would again take the extreme marathon challenge. "Last time I didn't run in the Arctic Circle, this time I finally will. I look forward to it very much. I would make a Lau Sum Yau flag, after I am done I would plant it, haha!"