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The Hong Kong Performing Artist Guild originally held an election for a new president to replace the already resigned Eric Tsang Chi Wai last week, but because Anthony Wong Chau Sun brought a group of artist to join the Guild and vote instantly Executive Secretary Astrid Chan Chi Ching turned them away and caused a storm; after a week of interactive exchanges the tension has eased. Chau Sun said that he and Chan Chi Ching were not sworn enemies. Yesterday the Guild also issued a statement. "THE PAG meeting that was originally scheduled for the 21st has already applied for postponement to February 14 with its lawyers and members. Because of the required 21 work days after the adjournment to inform members and the New Spring holiday, the meeting has been delayed to February 14. For assistance please contact the Guild Secretary office." However, yesterday reportedly some existing members were concerned that Chau Sun might not focus on fighting for benefits for older actors and thus planned to vote for Maria Cordero; if Fat Ma runs, Chau Sun would not have an easy campaign.

Chau Sun said that he did not receive any official notice about the election day postponement, he only heard about it. He said that he would only do his best and leave it to fate, as he would take the initiative to run again. He said, "The fact is I really haven't had any unpleasant experience, I hope to welcome the Year of the Horse in harmony. Very soon the dust will settle on everything soon." Since no one notified him, would he feel disrespected? Chau Sun said that was no longer important, he only had to answer to the dozen or so members.

Source: Mingpao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

Anthony Wong Chau Sun lately has been busy with the PAG incident, but he still was focused on his new film production. This time he worked with Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin. He even attentively taught her acting. Two nights ago Chau Sun, Ah Sa and Wong Yau Nam worked in a Sai Wan Ho cafe. In the scene Yau Nam looked inside the cafe with a bucket of Chupa Chups from the tram tracks, perhaps waiting for Ah Sa. Ah Sa was mopping. Maybe normally Ah Sa rarely did chores, her mopping did not meet the director's requirement as she had several bad takes. Originally having a pineapple bun, Chau Sun volunteered to instruct Ah Sa how to mop the floor. After that the director accepted the take. Ah Sa with Chau Sun as her co-star was much more at ease. On and off camera they both were very friendly, so the production has been very smooth.

Although the shoot took place late at night, it still attracted many onlookers. They even praised Chau Sun for being even taller and cooler in person.

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: hktopten

Chow Yun Fat yesterday with Donnie Yen Chi Tan and Aaron Kwok Fu Sing gathered in Beijing to attend the Lunar New Year film THE MONKEY KING (SAI YAU GEI ji DAI LAU TIN GUNG) press conference. Jade Emperor Chow Yun Fat first crowned Yen Chi Tan "the Strongest in the Universe Pretty Monkey King" but soon after Fat Gor said that he hoped Yen Chi Tan's temper would be a little better after making this film; Yen Chi Tan returned the favor on the stage and said that due to Fat Gor's high salary, he could not miss a single moment of the production; Sing Sing smoothed things out and said that he understood that Yen Chi Tan was working multiple jobs. Seemingly on and off cameras the superstars were competing in acting. Were they truly made or were they promoting?

Yesterday three superstars Chow Yun Fat, Yen Chi Tan and Kwok Fu Sing gathered in Beijing with Joe Chen Chiao-En, Peter Ho Yun Tung, Zhang Zilin and others for the film THE MONKEY KING's press conference and global premiere. The film will officially open on Lunar New Year's Day. At the press conference, Chow Yun Fat became the focus. He said that everyone used to say Yen Chi Tan was the strongest in the universe, after watching this film they would know the best fighter was Sun Wukong. With the strongest 3D special effects, he was the "strongest in the universe Pretty Monkey King". However, Chow Yun Fat added that he hoped Yen Chi Tan's temper would be better after making this film. When Yen Chi Tan spoke, he replied with a smile, "I am very honored to be able to work with Fat Gor and Sing Sing, this is a dream team. Also because of Fat Gor's high salary, he can't miss a single moment. Fat Gor has to look cool when he appears."

When some Mainland actor mistakenly described the film as a domestically produced 3D film, Fat Gor humorously said, "An U.S. company did the post production for this film, it isn't a domestic film." Then when Fat Gor talked about his character, he said that his impression of the Jade Emperor was just sitting, eating fruits while enjoying beauties dance. Only he had to act with a piece of cloth and played action star. Thus he could only get himself drunk to be able to imagine beauties dancing around him.

As Fat Gor got on a row, he even set up action director Chi Tan and revealed that he had a bad temper. "Chi Tan's special effect make up took several hours, after that he had to fight. When he didn't have to fight he had to tell others who to fight on the set. Sometimes he would not be able to control his temper. This time he truly was abused enough. Later he rested and his temper would gradually improve." Chi Tan after hearing could not help but laugh, then struck back and said, "Since you are so humorous, I have a few replies for you. You are very expensive, so I cherish every shot of you very much especially with Fat Soh next to
me. I no longer couldn't have any mistake from the crew but Fat Gor also had to look cool when he appeared!" Afraid that Chi Tan would continue to share, Fat Gor interrupted Chi Tan with the reason of being out of time and changed the subject. He said that Chi Tan's Sun Wukong was truly the strongest in the universe. Was Fat Gor afraid of making Chi Tan mad? He said, "What is there to be afraid of? I don't have to coax him, he is much better now."

Chi Tan said about revealing Fat Gor's high salary, "It's not a money problem, it's not easy to make him move. (He said that your temper was bad?) He's joking, would you rather he yell at himself! (Are you too demanding?) I have always been." Sing Sing said that he would like to work with him on a martial art dance film. Chi Tan immediately showed off his twist, which surprised Sing Sing who also said that he could consider it.

Kwok Fu Sing then tried to smooth things over. He understood that Yen Chi Tan had many jobs on his hand. Since he was demanding on himself, sometimes he would be frustrated that the crew was unable to coordinate. He also had a lot to be concerned with, thus he would even more frustrated when time was spent on the lack of coordination. However he too hoped that Yen Chi Tan would be able to watch his temper.

Later, Yen Chi Tan said that everyone was just joking around. Thus he would not be upset with what Fat Gor said. He said that often he would only be demanding on himself. He would sympathize mostly with actors. In addition Fat Gor and Sing Sing were used to making movies, they needed even less reminder before they were in character.

Playing Princess Iron Fan, Chen Chiao-En praised Kwok Fu Sing as the most handsome "Bull Demon King". Sing Sing even joked about making a prequel and a honeymoon scene with Chiao-En. "I really want to know how the Bull Demon King got Prince Iron Fan pregnant, then intimate scenes would be definite! I also want to know Bull Demon King does it!"

Speaking of Derek Yee Tung Sing blasting actors for lacking actor ethics, Sing Sing said, "This year I have to spend eight months on two movies, but I absolutely wouldn't shoot every two days. That would affect the film production process!"

Source: Mingpao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

The Wong Kar Wai directed film THE GRANDMASTER (YUT DOI JUNG SI) will represent Hong Kong at the Oscars with its Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design nominations. THE GRANDMASTER performed well last year with its North American release and came in third among foreign films; at the same time it was the highest grossing Chinese film in the past 10 years.

The U.S. distributor the Weinstein Company's Harvey Weinstein said, "Philippe Le Sourd and William Chan's nominations have proven that THE GRANDMASTER has received the Oscars' overall recognition." At the same time, in response to the growing demand from film viewers and online for THE GRANDMASTER U.S. version, THE GRANDMASTER's distributor Sil-Metropole expressed that it will push for the U.S. version's release in Hong Kong; the 108 minute U.S. version will likely be released this year.

Source: Mingpao, Singtao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

A month after HKTV announced their venture into mobile television, arch nemesis TVB introduced their pay-to-watch internet service, GOTV, South China Morning Post reported.

On 14 January, TVB launched GOTV, a pay-to-watch internet service that allows subscriber to watch past dramas that the company produced since its establishment in 1967.

The launch was deemed as an attack towards Ricky Wong and HKTV, as the latter prepares for the July launch of its mobile TV service that renders viewers with various entertainment programmes and TV series produced by the company through internet-connected devices.

However, TVB General Manager, Cheong Shin Keong denied allegations that they stole Ricky Wong's idea, saying that the company has planned it for two years, though admitting that GOTV would be in indirect competition with HKTV.

He stressed "We are launching pay-to-watch services, not free TV. You may think that because of the timing, but the truth is that it is not."

With a subscription fee of HKD 59 a month (USD 7.61) or HKD 499 a year (USD 644.35), viewers will get to access to about 341 TVB dramas, which will be added gradually, via smart phones, tablets, or computers.

Meanwhile, Cheong revealed that TVB had already sent a letter to HKTV to request a meeting on the matter of the lease of their six transmitting stations, but had not received a reply.

Source: Yahoo! Entertainment

Ivana Wong Yuen Chi yesterday promoted GOLDEN CHICKEN SSS (GUM GAI SSS). She admitted that she and "Figure King" Eric So Cheuk Hong had a lot of fun on dates. "We have been together for awhile, over 100 hours. We met at a friendly gathering." Some pointed out that she became the third party between Eric and Helen To Yu Fung. Wong Yuen Chi replied, "They haven't dated in a long time, he and I have also been single for awhile. We spent a lot of time together before we decided to date. When the report used 'third party became the legitimate one' to describe me, I am truly helpless. Luckily we have chemistry. Mommy knew that I was on a magazine cover and immediately told Auntie to buy it in support!"

Speaking of her boyfriend being disloyal, Wong Yuen Chi said, "I would respect and trust him. If I don't we can't possibly be together." Did her boyfriend give her a figure? Wong Yuen Chi said, "Do you think I would agree only after accepting two toys! Everyone likes art, we have common interests. We share music and designs." Is he the one that she would marry? "I have restrain, I can't publicly talk about that."

Source: Mingpao, Singtao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

Michael Hui Koon Man yesterday attended an event. Speaking of the war of words between Anthony Wong Chau Sun and Astrid Chan Chi Ching over the PAG presidential election, as the PAG permanent honorary president he said, "Only members can elect a president. As for whether instantly admitted members can run instantly, I am not certain. At first membership application required three film credits. When the PAG lacks people, it needs time to confirm certain things. Chau Sun of course meets the criteria, but the process it still needs to be done this way." He said that it was just a problem with the process.

Speaking of Chau Sun and others had to fill out their forms next to a garbage can, Hui Koon Man said, "That's unreasonable, very strange." He felt that Chau Sun was qualified to be the president. Chau Sun's artist performance abilities were great, he was a leader who could lead the new generation and he also had draw. Hui Koon Man was not worried that if Chau Sun became the president the PAG would become more political. "He is very smart, he wouldn't do that. If I vote, I would vote for Chau Sun."

Hui Koon Man denied being opinionated during the DELETE (DELETE OI YUN) production and becoming at odds with director Patrick Kong (Yip Lim Sum). He said, "We just had dinner the other day and had a great time. They respect me so much, it's hard to have a problem even if I wanted to."

Source: Mingpao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

Derek Yee Tung Sing two days ago stated online that from now on he would not use "rolling schedule" actors but did not name who it was. Yee Tung Sing wrote, "I hereby openly announce, from now on I will not use any rolling schedule actors. Actors with real actor ethics would not roll the schedule to make another film, to tour, to perform shows, to make commercials, to do anything distracting! I won't be unfair to you either, like with where I live, what I eat at work, I guarantee it is the same as yours. I absolutely will not permit your treatment to be worse, since I have said it you can't ask for more than me."

Yee Tung Sing also said, "Also, when I make movies I can't get tired. Early shift -- from sunrise to sunset, night shift --- from sunset to sunrise. My contract doesn't have any terms like starting from the hotel......do you think you are a taxi? Conditions like when you get off work......I haven't stopped yet where are you going? In addition, try to minimize assistants and entourage, don't occupy space on the set. You can't bring your own make up and hair stylists, don't play with your phone on the set, keep quiet, focus, concentrate, etc; I support 'people have the right to choose' 100%, you really don't need me, and I don't have to have you!"

Yee Tung Sing listed his demands for professional actors, perhaps he has seen the common phenomenon among current actors and could not hold back any longer. Any actor who will work with Yee Tung Sing in the future have to watch out!

Source: Mingpao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

Silent Majority for Hong Kong in order to raise operation funding selected Raymond Wong Pak Ming's Lunar New Year film HELLO BABIES (LUK FUK HEI SI) for one fund raising show on January 28. Yesterday a press conference was held, Wong Pak Ming attended in appreciation. Because the show was fully booked, Silent Majority that opposed to Occupy central and supported the Hong Kong electoral reform consultation thus raised HK$800,000. Show business has never interfered with politics, but Wong Pak Ming was not worried that viewers would reject HELLO. "Film is film. HELLO is joyous and suitable for the whole family."

Wong Pak Ming felt that Occupy Central was a big problem. "Central is Hong Kong's financial center, Hong Kong's heart like a human heart. If you aren't pretty you can get cosmetic surgery, breast enlargement, enema, but you can't mess with the heart. If you do you might drop dad, without any benefit to Hong Kong. As for general election it is something that everyone should do, but it has to be peaceful, harmonious, reasonable, logical and legal."

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: hktopten

Best Host Luisa Lai Chi San designed sunglasses for the local brand PEOPLE by PEOPLE. Yesterday the brand held a press conference and Chi San invited many television station host friends.

Lai Chi San also revealed her new assignment. "In February I will begin hosting a talk program with (Anthony) Wong Chau Sun. Each episode will not have any content restriction and guests will be industry insiders. Chau Sun is famous for asking pointed questions, he can ask questions that I have never dared to ask. If he and the guest have an argument, I am responsible for smoothing things over and balance the relationship of both sides." The program's guest list criteria first has to be daring to speak, for now Anita Yuen Wing Yi, Charmaine Sheh Si Man and Josie Ho Chiu Yi have been confirmed. Would she invite Astrid Chan Chi Ching who has been rumored to be at odds with Chau Sun to the program? Chi San said that she was under consideration. "A great suggestion! However I worry that when the program airs at the end of February, the incident will already have lost its steam. Actually they only had different ways of handling the matter, their goal was for the good of the PAG!"

Two days ago at the Sir Run Run Shaw memorial event, some claimed that Chau Sun and Chi Ching had zero exchange and seemed that nothing was settled. Yesterday Chau Sun suddenly changed his tune online. "Chi Ching and I aren't deadly enemies. It was about the matter and not the people before, now it has come to an end."

Source: Mingpao, Singtao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

The Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) starred THAT DEMON WITHIN (MOR GAING) was selected for the 64th Berlin International Film Festival Panorama section and could compete for the audience prize. Director Dante Lam Chiu Yin and the two lead actors next month will fly to Berlin to attend the premiere. Lam Chiu Yin's recent work THE STOOL PIGEON (SIN YUN) and THE BEAST STALKER (JING YUN) both were invited to participate in different sections of the Berlin Film Festival. He was very honored to be able to step foot there again, to be able to have an exchange with the top filmmakers of the world. He believed that he would benefit a lot.

Cheung Ka Fai this time played a morally ambiguous robber Han Kong. He said that everyone put a lot of effort into the production, the selection was a recognition for the team. Ng Yin Cho played police officer Wong Wai Yip. In order to play this mentally unusual character, during the shoot he often asked psychiatrists for advice. The pressure was enormous.

Ng Yin Cho returned to Berlin 16 years after BISHONEN (MEI SIU NIN JI LUEN). Ng Yin Cho said, "In recent years many international film festivals have trended toward commercialization. Fortunately Berlin, Venice and other European Film Festival still respect film very much. I feel that viewers there like and support Chinese films, I would participate in this event with a light spirit."

Source: Mingpao, Singtao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

Ronald Cheeng Chung Kei yesterday worked on his new film KEI YUEN FUI GOO LEUNG (STRANGE ENCOUNTER CINDERELLA) with Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau) on the streets of Central. Yesterday was chilly, Sum Yau only wore a flimsy jacket and shorts. She was so cold that she often sniffled and shivered. When she was not in a scene she immediately put on her down jacket to keep warm.

Yesterday "shoe shine boy" Ronald after running into Sum Yau attentively changed her shoes for her, then they embraced and kissed. Ronald and Sum Yau each time kissed for ten seconds. They did three takes before the director was pleased. After 30 seconds of kissing Ronald drained Sum Yau, and she immediately had to apply lip moisturizer to protect her lips.

Source: on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

Hollywood epic CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON 2 (NGOR FU CHONG LUNG II TEET KEI NGAN PING) announced last year that it will go into production this year, and Donnie Yen Chi Tan and Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King) were known to be its stars. However yesterday a report claimed suddenly that the investing company could not come to an agreement over Yen Chi Tan's salary and considered dumping him for Andy Lau Tak Wa.

As soon as the report appeared, Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and CROUCHING 2's U.S. film company the Weinstein Company immediately issued a joint statement that called the report inaccurate. They also stressed that they chose Yen Chi Tan and Yeung Chi King for the leads from the beginning and no other. They have never considered casting someone else. They were very happy that the actors will be able to participate in this film and they looked forward to its upcoming production this year.

As for Yen Chi Tan he appreciated the film company's statement that cleared up the truth of the matter. His mood was never affected!

Source: Singtao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

This year's Berlin Film Festival will open on February 6 with the most Chinese films selected in recent years. After 3 Mainland films qualified for competition earlier, yesterday the Nick Cheung Ka Fai starred Emperor Motion Picture THAT DEMON WITHIN (MOR GAING) and the Shine starred THE MIDNIGHT AFTER (NA YEH LING SUN, NGOR JOR SEUNG LIU WONG GOK OI WONG DAI BO DIK HUNG VAN) both have been selected for the festival's Panorama segment with a chance to win the audience prize.

Source: on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

Artists Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu, Jeana Ho Pui Yu and group HotCha yesterday promoted the film THE SINKING TAXI (HUM YUN, SEI YUN, DIK SI LO). Kelvin in the new film played a deranged taxi driver and performed a car rocking scene with Jeana. Kelvin jokingly explained what "hum yun" meant. "Actually it means 'hardship that you can't spit out'. The subject is very suitable for Hong Kong people, after watching it they can relate!" Kelvin admitted that he was not worried that the film will receive a category III rating because he had "no image"! Jeana played an illegal gas station attendant. She said that the character was refreshing. Because the script has not been confirmed yet she had no idea how far it would go, but being an actor seriously she had to be open minded enough.

HotCha member Winkie Lai Mei Yin braved the chill with a low cut shirt and rip pants. She said, "I am a big girl now, as long as I wear it pretty it's OK!" Regen Cheung Wai Nga joked that her resistance against the cold was strong.

Source: on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

Yesterday Chow Yun Fat and his wife Jasmine Tan headed to Beijing to promote his films FROM VEGAS TO MACAU (DOH SING FUNG WON) and THE MONKEY KING (SAI YAU GEI ji DAI LAU TIN GUNG) for 3 days. In a cap and sunglasses Fat Gor after arriving at the airport had a friendly chat with reporters and left the check in to Fat Soh. Speaking of the PAG presidential candidate Anthony Wong Chau Sun earlier lying on the ground and pretended to be in seizure after being turned away, Fat Gor admitted that he tightly followed the coverage and joked, "He has always been so extreme. (Too extreme?) It's no big deal, the most important is achieving his goal." As for Chau Sun being turned away, he felt that everyone might not be too clear about the process. "Some people might follow the rules exactly, some people might feel they can be admitted at anytime."

At the time Chau Sun said, "I don't believe that if Chow Yun Fat hasn't paid the dues, you would tell him to fill out the form on the trash can!" Fat Gor said, "Then I would have to ask about the guild admission process before, first I would have to be approved before I would be admitted. Then it wouldn't be enough time. I don't know how many members have to approve for admission. Then they are right, all the ground stomping is useless because you don't qualify yet! (Chau Sun felt he was is respected?) He was a little exaggerated too. (Do you support his presidency?) If he can help artists getting benefits, it doesn't matter how runs. He should have the ability to."

Yesterday unable to attend Sir Run Run Shaw's memorial event, he said that if he would have the chance he would pay his respects at Uncle Six's grave. "His film and television kingdoms were all Uncle Six founded single handedly, everything is in the heart." Fans asked Fat Gor for photos and he did not turn anyone away for selfies. Before entering the gate, a group of students discovered Fat Gor. Fat Gor suddenly turned around for a group photo and even attentively organized everyone's positions. He was very friendly.

Source: on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

The Wong Kar Wai directed, Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Zhang Ziyi starred film THE GRANDMASTER (YUT DOI JUNG SI) represented Hong Kong to compete for an Oscars Best Foreign Film nomination. Unfortunately when the nominations were announced two days ago, it did not receive the nomination. Luckily William Chang Suk Ping and French photographer Philippe Le Sourd were nominated for Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography. Wong Kar Wai praised them as the glory of all Hong Kong filmmakers; Carina Lau Ka Ling was proud of Chang Suk Ping!

Wong Kar Wai yesterday responded to THE GRANDMASTER's Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography nominations. He said, "The film world only has one language, and it transmits from heart to heart. I wholeheartedly congratulate Chang Suk Ping and Philippe Le Sourd on being able to represent Hong Kong with the 86th Oscar Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography nominations. This is not only glory for Hong Kong film, but in recognition of the perseverance of all Hong Kong film workers."

Chang Suk Ping happily said, "I am very honored to be nominated for the Best Costume Design Oscar, thank you jury! This is the result of hard work from me and workers who worked with me." Lau Ka Ling posted a photo with Chang Suk Ping online. "Congratulations! I am proud of you! I am waiting for you to pop champagne." Chang Chen also said, "I have known Chang Suk Ping for along time, he is serious and persistent with every one of his films; Philippe Le Sourd is a great photographer, working with him would always have pleasant surprises. Aside from congratulating them on their nominations, I also wish them good luck."

Sil-Metropole chief Song Dai said, "THE GRANDMASTER received two nominations and we are very happy. They represent THE GRANDMASTER and Hong Kong film's international recognition; and confirmations for the director, Chang Suk Ping and Philippe. Thank you Hong Kong industry organizations and filmmakers for your support of us. We also look forward to Hong Kong film doing better in the future. At the same time, we Hong Kong film as a part of Chinese film would fight for even greater honor for Chinese film."

Source: Mingpao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten