TVB newcomer Jenny Lau is currently shooting new series Heart Road GPS. A few days ago, Jenny was shooting a scene where debt collectors were after her, she had to get a plastic bag shoved over her head, get pushed into the wall and get threatened with frogs. Because she couldn't meet Director Cheung Wing Ho's expectations, she had to re-film the scene several times and Director Cheung was being very forceful while teaching her how to do the scene. Jenny was so frightened she instantly started crying hard. Because of this, Director Cheung was accused of being abusive. Since the incident was exposed, Jenny did not wish to comment too much and just kept it all in. Yesterday both Jenny and Director Cheung were called back to meet TVB executives Au Wai Lam and Catherine Tsang. They were each asked to explain the whole incident in detail.

Yesterday reporters contacted Jenny, she admitted she is feeling emotional: "I was surprised myself when I saw the playback. Initially I wanted to just let the incident fade and I have to thank the producer for giving me the opportunity. I'm just trying to do my own part and want the best for TVB. Actually last night, I worked with the director again. He apologized to me and we're fine now. (Do you think his directing style is problematic?) I don't know his style. I just do whatever he says." Jenny reveals her mother has been suffering from cancer for 8 years and recently had a relapse. She's worried her mother, who is in Mainland, will find out about this incident and be worried.

It was understood, during Charmaine Sheh's early years of acting, she was also treated harshly by Director Cheung. Yesterday she replied to reporters via SMS and took advantage of the moment to give Jenny some support. Charmaine said: "I don't want to comment on people who have bad qualities. But, I think that girl shouldn't shoot the scenes, nor should she give up on her own ideals. There are many directors in this industry that are like that!" Vincent Choi, a NOW anchor, posted the news on Weibo and Ada Choi quickly reposted it. She also left a message to support Jenny: "I saw the clip and thought it was very shocking. How can you treat someone like that? And not to mention, she's a girl! Even if she's a newcomer, she should be respected. This director is ridiculous, makes people feel disgusted!"

Chapman To was also fired up, he posted on a social networking site: "This person was already a little crazy when he was working as a PA at ATV....if this girl is not a newcomer, will he dare to treat her like that? Actually, if he messes with my wife like that (Kristin Tin), I would kill someone!" Reporters later contacted Chapman, he admitted he collaborated with Director Cheung before at ATV. He left a deep impression because of his manic behavior: "He often uses profanity and has a bad temper! Luckily that time he was just a PA. In other words, he's just directing, if the lead actor doesn't know how to kiss the lead actress, is it necessary to push the guy away and force kiss the girl himself? You have to have patience and a method when dealing with newcomers. If you don't know how to teach them, then don't be a director. This is your job."

Former TVB actress, Erica Yuen (known to bash TVB), made an angry comment: "Tell that girl to come to me. I will go with her to the police station! Is he crazy? I think that director should be fired!"

Catherine Tsang defends Director Cheung

It was rumored Director Cheung is a relative of Catherine Tsang, she said: "I don't know what's the big deal! First, the director is not my relative and the clip online was just a part of it, which was taken out of proportion! Shooting for over 2 hours, anyone would feel impatient. It's common sense. If it's like this, then directors don't have to teach the actors how to do the scenes anymore!" Catherine stressed TVB will certainly and must find the person who uploaded the clip and get to the bottom of it. It was understood the person who leaked the clip was a 'competitor', who worked at TVB as an undercover. The person stole the clip from the studio and uploaded it on the internet. TVB already knows who is behind this and is planning to call the police.


(Below is translated responses from the video)

* Jenny responded: "I don't want say too much, as a newcomer I'm willing to tolerate these types of things. (Do you think it's right what the director did to you?) I don't know how to answer"
* Director Cheung said: "We were filming those 3 shots for over 2 hours. At the time, perhaps I was impatient, of course I was frustrated and got a little rude."

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/

This guy seriously need to control his temper! Especially since this isn't just the first time either, he should be fired! Catherine's response was rather a sting to the ears, going all out to protect that director. If they really do go to the police...what in the world are they even going to charge the guy/girl with? :P The more you cover up, the worse it makes you look....

The name "Koo Ming Wa" may sound unfamiliar to us, but once we say the name "So Gay", everyone knows who he is! Koo Ming Wa (Koo Lou) has recently made a breakthrough based on the role "So Gay" in TVB series Divas In Distress. On Facebook, there were over 61,000 supporters for him to get the "Best Supporting Actor" award at this year's TVB Anniversary Awards.

Koo Lou is a graduate from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. This time, he stole the limelight from the entire series. In the past, he received a nomination for "Best New Performer" at the Hong Kong Film Awards for his role in the film Sex Racecourse (1992). He is also a stage play actor and has done dubbing work. At TVB, Koo Lou often plays villains, criminals or rugged citizens.

Yesterday Sina (HK) started an 'One Like Per Person - Support So Gay To Get An Award' page on Facebook. In the episode where So Gay finds out his real identity, the scenes moved audience to tears and up until now, there are already over 61,000 people on Facebook that "Like" So Gay's character. Kou Lou's acting is being highly recognized! Netizens praised Koo Lou's excellent costumes and acting. He was able to have a 'gay' outer appearance and a feminine personality, but its not too over that it disgusts the audience. That is rare!

Source: Sina Entertainment, HKChannel
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/

For the recent award years, the award for Best Supporting Actor have been the most exciting for me because I consider it quite competitive. There are quite a few deserving candidates....and it's honestly hard to choose one. This award is also the award that I feel..had been given to the people who truly deserves it.

This year, I am supporting (so far); Koo Ming Wa, Ram Tseung, Lee Sing Cheung and Oscar Leung. Out of all of them though, only Koo Ming Wa and Oscar Leung had a catchy character....so I'm thinking that their chances would be higher than the other two. If I had to choose between Koo Ming Wa and Oscar? I think I'd choose Koo Ming Wa...since I think it was a rare chance for Koo Ming Wa to land on the role of So Gei, that managed to grab the audience attention. If he doesn't win with So Gei, I'm scared he may not get another "big" character like So Gei again in the future since he's often in really small roles...therefor, may not have the chance for the award later on.

So who do you guys support?!

Ok, super smooth glide. Check. Super stylish and bright clothings. Check. Lastly, an awesome hairdo! Check! What more can we ask for? Haha So Gei (Koo Ming Wah) is absolutely hilarious! Definitely my favourite character in Divas ;)

One of his scenes:
Vincent (Him Law) is introducing his new ideas (designs) to the workers…when So Gei suddenly…

So Gei: Who’s the girl?
*walks over to one of the worker girls*
Go Gei: Is it you?
*girl defends herself*

Vincent: What’s wrong with you?
So Gei: I’ve known you for over 20 years. I know your taste. This drawing…this grafitti, is twisted but determined, unrestrained but melancholic. It craves love but is scared of it. I can smell the scent of a woman!

*everybody starts smelling the paper*

So Gei: You don’t have the DNA to draw something this feminine! Ok…if you have a girl out there, fine. I can live with that…but you’re bringing her into the office! Are you done with me? Is it game over for us?

*Vincent smiles*
So Gei: Fine! Go to your muse!
*leaves*

Worker: Mr.So!
So Gei: So, So, So….So what?

Lols I laughed out loud at this scene xD So Gei is super awesome! He either makes me smile or laugh whenever he’s onscreen ;D haha he was so….dramatic…in this scene! Loved how everybody tried to smell the “feminine” scent of the paper :P But to be honest, I am a bit confuse on why he got mad x)

Ok...I admit, I am a tiny bit obsess over Mandy and Him Law right now Q.Q  I think they're so cute together!!!!!!!! OMG xD  lols  My heart kind of flutters whenever I hear "their song", since it meant that there's a scene of them!  To be honest, Him's character is a jerk....but the reason why I still like him is because of his soft spot for Mandy.  Haha that only counts for dramas though, if it's in the real world...I don't think he'd get anywhere, with any girl if he had that kind of attitude :P  I was actually hoping that Mandy would give him a slap across the face, when he told her that he threw her cap away...

Oh to talk more about their song, "Can't Take My Eyes Off You".  At first...I didn't really like it because the tune is kind of slow, not exactly catchy.  After listening to it a few times though, it finally grew one me.  I especially love when it comes to, "I love you baby..." because that's when the beats comes in ;)

The big TV war is predicted to start next year, TVB does not dare to underestimate their competitors. Lately, TVB has been putting a lot more thought into their dramas. Drama production heads Tommy Leung and Catherine Tsang are racking their brains to get good castings. It was understood Tommy secretly contacted Esther Kwan to discuss her comeback. In order to increase the chances of success, Tommy tailored a script for her and she'll be carrying the series from beginning to end with old partner Bobby Au Yeung. This classic pairing is going to reunite in a 30 episode story about a curse of dying three times. Other cast members includes Ben Wong and Pierre Ngo.

Producer Chong Wai Kin admits he has already contacted Esther Kwan: "We have already discussed the story with her. It is a thousand year love story set from the Song dynasty to the 1950s-1960s era and then back to modern times. The female lead has a curse where she dies three times in her lover's arms. When we first came up with this concept, we wanted Bobby and Esther to make it happen. Firstly, it has been many years since they collaborated in a series and secondly the roles are very suitable for them. Of course I hope to collaborate with them and I'm very confident they could create sparks again, but we have to resolve the technology issues first before the series can be confirmed." Was it because there is only one Siu Sang and one FaDan in the entire series that attracted Esther to make this comeback? "They will be leading the series from beginning to end, but there still has to be other artists. The setting is also very important. To make the 1950s-1960s setting more realistic, we will be heading over to shoot in Foshan's new filming studio."

Esther accepted an interview over the phone, she expressed: "You all found out about the news so fast! TVB has indeed contacted me, but it's really preliminary. I heard the story is pretty special and I really like it myself. (They're using Bobby to make you come back?) This old partner is truly captivating. After working with him on Armed Reaction, I haven't been a pair with him in a while, even in The Legendary Four Aces, I was with Nick [Cheung] and we weren't a pair. It has already been over 10 years since we collaborated. Of course it's important to have a good co-star, after all we both know each other's styles and there is no need to spend time trying to develop chemistry. It's more comforting like this. I really hope to collaborate with him too, but it is still in the preliminary phase and nothing is confirmed yet."

As the series is dominated by 'One Siu Sang One FaDan' , Esther said: "There are other artists too, a thousand year love story is quite attractive. Actually TVB has approached me before, but because the roles didn't really match me, I didn't accept them. (You had always loved acting, does your craving ever start acting up?) I rarely watch TV series, but sometimes I do have a craving to act again. After all, in the past I could play several different roles within a year, but now I'm still just one character after so many years." Esther's daughter Brittany is already 6 years old, will Nick be looking after her while she gets back into work? "No, Nick is working too, so if I really do shoot this series, I will have to find a babysitter. She's older now, so it's not as difficult because she's more independent and not as attached. It should be ok."

Bobby Tries Convincing Too

Bobby finally has a chance to reunite with Esther and he also anticipates for this to actually happen. He reveals he personally called Nick, he joked: "I called Nick and told him to let his wife come back out and act again. Let her collaborate with me, no need to be afraid of rumors, it's better than working with Benny Chan." Then Bobby added: "Actually its rare to find a female co-star who can match me. We really haven't been in something together for many years. Earlier when she got married and had her daughter, there wasn't any other choice, but now her daughter is older, she can have some freedom. She can take some time out and satisfy her craving for acting. Esther doesn't just want to be a housewife, she wants to enjoy working too."

Husband Nick Cheung Supports

Since Esther got married and had her daughter, she focused entirely on her family. Since she came back for TVB series Seasons of Fate three years ago, she turned down several offers and hasn't been in any series recently. Regarding this, Nick laughed: "I know she talked to TVB. Whether she films it or not, she can make the decision. I won't lock her up at home, if there is a good script and co-stars, then I will definitely support her. Although the family really needs her, I'm still willing to let her get back into acting again. Also, our daughter is older now. As for myself, my schedule is pretty full."

Source: Mingpao Weekly, HKChannel
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/

Thoughts: *tearsofhappiness* Esther!! Please accept!! I would love to see Esther and Bobby together!! A golden couple reuniting onscreen again Q.Q If she really accepts in the end, next year would be perfect. Even grand productions like Triumph in the Skies 2 will have to stand aside for them :P haha at least that's how I think anyways x)

The story also sounds intriguing too. Reminds me a little of A Maiden's Vow, but that doesn't matter :) I'm also happy that Bobby is not taking on a comedic role...at least I'm hoping he's not. Would like to see him in a serious role again!

Oh I might as well add that I'm impress they want to film the pre-modern part in Foshan.  Tvb have recently been putting more budget into their series....which makes me very happy :)  Hope this does indeed get filmed!!!!

info on the series (credits hyn5)

- This Chinese New Year comedy will take place in 1930s Guangzhou. There will be location filming in Guangzhou.
- The Tong family includes Ching Ho Wai (paternal aunt), KK Cheung (second uncle), Sonija Kwok, Patrick Tang, and Lin Xia Wei.
- Sonija will play the 'big sister' who makes the decisions and is the head of the household. She is very dignified and intelligent. Her entire family is useless; she is the only one responsible for doing things.
- Raymond Wong will play a fallen triad leader who has many 'brothers' to take care of. He is very loyal.
- Lin Xia Wei will play Tong Nga Man (唐雅文), a Miss Xiguan. She is very forthright and sincere, and is kindhearted, but she doesn't really have any life goals, and she always sleeps until naturally waking up. She is Sonija's younger sister. She and Raymond will play a pair.
- Tracy Ip will play a villainous swindler. She is a girl who really wants to marry a wealthy person and always plots to take away the family fortune. She will seduce Mat Yeung.
- Cilla Kung will play So Fan (蘇芬).
- Evergreen Mak will guest-star for two episodes as a Marshal. He is Law Lok Lam's son.
- Vivien Yeo will play Tai Ying (大英).
- Katy Kung will play Siu Ying (小英).
- Sammy Sum will play Lung Gor (龍哥), a mean triad leader.

Thoughts: To be honest, I am kind of upset to find out that this will be a comedic series....since I was hoping for a serious one in this time era. Anyways, I wish there was more info on Sunny's character.....I want him to take on a serious/smart role again since he does great in those. Hehe I just re-watched War and Destiny for him!! Totally love him in there ;)

For some reason, whenever I see Tracy Ip...I would think of Leanne Li, who I do prefer over Tracy. haha...

Overall, nice to see a refreshing cast!  Looking forward to it ;)

Last night, Mandy Wong and Niki Chow were shooting for TVB new series A Good Heart Goes Haywire. In the series, Mandy plays a prostitute, but really sacrificed herself for the role! Dressed in a short skirt and a wig, she was shooting a scene outside of the nightclub, where she gets drugged with chloroform and then gets dragged to the dark alley to be raped. She was eventually rescued by Niki, who plays a policewoman. As the majority of the crew on the set were men, Mandy was worried of exposure and so she had shorts underneath her skirt.

For this rape scene, Mandy got actual injuries all over her and she had to shoot the scene in a dirty alley full of mosquitoes and bugs. When the actor who played the rapist dragged her to the alley and because she was struggling to escape, she got bruises on her thigh after completing the scene. Also, Mandy's whole body was itching from all the mosquito and bug bites.

However, this scene wasn't as annoying as her other slapping scene. In the slapping scene, the director initially said to fake the slap, but the result didn't turn out too good. In the end, Mandy bravely volunteered to get slapped for real. She told her 'rapist' to just slap her for real. Mandy said: "Slapping for real is much more realistic! But my face started swelling up! I need to get some ice on it when I get back." For this prostitute role, Mandy gave everything she got, she said watching many movies was part of her homework: "In the series, I always have to lie and I make up my own slang." As for Niki, she had a scene where she jumps off the bridge, but she's still recovering from a leg injury and had to get a stunts double to do the scene for her.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/forums/

Thoughts: Haha I was scared at first because of the title....but thank goodness Mandy's character will be rescued by Niki's. So once again Many is taking on a new role :) You can notice that her roles varies alot....which are all good experiences to enhance her acting abilities. I'll be looking out for her in here!

Highlight #1 - The Hippocratic Crush

A touching themesong, a well-written script and a great assembled cast all tied together to result in this awesome series.  The Hippocratic Crush is engaging and kept me going for the entire 25 episodes.  Let's just say that that is very impressive because I do not often find myself chasing after the recent tvb series.  The casting is also something to like about, a balance between the experienced and the newbies...but with an equally distributed amount of screentime among all.  Tvb often focuses too much on the main characters, which can easily become boring.  So I liked how the smaller characters also got a sub story of their own, giving the newbies a chance to show what they've got without being too over the top.  Overall, definitely give the series a chance if you haven't already done so, as there are some touching scenes that you should not miss out!

Highlight #2 - Bottled Passion

The cast is not exactly attractive, since there are no big names in here but even so, no doubt that the acting was solid.  A series of revenge and romance, you will fall in love with Tung Pun-Sin (Raymond Wong) for his cunning yet loving nature.  Raymond Wong definitely shined in his role and made the character come alive.  His love story with Tsui Sum (Niki Chow) was heart-wrenching, which will require a box or so of tissues to go along with.  Storyline wise, it's a bit slow in the beginning but don't give up too soon because it's worth it....until the last episode (?).

Highlight #3  - Daddy Good Deeds

Unlike the other two series, Daddy Good Deeds is a comedy.  With a sweet light-hearted script, the humour does not feel force or pointless like some previous tvb comedies are like.  All the casts were naturally funny too!  After the series was finished....you can say I was abit sad because I felt so attached to the characters.  I truly miss seeing them onscreen.  Even though I did think the ending was a bit rushed, it's still an appropriate ending for a great comedy!  Need a few laughs here and there?  Watch Daddy Good Deeds because it is no doubt the best comedy this year...or should I say, for the last few years.

Highlight #4 - Gill Mohindepaul Sing also known as Q Bobo

I had troubles choosing if I should highlight No Good Either Way or not.  Overall, the series was good but things felt a bit unreasonable towards the end.  So after debating here and there, I chose to highlight Gill Mohindepaul Sing instead!  He's probably the best and altogether, my favourite out of all the No Good Either Way cast.

I liked Q Bobo since seeing Welcome to the House but have never seen him in anymore significant roles until No Good Either Way.  Once again he was lovable and proved to be a natural comedic actor!  Another reason why I decided to highlight Q Bobo is because he might not be able to act for tvb again, after emigrating to Scotland.  It's such pity seeing him go.

Highlight #5 - Oscar Leung

I think it's quite right to say that 2012 is Oscar's year.  This man is a talented actor and with the help of 2 well-received characters, Cheuk Yuen in Tiger Cubs and Ka Hong in L'Ecargot, he's finally the talk among the audience.  To voice out my opinion for the upcoming awards, Oscar Leung definitely have my support in the competition for Best Supporting Actor this year along with Ram Tseung!

***More to come in part two since I don't want to have so much in one post.