The lighting ceremony for TVB’s 45th Anniversary celebration was held last night. TVB Chairman, Sir Run Run Shaw (邵逸夫) performed the lighting ceremony, in which the theme was “chasing the wildest dreams into the 45th anniversary year.” More than TVB 120 artists appeared at the lighting ceremony. Combating a recent outbreak of mass resignations at TVB, the company’s executive managers gathered yesterday, including rumored rivals, Mark Lee (李寶安) and Stephen Chan (陳志雲), as well as Virginia Lok (樂易玲) and Catherine Tsang (曾勵珍). The managers’ appearance was to demonstrate unity and stabilize staff’s anxiety. TVB Executive Deputy Chairman, Norman Leung (梁乃鵬), spoke about the current “poaching war.” Based on TVB’s past 40 years, Mr. Leung noted that the company was willing to accept the challenge, noting that Ricky Wong (王維基) of City Telecom currently did not possess a television broadcasting license and his actions were for promotional purposes. Virginia Lok and Catherine Tsang Steady Morale Prior to the lighting ceremony, Norman Leung, as well as Virginia Lok and Catherine Tsang, who were both rumored to be leaving TVB, met with the media. Ms. Lok and Ms. Tsang clarified rumors which claimed the duo were intent on leaving the nest. Regarding the recent poaching trend, Mr. Leung noted that Ricky Wong was trying to generate promotion [for City Telecom]. Mr. Leung will not comment about the current situation, as he did not want to set off a war of words. TVB Will Survive Mr. Leung said, “Ricky Wong has not secured the free television broadcasting license from the Hong Kong government yet. The situation will become survival of the fittest and I’m sure TVB will not be the station that will be ousted. TVB survived for many years and has been in existence for over 40 years. In the past, the company accepted the challenge more than once, each time continuing to improve its programming. Objectively, can Hong Kong support five free television markets? A long time ago, $100 million or $10 billion HKD were invested in a [Hong Kong] television station. However, that station suffered losses and had negligible profits. This was a fact which had occurred.” Stephen Chan Guides Sir Run Run Shaw; Virginia Lok Escorts Mona Fong In past years, the standing position of TVB artists indicated their status within the company. At this year’s lighting ceremony, the limelight was on the executive management. Stephen Chan pushed Sir Run Run Shaw’s wheelchair onstage while Virginia Lok escorted Mona Fong (方逸華), who grabbed onto Ms. Lok intimately. It was obvious who were the preferred managers within TVB. Regarding the group photo of all TVB artists, the main focus fell on the artists of the three grand production series. Since Liza Wang (汪明荃) had a concert performance and could not attend the lighting ceremony, Sir Run Run Shaw was flanked by Carol Cheng (鄭裕玲) and artists from Super Snoops <荃加福祿壽探案> as well as Steven Ma (馬浚偉), who threatened to terminate his TVB management contract earlier. On the other side of Sir Run Run Shaw were Forensic Heroes 3′s <法證先鋒3> Wayne Lai (黎耀祥) and Maggie Cheung (張可頤), TVB’s “biological son” Raymond Lam (林峯), Curse of the Royal Harem’s <萬凰之王> Myolie Wu (胡杏兒), as well as Bosco Wong (黃宗澤), Fala Chen (陳法拉), and other artists. Raymond Appointed in Blowing the Candle Although Raymond Lam (林峯) was a hot favorite in the TV King race, he did not perform onstage amidst the promotion for the grand production series. However, Raymond made an appearance to support the occasion. When it was time to cut the cake, Virginia Lok especially singled him out to blow the candle. Raymond said: “When Ms. Lok suddenly called me, I was also a little scared. I did not deliberately support the occasion, but I just happened to return to Hong Kong for work. Since I had time, of course I will attend the lighting ceremony.” Steven Ma Held in High Esteem Due to unpleasant contractual issues, Steven Ma (馬浚偉) sought to terminate his TVB management contract early. Allegedly, Mona Fong especially wanted to retain Steven at the company. Compared to his standing position at last year’s group photo session, Steven stood closer to the center this year. When reporters requested him to take a photo with Virginia Lok, Steven Mak pulled other people to join the photo to avoid embarrassment. Asked whether he will leave or stay at the company, Steven Ma said, “I am still considering the matter. TVB understands my reasons. No matter what happens, TVB is still my family.” Asked whether this year’s celebration will be the last time he will be participating at TVB, Steven responded indirectly, “Life has many possibilities.” Aimee Chan and Louis Yuen Kiss for 7 Seconds At the lighting ceremony, a promotional clip for Super Snoops <荃加福祿壽探案> was broadcast, including a 7-second kissing scene between Aimee Chan (陳茵媺) and Louis Yuen (阮兆祥). Wong Cho Lam (王祖藍) teased Louis for “stealing his brother’s wife,” while Louis protested, “I just want to test Moses Chan (陳豪), to see what coffee he has brewed!” Aimee Chan did not mind being teased,”Filming the kissing scene was not embarrassing since I’m an actress.” Last night, 45 artists participated in the prize drawing, including, including Steven Ma, Myolie Wu and Moses Chan. Aimee Chan was accused of bringing Moses extra luck. Aimee laughed, “I want to get half of the prize!” Fala Chen Jabs at Marie Zhuge Asked to comment about Marie Zhuge’s (葛梓岐) recent hints that she already married in the Sit family, Fala Chen refused to comment on Marie’s matters. Did Marie Zhuge marry into the Sit family first? Fala stated, “Love should not be flaunted. Too much flaunting will cause the relationship to change.” Creds: Ming Pao/Dramasian
I hope they still remember what quality means because lately, it sure doesn't look like they do. Lately it looks like they are out to rip the audience off, just making a quick buck. I guess that's what happens when you have a monopoly. In that case, I say, create competitors for TVB coz I damn miss HK series. But yet, can't bring myself to watch the series that are out weeks after weeks ... weeks turn into months ... months turn into years. That's how long I haven't watch TVB series. Take that, Mr Leung.
