Since winning the crown at the Miss Chinese International Pageant in 2005, Fala Chen (陳法拉) stayed under the management guidance of TVB. With 20 television dramas, five films, and two Best Supporting Actress wins already to her credit, Fala was greatly promoted by TVB and has risen to become a top Hong Kong television star in just five years. Despite the ongoing successes and achievements during her eight-year stint with TVB, Fala chose not to renew her management contract with TVB this year, which expired in early May 2013. A source told Hong Kong’s 3 Weekly that Fala’s boyfriend, Neway prince Daniel Sit (薛世恒), had been expressing his dissatisfaction at TVB for giving Fala long working hours with low pay. Fala is also reportedly burnt out and exhausted on the idea of continuing an intense TVB schedule. After a long discussion with Daniel, Fala decided that it is only reasonable to discontinue the management contract to avoid the long hours as much as possible. “Fala hasn’t had a good day of rest in the last few years, and she barely has any time for Daniel,” the source said. “In addition to the low pay, Fala and Daniel decided that it was not worth it to continue the [management] relationship with TVB. If it wasn’t for TVB, Fala would not have reached the success that she has now, so she plans to sign a per-series contract with TVB, for $40,000 HKD per episode.” According to the per-series contract, Fala is required to film at least one TVB drama per year and is not allowed to promote or serve other television stations in Hong Kong besides TVB. On her new contract negotiations, Fala said, “Everything has been going well. I want to try something new [with TVB], as my [TVB management] contract was signed after the beauty pageant eight years ago. I really don’t know if I will change it to a per-series contract. After joining the industry I didn’t do much except filming dramas. I really want a break. It is time for me to take a step back and figure out how I should lay out my road, and use some time to study in New York.” Considers Signing with Huayi Brothers Following the footsteps of ex-TVB actresses Charmaine Sheh (佘詩曼) and Bernice Liu (廖碧兒), Fala hopes to pursue a profitable television career in mainland China. An insider revealed, “Fala doesn’t want to use her boyfriend’s money, and they handle their finances separately. Fala still has a market in mainland China. When news broke out that she ended her contract with TVB, many mainland Chinese companies are looking forward to sign her.” The insider added that Fala met with a Huayi Brothers executive earlier to negotiate contract details, in which she is very close to signing the deal. Creds: 3 Weekly
