TV King, Kevin Cheng (郑嘉颖) is putting his music aspirations on hold in order to film mainland Chinese TV drama, Ip Man <叶问>. Allegedly, Kevin will earn $7 million RMB for the coveted role! Earlier, the announcement of Kevin nabbing the coveted role of the legendary Wing Chun martial artist came as a surprise, as Vincent Zhao (赵文卓) was expected to be cast as the male lead. It is understood that the script will develop Ip Man’s character with more depth and emotional development, instead of simply focusing on his martial arts abilities. Kevin Cheng Selected for His Popularity Aside from Vincent Zhao, other actors who were initially linked with the Ip Man TV drama included Taiwanese actor, Wallace Huo (霍建華) and pop idol Wu Chun (吳尊). Kevin was selected to portray Ip Man due to his immense popularity in China and his appeal to a wider range of audience. Investors in the TV production were particularly impressed with his roles in A Fistful of Stances <鐵馬尋橋> and Gloves Come off <拳王>, in which he exhibited good acting and fighting skills in the dramas. Kevin Cheng Will pocket $7 million from Ip Man drama! Currently, Kevin Cheng allegedly earns $250,000 RMB per television episode. His current market rate increased after appearing in megahit time travel drama, Bu Bu Jing Xin <步步惊心>. To entice Kevin to take on the role of the Ip Man, investors in the TV production reportedly increased Kevin’s earnings to $280,000 RMB per episode. It is estimated that he will earn an extravagant sum of $7 million RMB from the drama! TVB executive, Virginia Lok (樂易玲) stated earlier that Kevin’s goal is to own 3 mansions. With the enormous sum of money landing in his pocket after filming Ip Man, it appears that Kevin will be multiple steps closer to his dream! Music Album Put on Hold Initally, Kevin had intended to complete current mainland Chinese dramas and return to Hong Kong in the second half of the year to prepare for his EEG music album. Although his last album was launched in 2006, it is Kevin’s dream to reinstate his singing career again. It was understood that EEG has concert plans for Kevin next year. Ip Man will perhaps be Kevin’s most challenging role to-date. Kevin expressed his excitement and a keen interest after reading the script. In addition, he will also earn a magnificent sum of $7 million RMB after the filming. Drawn by these enticing factors, Kevin decided to put on hold his music plans for the TV drama. “Ip Man” Drama to Air in December Tony Leung’s (梁朝偉) upcoming film, The Grandmasters <一代宗师> is scheduled to release in December 2012. The producers of the IP Man TV drama also have plans to air the TV drama in December as well, in order to capitalize upon the current popularity and audience demand for Wing Chun martial arts productions. The Ip Man TV drama will trace the origins of Wing Chun and how it evolved into a respected martial arts practice. Kevin’s role of Ip Man will also focus on the vulnerability and emotional aspects of the legendary Wing Chun master. Mainland actress, Cecilia Han (韩雪) will portray Ip Man’s wife, Cheung Wing Sing. Kevin and Cecilia will portray a deep love relationship, which will withstand the turbulent era. The drama will have a strong production crew, whereby, Chinese famous Director Fan Xiaotian’s (范小天) and Taiwanese prominent producer, Yang Peipei (杨佩佩) will add their filming expertise. Ip Man’s sons, Ip Chun (叶准) and Ip Ching (叶正) will also serve as the martial arts consultants. Even Ip man movie director, Wilson Yip (葉偉信) will lend his power to the TV drama as a filming consultant! Creds: Ming pao
