Louis Koo, Michelle Ye, Miriam Yeung, Attend Media Asia's Star-Studded Banquet

Friday March 2, 2007 Hong Kong

One of Hong Kong's most powerful media moguls, Lin Chienyueh, founder of eSun Holdings Ltd. held a 43 table Lunar New Year banquet last night. Artists affiliated with eSun and its subsidiary company, Media Asia (one of the top film production and distribution companies in Hong Kong & China, responsible for high-profile movies such as "The Banquet," "Confessions of Pain" etc.) attended.

Louis Koo Tin Lok, Miriam Yeung Chin Wah, Leon Lai Ming, Edison Chen Koon Hei, Johnnie To Kei Fung, Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Richie Ren, Michelle Ye Suen, Simon Yam Tat Wah, Andy Hui Chi On, Daniel Wu Yiu Cho, Denise Ho, Anthony Wong Chau Sung were present, but Sammi Cheng Sau Man was noticeably absent.

Louis Koo Gets Drunk & Acts Out of Character

The atmosphere was quite lively and many artists such as Louis had too many drinks, acting out of norm. After the banquet started shortly, Louis' cheeks had a red flush due to drinking and he went around saying hello to everyone. At one point, he even stepped up on stage and told the MC to shut up!

Louis was invited to go onstage to help select the raffle winner. The MC said, "Please pick me!" The alcohol imbibed Louis replied, "You shut up!" 「你收皮啦！」Then he shouted, "Hey where did Viriginia Lok Yi Ling go?"

To increase the audience's spirits, Louis pretended to fix the raffle results, promising to select the winner based on the loudest shouts. Louis' steps were unsteady and his manager was unable to handle him. Finally, Louis required the assistance of onsite ushers to support him when he left.


Sammi Cheng & Miriam's Fight for #1 Sister Spot Continues

Since Miriam signed with Media Asia earlier in the year, numerous rumors have circulated that Sammi Cheng's #1 Sister title with the company will be threatened, thus sparking her decision to return to the entertainment circle full-force in 2007. Sammi will be releasing a new music album and holding a concert in May.

As the public is expecting Sammi to increase her public exposure, she failed to appear at the banquet last night. Allegedly Sammi was afraid of the poor ventilation and large crowd, thus did not appear at the banquet.

Miriam thus took the spotlight last night and along with Leon Lai, they were seated next to Mr. Lin, indicating their high position status with Media Asia.

Media Asia Invests $500 Million (HKD) in 10 Movies

In 2007, Media Asia will be investing $500 million in 10 movie projects. The investment sum is significantly higher than the previous year. Mr. Lin commented, "The movie 'Assassination of Ma' 《刺馬》 starring Jet Li, Andy Lau, and Takeshi Kaneshiro alone will cost $300 million (HKD). There is also 《賣魚的春天》featuring Miriam Yeung and Eason Chan, as well as a movie directed by Fung Siu Kong."

Will Sammi Cheng be featured in any of Media Asia's upcoming films? Mr. Lin replied, "Sammi is busy preparing her music album. We will see if there are any suitable scripts."

"The Hong Kong government has set aside $300 million (HKD) in grants to develop the Hong Kong film industry. You can't say whether the amount is enough or not. Even $3 billion (HKD) may not be enough. There's no reason why the Hong Kong government alone should put forth all the money [thus Media Asia is investing heavily in its films this year]."


Caption: Miriam was high spirited last night, taking the initiative to toast with mainland director, Fung Siu Kong and actor, Cheung Kwok Lap.

Aside from producing films, Media Asia will also focus on concert productions. Mr. Lin said, "Sammi, Miriam, Leon Lai, Andy Lau etc. will all hold concerts in 2007." Will Mr. Lin be signing Eason Chan onboard as well? Mr. Lin joked, "I have not seen the doctor, how can I sign Eason 醫神?"











Allegedly, Andy Hui was concerned that his status with Media Asia would be threatened if Eason Chan were to join the company. Rumors noted that Andy had even threatened to quit, but he defended himself, "I still have 2-3 years contract with Media Asia. How can I quit?"

"I am good friends with Eason. If he were to join Media Asia, the company would only have stronger talent. He will have his own development and I will have mine!"

credits: Dramasian, asianfanatics.