Raymond Lam (林峯) was a graduate of TVB’s 13th artiste training class of 1998 and made his first appearance in a TVB drama the following year. In 2000, he was offered his first major role in the comedy drama A Taste of Love <美味情緣>, starring opposite Lawrence Ng (吳啟華), Flora Chan (陳慧珊), and Miriam Yeung (楊千嬅). Raymond expanded his career in music and film under the management of TVB, finding popularity in mainland China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. However, in July of this year, Raymond announced that he has chosen not to renew his contract with TVB, ending their 15-year relationship. Reports say that due to Raymond’s popularity in mainland China, he could have left the station a few years ago, but due to his close relationship with Virginia Lok (樂易玲) and loyalty to TVB, Raymond decided to extend his contract for a few more years. It was rumored that Raymond was paid up to 400,000 RMB per episode for Chinese historical drama The Virtuous Queen of Han <衛子夫>, at least ten times more than his pay at TVB. Raymond admitted, “I don’t want to talk too much about it, but I think it’s more than that.” Time to Move On He said his decision to leave TVB was not because of money, but because he felt it was time for him to move on. “Filming dramas are very difficult. Of course, I also want to do something that makes me happy. Most importantly, I want to work on a production that is suitable. Nonetheless, I hope to film more on movies in the future. Whether it is in music, film, or television, I want everyone to get to know a different side of me. I’m older now and I want to make some changes.” Raymond is still searching for a suitable new management company. Asked if he will sign under Pegasus Entertainment, the agency that manages Raymond’s girlfriend Karena Ng (吳千語), he said, “Not necessarily. I’ll definitely work with [Pegasus] in the future though. Raymond Wong Pak Ming (黃百鳴) and I have discussed some projects together many years ago.” However, Raymond does not want to mix love and work. “I really don’t want our work and private lives to link together. We’re afraid there would be some [negative] consequences. We want to keep our relationship and work life separate.” Wanting to spend more time in Hong Kong, he will likely sign with a local agency and will not start his own company. “After all, I’m a Hong Kong actor. Starting my own company is just another form of having more decision-making power for yourself, but if another company is willing to give you the conditions you want, it’s the same.” Creds: 21CN
