Raymond Lam (林峯) recently accepted an in-depth interview to debunk some of the myths surrounding his relationship with TVB and his future career options. The 33-year-old insisted that the rumors contain no truth, and revealed that he is currently trying to figure out his career direction. Raymond also spoke enthusiastically about his dream project, and shared his thoughts regarding the upcoming TVB music awards. After losing the TV King title last year, Raymond was repeatedly rumored to be on bad terms with TVB and reportedly considered leaving his employer of 14 years once his management contract expires in 2014. Despite denials from both parties, these allegations continued and grew at a rapid speed. When Raymond volunteered to appear in girlfriend Karena Ng’s (吳千語) upcoming Lunar New Year film, some claimed that he is actually eyeing to join her management company, Raymond Wong Bak Ming’s (黃百鳴) Pegasus Entertainment. Most recently, reports alleged that Raymond is no longer speaking with his long-time mentor, TVB executive Virginia Lok (樂易玲). Other sources also speculate that Raymond may choose to be his own boss by starting his own production and talent management company. Facing tremendous pressure to respond, Raymond finally sat down with the media this week to clarify some of the reports. A veteran of strange gossips, Raymond is no longer surprised by these random allegations. “It is not the first time that I have been involved in baseless news. I have been in the industry for over ten years, and have been financially independent for quite awhile. It is ridiculous that I am still creating trouble for my family.” Still Close with Virginia Lok Speaking about his soon-to-expire management contract, Raymond shared that TVB has not contacted him about contract renewal and joked that the company must not want to keep him. He added that he enjoys working with TVB and that both parties are not in a rush to negotiate. When asked if he has been ignoring Ms. Lok’s phone calls, Raymond replied, “That is ridiculous. We just shared a meal recently, and we see each other at the company. How can I possibly ignore her?” Asked if he would give TVB priority during negotiations, Raymond said, “I have different goals at different stages of my career. Right now I want to strike a balance in all areas. I understand that in this industry, busy means more opportunities, and the more the better. I am very lucky that I have been busy for the past ten years. However at a certain level, I began to neglect the pace of life and became internally empty. Even though I am not yet depleted, I am close to reaching my limits. I want to try out new things, so I want to have a clear idea of my purpose before I make a decision. I haven’t thought about it yet. I am the eldest son after all and should return home to help out [with the family business], so I will decide after discussing with my family.” Dream Project Raymond also denied speculations that he is planning to start his own company, saying that a business venture takes too much work and will divert his attention away from what truly matters. “I really have never considered it. If I enter into business I would work for my family. I’ve seen how much effort my colleagues put into their own businesses. It is not easy, and would take attention and focus away from my on-screen work…. I am already doing what interests me in this industry. For now, I just want my life to become more balanced before I invest all of my focus onto researching something new….” That something new may just be Raymond’s dream project. With years of experience as an actor and a singer, Raymond hopes to combine his two passions and create a live musical. “I have fallen in love with musicals ever since I began taking singing lessons in my teenage years. After watching Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, I feel that there is no limit to creativity. I really admire Jacky Cheung (張學友) for creating Snow Wolf Lake <雪狼湖>. If I return to help out at home, what I would miss the most is this dream of creating a musical. I would definitely have no regrets once I accomplish this goal.” Although Raymond will not be eligible for this year’s TVB Anniversary Awards, he is certainly one of the top contenders at the upcoming Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards <十大勁歌金曲頒獎典禮>. When asked to comment on his chances, Raymond instead hopes to use his popularity to further promote local music. “I certainly hope to use myself as means to help the behind-the-scenes production crew earn recognition. The new system will provide high transparency and allows little room for argument, so I support popular vote. Viewers’ participation will also increase, this will improve program ratings and promote music at the same time.” Creds: ihktv
