With the establishment of new free broadcasting stations in Hong Kong this year, many TVB cast and crew members left to seek better prospects and higher pay at rival stations. TVB’s staffing situation was currently in dire straits, reduced from its original size of approximately 60 to 20 scriptwriters! The remaining scriptwriters were mainly young and inexperienced staff, resulting in frequent last minute, overnight script changes. Due to historical inaccuracies in the script, veteran actor, Damien Lau (劉松仁), had to step in as part-time scriptwriter for Prominent Family! Adding to the chaos, TVB’s dire staffing capabilities have resulted in administrative delays. Producer Lee Tim Shing (李添勝) will be retiring this year, ending a 43-year career at TVB. Tim Gor’s last production at TVB will be Detective Columbus <神探高倫布>. Although at the end of last year, the sales presentation clip for the drama had featured Wayne Lai (黎耀祥) and Tavia Yeung (楊怡), only Wayne will remain to lead the series. Tim Gor possessed a mutually satisfying working relationship with Wayne, as they had partnered in classics, Rosy Business <巾幗梟雄> and No Regrets <義海豪情> together. Tim Gor had discussed with Wayne regarding the filming schedule in advance, upon which Wayne made arrangements to ensure his own availability after completing The Great Eunuch <大太監> in April. However, Tim Gor revealed that Tavia may be unavailable to partake Detective Columbus. Tim Gor stated, “The sales presentation was geared towards advertisers, thus possessed a lighter feel. When it is truly time to film the series, it will be a lot more solid! Furthermore, I understand that Tavia will be busy with other filming commitments.” Asked whether Tavia will be busy filming Empress Lu <呂氏為王> or Legend of Empress Lu <呂后傳>, Tim Gor revealed that both dramas have not been green-lighted. “TVB never had enough artists! Whenever I wish to cast a certain artist, there are always scheduling problems!” Although Tim Gor was a producer, it turned out that he now had to handle post-production work, sound editing, and animation duties due to TVB’s recent talent drain to rival stations. Tim Gor sighed, “I will try my best to do as much as I can! When my contract up, TVB should be discussing the terms with me. I’m 65 years old and have a limp when I walk! I have the heart, but no more strength!” Creds: Jstars
