The television wars in Hong Kong have been delayed to 2013, allowing TVB, CTI, and Now TV more time to prepare for battle. TVB majority shareholder, Charles Chan (陳國強) has convinced Director Wong Jing (王晶) to produce a big-budget 40-episode drama for TVB. Wong Jing hoped to cast internationally acclaimed actress, Deanie Ip (葉德嫻), Kenneth Ma (馬國明), Hawick Lau (劉愷威) and Kimmy Tong (童菲) in the series. TVB’s rival station, CTI’s broadcasting license approval has been delayed, stretching the cash resources of Chairman Ricky Wong (王維基). Successfully luring away many of TVB’s reputable artists and production staff, CTI has several dramas in the pipeline, including a new detective thriller starring Felix Wong (黃日華) and his daughter, Adrian Wong (黄芷晴). Richard Li’s (李澤楷) Now TV was eager to make greater strides in its television drama programming. Husband-and-wife team, producers Lau Ka Ho (劉家豪) and Miu Siu Sing (梅小青), left TVB to work for Now TV in April. It was reported that Lau Ka Ho is interested in seeking out Charmaine Sheh (佘詩曼) for a new drama. Wong He (王喜) also confirmed that he will film for Now TV in early 2013. Realizing that TVB needed to strengthen the quality of its dramas amidst greater competition, Charles Chan sought out director Wong Jing to act as TVB’s trump card. Wong Jing had worked as a TVB scriptwriter in the 1970s, creating the masterpiece, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, also known as Man in the Net <網中人>. Wong Jing also created the widely popular Flaming Brothers <縱橫四海>, saving ATV ratings in 1999. Wong Jing’s dramatic scripts and seasoned ability made him the best person for TVB to turn to amidst an impending television war with rival stations. Wong Jing Confirms Partnership With TVB Admitting that he will produce a drama for TVB, Wong Jing said, “TVB invested in my production company’s new mainland drama, which centers around family love and revenge. [Deanie Ip] will be the matriarch. Kimmy Tong will portray her adopted daughter. Hawick Lau and Kenneth Ma are also actors I wish to cast. I had preliminary discussions with Deanie. When the discussions are more advanced, we can speak about it further!” It was rumored that internationally acclaimed actress, Deanie Ip, commanded a staggering $250,000 HKD filming fee per episode for the new TVB drama. If Deanie were to accept the powerful matriarch role, the caliber of her acting skills will provide audiences with great joy. Although his earlier acting career in Hong Kong was lackluster, Hawick Lau has managed to turn around his luck incredibly in mainland China, ascending to the ranks of television producer this year. Wong Jing’s desire to produce a drama to appeal to the mainland market naturally led him to consider Hawick Lau. Dubbed as a “Jing Girl” due to Wong Jing’s heavy promotion, 21-year-old Kimmy Tong was also cast in Wong Jing’s new film, The Last Tycoon <大上海>, opposite Chow Yun Fat (周潤發). If Wong Jing were able to assemble his dream cast of seasoned talent and popular actors, his new TVB drama will be a heavyweight in next year’s television line-up. Creds: Apple Daily
Wong Jing's movies are craps, tell me a good one lately, his TV series from the 70-80 were good, but if you watched one, you already watched them all since they are the same type of plot.
