Showing posts with label Bowie Lam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bowie Lam. Show all posts
Asking if ViuTV approached him again, Bowie responded he had dinner with the Vice-President of production department earlier but did not discuss about the collaboration. He added he had been busy buying stuff for Lunar New Year lately and said: "I am always filming during Lunar New Year at China in the past years and finally get to celebrate it in Hong Kong this year. Feel like going to flower market too."
When mentioned he was taken photo of kissing with his filming partner, Catherine Chau (周家怡) from Margaret & David - Green Bean (瑪嘉烈與大衛系列-綠豆) series by ViuTV at the street a few days ago. Bowie replied they will kiss each other whenever meeting up: "It is real and we will kiss whenever meeting up as I hope to film sequel. (Really dating?) Please ask Catherine Chau. (Including Bernice Liu (廖碧兒) in the sequel?) It depends on her schedule."
Bowie admitted he disliked to discuss about his relationship: "I will not mention relationship at all. (Many celebrities like to announce it and Vinci Wong (王賢誌) is one good example.) But I have nothing to announce it and it is good that Vinci is happy. Everything is changing in year 2016!"
Pinky disclosed that Cecilia Cheung (張栢芝), Sheren Tang (鄧萃雯) and she went to visit rural areas in Mainland China for charity: "We went to orphanage in Luoyang (洛陽) and we stayed and ate with the children for few days. They told us they could not bear to see us leave and I left quietly so as not to alarm them. Cecilia bought many sport shoes and milk as presents for them and she is very caring."
Currently, Bowie is enjoying his vacation in Korea and uploaded photos of himself and the scenery on the blog: "Today, I reach Jeju Province (濟州島) in Korea and have noodles in a noodles restaurant. I go for shopping and enjoy the scenery nearby, then take the boat to Busan (釜山). Be Happy!" Bowie should enjoy his vacation thoroughly as it is rare for him to take a break.
Last night, Bowie left a message on his blog: "Left a few days of filming in Thailand and it is supposed to take place in the city. Thus, we had to stop working. I will stay here for few more days or fly from Bangkok to Korea. Haha. Anyway, nobody knows what will happen tomorrow... Be happy!" Though Bowie wrote to be happy, but many netizens told him to return to Hong Kong early if possible.
When speaking of the rumor that Sheren Tang developed depression from all the stress while shooting Beauty at War. Bowie said: "Perhaps I have good self-regulation, so haven't fallen ill. At the time, there was a lot of stress. I felt like I went from a veteran to a newcomer. My first scene was with Sheren, we NGed 40 times! I was about to start cursing from all the filming because the script was really hard to memorize and had too many drug names. When Sheren and I were watching the playbacks, I noticed she sat aside and cried to herself. She felt she didn't do a good job. I hope we're all healthy and happy now that its over."
Yesterday Bowie attended Shanghai's 5th College Student Television Festival and was voted as the "Most Popular Actor" by the local college students. Mr. Roger S. Christiansen, the director of American TV series Friends, was the guest award presenter. This time, the award was based entirely off of the votes by college students and all of them were melted by Bowie in TVB series Every Move You Make.
Although college students see Bowie as an idol, he appeared polite. Some female students couldn't get his autograph, so at the awards ceremony, they kept passing notes to Bowie expressing how much they like him and hope to get his autograph. The friendly Bowie fulfilled all the requests from the female students surrounding him.
Yesterday when Jessica Hsuan accepted an interview, she directly admitted that she is very interested in CTI: "Last year, I talked to Ricky Wong already, now that there are more funding, it is a good thing. If he does want to discuss with me again, I am very interested, but as an artist, I cannot just look at the money, I also hope they can invest more into their productions." Steven Ma also admitted that he did get in touch with Ricky Wong last year, but neither side had talked about the pay. When asked if there are heavyweight 'silver bullets', will he join? He laughed and said that the pay is not the most important: "It's still about sincerity. I have to work in Hengdian later this month, even if TVB approaches me, they will have to wait I finish this series first."
Bowie Lam expressed as long as there is a good script, there is a chance for collaboration any time: "This is a good thing, have enough ammunition, which means there is more resources to make a grand production." Bowie also stressed that money is not as important: "Most important is the script and the production. Since he has enough resources, I rather get less, and put the money into the production." Kevin Cheng wasn't able to respond before deadline to publish this article.
TVB long contracted artists Moses Chan, Bosco Wong and Myolie Wu all expressed that it is a good thing that there are 'hundred flowers blooming' in the TV industry. Moses responded through SMS, expressing that he hopes for healthy competition, in order to boost the quality in the entire TV industry. Bosco strongly supported TVB's grand productions, such as Triumph in the Skies II. TVB Director for Foreign Affairs (Tsang Sing Ming) expressed TVB welcomes competition: "We are constantly putting more resources to strengthen our productions, and that is because we are competing with ourselves."
As Youth Ignorance didn't make it on the JSG charts, Bowie feels TVB should comply with the public response: "Even a 7 year old kid knows how to sing this song! (The series was pushed back too long and got affected?) We do not need to research this. If WHB released earlier, it would have won all, TV King/Queen and the Theme Song. Why not just get Charmaine Sheh back and make our own secret awards presentation." When speaking of TVB refusing to sell the Youth Ignorance copyright to Paul Wong, Bowie continued to criticize TVB: "When talking about justice, the current generation should be universal, there is no reason why you should monopolize everything!"
Moses avoided taking about politics, he just expressed his happiness for the success of the finale rating: "Seeing the ratings go from a low 23 points to a high 34 points, proves that many are slowly accepting this series. I am very pleased." It was rumored producer Jonathan Chik and editor Chow Yuk Ming are planning to leave TVB. Sober Band expressed they are unsure. Bowie reassured: "I don't believe this. If they are leaving, I will return to TVB and work for free!"
As for the low ratings, Moses has not felt disappointed yet. He believes the audience just haven't accepted a new type of series yet, but a taxi driver praised the series is very good. Bowie has already signed with a new management, but he still strongly supported that the story is very touching and that the finale should move audience to tears. Bowie also indirectly criticized TVB: "Actually gotta thank TVB for giving WHB so many promotions. It has already been in storage for two years and they could have kept it in storage, so what? TVB still decided to broadcast it, gotta thank them!"
Producer Jonathan Chik said WHB is his most creative production, it is his own sweat and blood. He haven't felt unhappy for the poor ratings, and its hard to see the majority of the cast out at the promotion last night. It was reported that WHB dragged down the prime time ratings, even the sitcom broadcasting in the 8pm time slot has been affected? Jonathan disdain the report, and asked reporters if they flipped the times in their calculations? He joked he doesn't understand how to do this type of calculation.
For this grand event, Bowie's contract signing ceremony will take place in Beijing today. NOW's executive Ho Lai Chuen will also attend to witness this grand moment. Reporters contacted Mr. Ho to confirm, yesterday he admitted: "Bowie just signed a 'big' management contract. He can still shoot TVB series. (What type of series?) Still thinking. We will focus on shooting films and television series and develop in the Mainland market."
Yesterday Bowie Lam, Moses Chan and Kenny Wong attended the promotional event for next week's broadcast of new series When Heaven Burns in Kowloon Bay. Lead actress Charmaine Sheh was absent from the promotion because she is busy working in Mainland. At the promotion, the two lead actors joined together for a band, singing, playing the drums and electric guitars. Bowie said: "I said before I will come out and help promote for every series I'm in. It is not because I don't have a contract with TVB that I won't promote the series. I am an adult, we aren't like that." Asked if this series should have been broadcast earlier? He said: "I Know everyone anticipates this series, and it should have been broadcast much earlier. I don't know though, this is TVB's arrangements. However, we all had our difficult times while filming and encountered a lot of challenges. I know we all want this series to air earlier too."
Does he believe it's because he and Charmaine Sheh left the company that TVB decided to air the series after the anniversary? Bowie laughed: "Then does that mean they are afraid of us? Afraid to provoke anger by the people! We never thought about this, why would this be! This is a TV rated series, perhaps the subject matter is a different type." Is Bowie disappointed that the cast won't be nominated for this year's TVB awards? He said: "What do you all think? Next year! However, the most important is to broadcast the clips one more time a month before the anniversary, so viewers can have a refresher. It is only when viewers can remember When Heaven Burns that will pull in votes."
Earlier Mona Fong and Bowie Lam appeared together at a cell phone event, but had zero interaction. Bowie clarified: "Mrs. Fong chatted with me. She even gave me a piece of crab meat to eat. We are good friends and are on good terms."
Kenny was asked if he's upset that the broadcast of this series was delayed? He said: "The series is about Rock & Roll. Of course there is happiness and unhappiness. Since last year when I heard the news that the series will air, I was very happy, but later it didn't happen, so I was a little unhappy. My emotions went up and down."
Moses Chan just said there are many people that think the main goal for this series is to get the awards, but he felt the series brings out the modern romance atmosphere. It is most important if the songs composed by Paul Wong can last until the Lunar New Year. He said: "The series is airing now is not because of Bowie and Charmaine. Why would TVB air the series when the two are not here! It is just a matter of timing. Even if the series airs now, I'll still be happy. Although people are unhappy about the broadcast period, we are still filled with confidence."
** The following are Bowie’s own words as recorded by the reporter:
I’m the type of person who tries to work harmoniously with everyone I meet, but sometimes, no matter how hard I try, there are instances where things just don’t work out. It’s not a bad thing, as I view this as a way to test my problem solving skills and my EQ. In 2006, when Wong Hei and I collaborated in the travel competition <
A long time after that situation had taken place, a reporter asked Wong Hei and myself to take a picture together. At the time, I could already feel that everything was good between us again, as neither of us held grudges – plus it was only taking a picture together, not working together, so it wasn’t a problem. Even to this day, when Wong Hei and I bump into each other, we are still friendly and always greet each other.
Collaborating with male artists won’t have rumors
I’m not here to create rumors. My job as an actor is to convince audiences to pay attention to the characters I portray, so my desire is to work harmoniously with all my colleagues. Many years ago, when I worked with Michael Tao and Bobby AuYeung, we got along quite well. Each time when we got off work in the morning hours, we would race to have breakfast and see who could get there quicker – the loser would have to treat everyone to breakfast. When I worked with Lawrence Ng, he even gave me a set of golf clubs as a gift. Whenever I collaborate with male artists, there are usually no rumors.
When filming female-oriented series such as <
Given an ‘attentive award’ from Jonathan Chik
I feel that in life, it’s necessary to treat people with sincerity – being fake or insincere, it’s impossible to establish true friendships. One night, while shooting <
**The following are Bowie’s words as recorded by the reporter:
I am an only child and so my parents doted on me and treated me very well. Prior to having me, my mother had a job taking care of the children of British soldiers stationed in Hong Kong, however after she became pregnant, she quit her job to become a full-time mother. From the British soldiers, my mother learned many things, such as the value of being courteous and also how to resolve issues – if you are able to resolve problems on your own, don’t bother other people with it. Both of these values deeply impacted me – in fact, I continued to learn a lot from my mother, even up until the day she left this world.
Having a heavy heart while filming
I remember on June 4, 2007, while I was filming <
On July 3rd, when I returned to HK, my mother’s condition had already worsened. I rushed to the hospital and as I watched the pulse line on the heart monitor slowly become a straight line, my tears flowed endlessly. I kissed my mother on the forehead and whispered ‘have a good journey’ as she left us. Right afterwards, I called TVB to request the day off and the very next day, I completed all the arrangements for my mother’s funeral. By the third day, I was already back at work and even had to film a happy scene – even I wondered how I would be able to pull it off? But as an actor, I had to remain professional – after work though, I would think about my mom and would constantly ask myself what I could have done better in terms of her funeral arrangements.
Dad is proud of me
I feel that it’s my duty to be filial to my parents. My ‘god-sister’ Mannor Chan once invited me to her home to watch fireworks and I insisted that I would only go if I could bring my mom with me. When my mom was alive, I would constantly hold her hand when we walked down the street; after she passed away, I would hold my dad’s hand. He wasn’t used to it at first, but later on, every time I held his hand, I could see the joy and the ‘I am proud of you’ expression on his face. Now, whenever I have time, I take my dad out to have dim sum and often play around with him, make him happy. When my mom passed away, my dad was very heart-broken and sad, so I would tell him that Mama only went to a far away place and some day, the three of us would be reunited again in that place.
** The following are Bowie’s words as recorded by the reporter:
From the time I joined TVB in 1990, I had participated in quite a few series that had good word of mouth as well as good ratings, such as <
Right before the awards, there are always a lot of rumors, especially about the situation of ‘using one’s contract in exchange for awards’. Very honestly speaking, back in 2004, I never discussed my contract with TVB prior to winning TV King. Though I don’t know if the ‘exchanging contract for award’ thing truly exists or not, I know that it’s something I absolutely would not do! If people want to go back and check the timeline, they’ll see that I didn’t sign a management contract with TVB until a long time after I had won the award. At the time, TVB was very sincere in wanting to work out a management contract with me, so I decided to try it. Someone once asked me which party I belong to, which I unhesitatingly replied: “Sorry, but I don’t belong to any party!”
Doesn’t create rumors to gain attention
I feel that being an actor is all about having talent for the art (實力); it’s not about people following you when you’re going shopping and secretly taking pictures of you, neither is it about creating rumors to gain people’s attention, and it’s absolutely not about giving gifts, kissing up, or attending executives’ birthday parties to build relationships. I’ve insisted on this all these years and rejoice in the fact that I have not changed at all, because I don’t want to change myself in order to cater to someone else. Therefore, during that moment they announced I had won TV King, my feelings were especially intense, as I could finally give myself 4 words: 實至名歸 [translated as ‘truly deserving of the honor’]. Talent actually does get recognized and it also proved that my perseverance all these years was right.
In addition to skill, I also feel that I was very lucky to encounter such a good script in <
Jump out of Hong Kong, expand territory
A lot of people thought that I decided to leave TVB because of a strained relationship with the company, especially during the time period after I had won Asia TV King – many people felt that TVB’s attitude at the time was very indifferent and so there were many reports that the company had ‘neglected’ me . At that time, I felt in my heart that TVB wouldn’t do such thing and perhaps it was just a matter of timing – thinking this way made me feel better. Actually, deciding to leave a company that I have collaborated with for 20 years, I truly don’t have any complaints. In fact, I am grateful to TVB for giving me what I have today – without the company, all of the current opportunities would not have been existent. The reason for my departure is because I want to refine my skills and see if I can take my acting to another level. Besides the small market in HK, I want to see where else the name ‘Bowie Lam’ can possibly land!
Discovered and brought into the industry by Deanie Ip
The happiest moment for me this year was hearing that my mentor Deanie Ip won Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival. That day when I heard on the news that she had won, I was so happy that I jumped up and, like a fan, took a picture of the TV screen showing the announcement and immediately uploaded it to Weibo. Back in 1987, I was working as a production assistant at a record company and was responsible for helping Deanie set up her microphone. One day, I was waiting for Deanie at the recording studio and just for fun, I started humming her song 離合圓缺 [‘Circle of Separation and Reunion’] – to my surprise, she was standing behind me, listening the entire time. As she was preparing to record the song, she suddenly suggested that I perform the song with her as a duet – the producer agreed and being totally unprepared, the two of us shared one microphone and I recorded my very first song. Just like that, I was brought into the industry by Venice Best Actress Deanie Ip.
After that, Deanie would invite me to participate with cameo roles in all her MVs and I officially entered the industry. I remember when I released my first album back in 1990, others who started around the same time include Faye Wong, Shirley Kwan, Patrick Tam, etc. In fact, I had the chance to collaborate with Faye Wong back in 1993 in her very first TVB series, <
Also, it was said TVB will soon be shooting the War and Beauty 2 sales presentation clip, and wants Bowie to take the lead. Reporters contacted Bowie yesterday over the phone and he frankly said his workload in Mainland is piled up, so he does not know if he has time and probably won't be shooting the sales presentation. However, he does admit he will be shooting the promotional clips for upcoming series When Heaven Burns.
Stephen stressed that TVB is not treating Bowie indifferently: "He understands. (Comfort him?) He is not harmed, not necessary. Perhaps he didn't know that in the past this press conference is held in January. If we don't value this, then we won't nominate the artists!"
Bowie was asked if he felt better now? He said: "Well late is better than nothing. (When is your contract ending?) In June, we are discussing it now. (Will you exchange anything for the contract?) How can this award be exchanged! This award is critiqued by several other international judges. Definitely can't exchange it. I am very frank, most important is a raise. (Add a TV King raise?) Good! I also have to count in the Hong Kong inflation!"