Bowie Lam Offers No Pity to Complaining TVB Artists

With his TVB contract expiring shortly, Bowie Lam revealed in program <新派煮意> that he had dinner with Virginia Lok Yi Ling and Tommy Leung Ka Shu recently. “Ms. Lok had a lot of sincerity. Tommy Leung invited me to film Happy House, Hidden Dragon <樂府藏龍> and the sequel to Health Oddities <健康奇案錄>. I am still considering the offers.”

When asked whether his salary would increase, Bowie replied, “The pay would not increase much! For an artist, the most important thing is to be offered a good role. I have been offered mainland roles as well. The script(s) were written in great detail. I want to allow some flexibility….”

Regarding Sammul Chan Kin Fung and Michael Tao Dai Yu complaining of TVB’s low wages, Bowie strongly supported TVB. “So many complaints? On the other hand, I am luckier. Artists should not look at money too heavily!” In response to Joe Ma Tak Chung’s wife complaining of T VB’s strenuous work conditions, Bowie said, “They know that! If you are going to eat salted fish, you have to withstand thirst! (食得鹹魚抵得渴)”

Excerpt from the Sun

Jayne: Money is what motivates everyone to work harder. However, Bowie is correct that other factors, perhaps craft, improvement, and performance, should come first before money. Like all jobs, money is only one aspect of job satisfaction.

I suspect the artists who are speaking out against TVB also have other reasons for dissatisfaction, but money is an easier topic to address with the media.

It also sounds like Bowie was asked to replace Moses’ role in Happy House, Hidden Dragon.

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Responses

  1. Sammul’s dissatisfaction broke out because of Relic series. Money might be just an extra factor.

    Bowie has always been treated highly by TVB since he’s a veteran actor and his pay must be higher than others. I don’t think he has anything to complain.

    I’m not sure about Michael Tao but I think he might be disappointed with the roles he gets since he come back to TVB too.

    1. Michael Tao is one of my favorites, especially back then when he had excellent roles and good scripts. These days, he is casted in the lamest cooking series and not-so-funny comedies. It’s a complete waste of his talent. His only recent series worth remembering is Sisters of Pearl, yet the drama is too dark and realistic. It’s not something I would want to watch a second time.

      Actually, my favorite days of Michael is when he was with ATV. I came to love him after Flaming Brothers and To Where He Belongs back in 1999 and 2001, respectively. He was amazing in both series!

      Is Michael still acting these days? What are his projects? Is he filming between mainland and TVB? On a side note, he hasn’t aged very well and his wrinkles are quite apparent.

      1. Michael Tao back then was well known as a housewife killer but I agree he isn’t aging well.

      2. You should watch Detective Investigation Files 1 – 3, michael was superb!

      3. Michael Tao was a hit in his DIF series but why doesn’t TVB promote him after that? I remember that Louis Koo becomes more promoted than Michael after Michael suddenly is not been seen in TVB series.

      4. Michael has suddenly not been seen in TVB series because he left TVB to film for Wong Jing.

      5. @Kidd

        He filmed for Wong Jing? I thought he got good offers from ATV and move to ATV

      6. @ Vivien

        Those series are filmed by Wong Jing and aired in ATV. You can say it’s a collaboration. At that time, Wong Jing used ATV’s facilities and actors to film his series. But, Michael didn’t sign with ATV.

      7. More like Files of Justice I through V was a hit; especially hitting on Jessica.

  2. Bowie’s hairdo (if it can be called as a hairdo) make me laugh. Reminding me of a Chinese cartoon about a kid with 3 hairs only.

  3. Micheal Tao has been with TVB for many many years, so he may know the company better than others. I think TVB also favors some artists more than others as well. Bowie may be treated better in some ways than Sammuel and Micheal, who knows?? I don’t think it is just money that makes Sammuel and Micheal unhappy with TVB.

    I also think that there is more to a job than just money. I think if you just think about money then your job sort of becomes meaningless. Although money is important, but it should not be the only thing that you think about when you work. I feel that you need to enjoy what you do as well.

    About the long work hours, I think even working in CHina you get that as well. Which acting job doesn’t?? I think the artists do know that filming series is really hard work. I think TVB does not treat their artists as bad as some may think, but their pay is pretty low for some artists that may deserve more. I heard that their pay for artists is even lower than ATV.

    1. No in mainland series the artists have more sleep and rest time per day than TVB that’s why Charmaine said mainland series take longer time to finish. Mainland series also pay more.

      TVB need to be questioned by some workers union. They offer low wages and reap all the money for the executives.

      1. I know that in mainland the artists get more sleep,however, they still have deadlines to meet and schedules to go by… I remember that it only took 2 and 1/2 or so to make Bi Xue Jian 2007.They made it during the winter when it was really really cold too. Mainland artists are stressed and often look malnourished as well. The filming conditions in CHina are pretty hard as well. It is usually really cold as well, but that isn’t the case for HK. Of course I know that they get paid more in China which is why every TVB artist wants to leave TVB and go to CHina for more money.

      2. I meant to say that it took about 2 and half months to make Bi Xue Jian 2007.

  4. I disagree with what Bowie is saying. When employees of any company feel dissatisfaction with management, they have a right to speak up… especially when working conditions are harsh and unfair. This kind of reminds me of the whole Walmart Industry fiasco and their unfair treatment of workers. If no one ever speaks up then nothing will ever change…TVB can continue to make their their employees work strenuously long hours with little pay and still continue to produce crappy series, one after another.

  5. Bowie might be treated better than others, but another highly likely motivation is also that he’s in contract negotiations atm. So of course, he will not say anything bad about TVB as it could harm himself.

    1. It’s very possible. Since Bowie is negotiating a contract he must’ve want to please TVB and don’t say anything bad. The other reason is reasonable too since I’ve never seen Bowie in a supporting role in TVB. He’s also always in the middle during TVB anniversary.

  6. I remember Bowie has once said in The Superman Show (old RTHK radio program) that signing TVB is to gain exposure. You don’t get your money from your TVB salary, but, the side jobs you get from the popular that TVB brings you.

  7. What happened to you Bowie? What happened to your hair? Why are you gaunt? WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?

  8. Everybody knows TVB underpays everyone. Everybody knows for exposure TVB is the best. BUT doesn’t mean TVB can take advantage of everyone by dangling the carrot called exposure. If they are in need of big names, they must pay their worth. At least a bit more. I wonder how much the executives gets? Imagine Joe Mas and Sammul Chans all complain about Salary, imagine how about that Mr Writer, Mr Director and Mr Ke-le-fe?

    1. Wrong there. Joe Ma doesn’t complain and he still speak nice about TVB. His wife did and he even said that it’s her thoughts, not his. Maybe the management take the money.

      1. Him being diplomatic. Nobody wants to cross TVB unless you’re ready to leave elsewhere.

    2. On second thought maybe writers write crap series nowadays because they don’t get enough salary to be motivated

      1. Have to agree with u with the writers writing crap series!!! geez i used to be crazy over tvb series becuase the storylines were good..now a days they are so crap!! especially the recent one with steven ma, fala, yoyo mung…yoyo mung coming back for revenge…then gets killed by step brother…oh plZZ

  9. For one to be truly happy with their occupation, it comes with a package. Money/recognition/support/opportunity to grow, can be a big factor. SO what if you are well recognized, it doesn’t mean much when you work hard, no more than a few hrs a day of sleep, and collect little money. YES, MONEY DOES MEAN ALOT. In the end, it all boils down to money. You need to provide all of the necessary living/expenses.
    Some do have it better than others, so don’t even say that ‘BOWIE’.

    1. Bowie is at the top now so it might be that he does not experience what Sammul and Michael experienced. Sammul might receive better treatment being in mainland series and under Yu Zheng’s banner.

      1. @lol I agree! When someone’s at the top, they will feel a sense of satisfaction and happiness that artistes below and who feel injustice can’t feel or see. It’s totally not wrong of Sammul and Michael to voice their opinions about TVB and what they feel, but they should also realize the consequences that comes along with it. Either their voices will be heard and TVB will change their unjust management system and raise employees’ wages or the company can just choose to not use the two at all. But I feel like at TVB’s current state, they couldn’t afford to lose anymore artist. Furthermore, I’m tired of seeing the same faces over and over again.

  10. I really have a problem with this comment: “They know that! If you are going to eat salted fish, you have to withstand thirst! (食得鹹魚抵得渴)”

    Its like saying you should just not get out of bed because the world is stuffed up and you should just accept being stuffed around and not expect any change or anything regardless how much work, heart and soul you put into it. Its a chinese idiom that’s outdated, misplaced and almost always used to overgeneralise or minimalise a situation that should not be taken so lightly.

    I’m not saying Bowie is incorrect here since I don’t know what context it came out as and his whole intention of saying it; but to just say TVB artists should accept shit wages cause they knew they would remain on shit wages is ludicrous. Of course I’m not defending any particular artist, I’m just stating it generally, as does the idiom.

  11. I really have a problem with this chinese idiom: “They know that! If you are going to eat salted fish, you have to withstand thirst! (食得鹹魚抵得渴)”

    Its like saying you shouldn’t get out of bed because the world is unfair, and you cannot change that, so just accept all the unfairness without trying to change it. Its a idiom overused, misplaced and outdated with the current trend in social developments. It also reinforces inequality of all sorts, traditionalism and the awful class hierarchy which mainland china suffers from.

    Next time, if you want to use this idiom, think before you speak. You may just be implying more than you’re intending! Of course I’m not attacking Bowie since i don’t know the context it was said and his intent. But the general saying is just bad, in my opinion anyway.

    1. Totally agree with you.
      It’s a little bit off topic but I think this idiom is deep-seated in Chinese cultural mindset (the one I know).
      “You have to suffer because there’s nothing you can do” -attitude prevailing in the society. And you are usually ‘beaten’ into submission, metaphorically speaking. (Sometimes not).

      I haven’t watched a single TVB series for years now and sometimes when my sister tunes in to some new series, I can’t hold my interest for more than a half episode.

      I truly wonder how they compensate for the writers and all the other lesser known ‘background’ people. The quality of the shows speaks for itself…
      If I can even say ‘quality’

    2. It not to say you have to accept anything or everything but if you have CHOSEN something, you have to take whatever comes along with it. It’s your responsibility to understand the gains and risks and if you make the decision to take it then you should not complain about the shortcomings.

      1. Well, let’s say that you have CHOSEN a man that you married. I assume you knew him before you chose to marry him. Then after some period of time, he turned out to be controlling and at times violent. Do you tell yourself that because you chose to marry him that you will have to tolerate it or?

      2. When and where do you draw the line when it’s acceptable to ‘swallow the shortcomings’ and take a stand?
        Do you tell a person that because s/he has chosen a career in the spotlight, s/he isn’t entitled to her/his privacy because it comes along with the job?

        The idiom underlies the thinking that you have to accept whatever you are thrown at. And this thinking is especially pervasive in China.

      3. It is your choice again to tolerate it or leave him. But it is through the experience and process that you find out that he is violent and controlling to you and why so. You choose your own reactions but you have to be accountable for whatever you choose.

      4. Yes as a matter of fact even Sammul acknowledges that if you have chosen a career in the spotlight you have to be prepared to lose your privacy and freedom. Because that is the way it is. If you can’t then the job is not for you.

        This is the same when someone takes a job as a policemen or pilot or in an oil rig. Each has it’s risks, benefits and working hours (not necessarily 9-5.

      5. Page, as to where you draw a line, if you can’t withstand whatever you discover on the way then make a change. Not moan and complain and expect the world to change for you.

      6. I’m puzzled now. So do you accept your ‘fate’ of what you chose? or not?

        your answer is vague. Because according to you, I would say that you will accept the shortcomings of what you chose meaning you will tolerate it.

      7. I thought that by making a statement you are not accepting how you are treated and doing exactly the opposite of ‘waiting for the world to change’.

      8. @Page,

        This idiom has nothing to do with “fate”. Neither is it about accepting a decision that you realize was wrong. It’s just saying, if you made the decision KNOWING about the shortcomings, then don’t complain about the shortcomings after you’ve made the decision.

      9. Exactly! Thank you Moonriver!

        “Because according to you, I would say that you will accept the shortcomings of what you chose meaning you will tolerate it”

        Just one more note: If you accept then it won’t be a toleration.

      10. Not tolerate, not lie down and accept fate and moan about it but rather it is what it is, you face what it is as it is. So if you can’t accept it, change jobs. Of course celebrities have rights to their privacy but invasion of privacy is in the end inevitable. So if you really can’t stand it, leave. If you wish to stay, you have to learn to live with it.

      11. I agree with the idiom to a certain degree, but when things gets out of hand and the pros no longer outweigh the cons, then it’s no longer worth it. For example, if Sammul feels that the intrinsic and external rewards of being an artist does not outweigh the cons of losing his privacy and freedom, then he should probably move on from TVB or quit the industry altogether. However, every industry has their goods and bads and we can’t really expect everything to go our way. Sammul is probably saying all this because he doesn’t seem to be valued by his company as much as he wished to be. However, take Charmaine Sheh, who is at the peak of her career right now. She would either only have good things to say about her company because she has been rewarded the title of Best Actress and has a satisfactory income or she would at least understand the shortcomings of the industry and tolerate it. When our hard work is not paid off with rewards, it’s really difficult to have faith in the industry. Ultimately, we have to understand that we have a CHOICE and it all lies in decision-making.

        Sammul has always been a good actor though I can’t say I’m a fan of him. He’s cute and I don’t mind watching him onscreen. He has a good work ethic and tries hard. I feel like he has more passion for acting than both Ron and Bosco, but he’s lesser in terms of personal charisma and personality than Ron and Bosco. However, since he doesn’t appear in enough TVB series and I don’t watch his dramas outside of TVB, it’s quite hard for me to give an opinion about where his potential lies.

      12. I interpret the idiom as Candy and moonriver did too.

        Side note:

        1)Sammul chose to not sign with TVB and earn his freedom. Unless someone is Wayne Lai; with his clout he don’t have to sign to be highly thought of by TVB. Signing with TVB means having to let go opportunities in mainland or movies if the schedule is packed to film TVB dramas. Rejecting means disobedience. TVB also charged commission on all their payment.

        2) Everyone who is an actor and actress in TVB is serious about their work/acting no matter how you perceive it. Filming in TVB especially is harsh. Injuries and sickness from filming is a norm. Insomnia is normal among many “promoted” artistes. If these artistes are not serious they can’t go through all this for how many series and years already.

        3) TVB writers don’t have quality work anymore. Even “promoted” artistes have to deal with badly messed up characters. It’s everyone’s problem here; because TVB writers are incompetent and rarely produce good characters – or are they merely unmotivated? Who knows. Niki Chow is not a managed artiste, yet golden producer Tim Gor writes a “tailor-made” role for her; although it can be argued that TVB is trying to make her sign a management contract.

        Uh-oh, I guess I make it too long haha. Sorry for the lenghty comments.

      13. Not saying Candy’s interpretation is wrong, but what I initially meant was the way it is used- it often implies you should not try to change prejudices, disadvantages etc. that you ‘knew’ (and I use the idea of having knowledge of all the risks etc very loosely here unlike how most seem to perceive everyone else as all-knowing).

        The idiom is correct when read as ‘if you make a decision knowing all its risks and those risks occur, then you bear responsibility’. But what people don’t understand is the context it is used in modern times is quite inappropriate. For example: artists are complaining about low salaries; okay they may have known TVB pays lower than mainland from the start, but did they really know of the actual range their pay would be? did they know how they would be promoted if they made it big? do they know what kind of contract they are signing? are they free from life and commercial pressures? are choices made independent of any other factors? do artists really know how TVB controls its artists? do they know how they will be promoted or frozen? Even if you say artists joining TVB should have all these risks in mind and zero expectations from an EMPLOYER you must still have to ask whether not being able to change those conditions is acceptable regardless of your hard work, effort + other conditions.

        I think people too readily use the idiom on others as a negative comment on someone else. Sometimes it may be correct, if you do eat salty fish… but when we’re talking about large complex social decisions, I’m sorry, such a simplistic worldview is unaccpetable to me. People make choices and they should bear responsibility, but that doesn’t mean they should not be given sympathy or help. Nor should they be given such an idiom only because they believe the situation should not be the case. Its all about SOCIAL CHANGE; and its because people enjoy keeping the status quo because its somehow the current situation you think that it should remain so.

        If you only think of the idiom at the level Candy has interpreted it, then you miss out on its broader, deeper implications.

      14. @SDS The key word you used is interpretation and we are here to present ours and you have yours. Fine. Up to others to interpret or misinterpret further. No pun intended.

      15. An by the way, my interpretation was meant to be broad and not so detailed as yours although I have it in my head or else someone will say I write long grandmother essays.

      16. Here’s another example of 1850s thinking. Being in hr, you should well know that when you are welcoming a new employee, your job as a boss make your new recruit feel welcome and paint a pretty picture for that new and eager recruit, if you work hard…this and that, you will get this and that, you get the picture. In another word, it’s like the first stage of dating, you only see the nice things about each other. As time goes by the “no longer new and less eager recruit” realizes that he
        /she missed read the fine lines and what was promised was not the case…i can go on and on but I won’t, however I hope you get the point. So, conclusion, you can’t say just because some one have chosen a certain profession it means that they have to accept “all” the bs that they didn’t sign up for. That’s why we have HR, that’s why you have a job, don’t know how…guess you’re good at something lol…relax, it’s a joke! There’s a reason why laws keep changing. Ok?!? Oh please, don’t lose sleep over this, not good for the sei-lai look :-).

  12. Sammul can say that he may not suit the conditions that the industry set but to outline the details of what he thinks is his rights while bashing his ex employer is career suicide.

    We are only hearing his side of the story. Being in HR for this many years, I’ve seen many employees like him. He is not handling it well and will back fire because future employers will think twice about employees like him. One day he will talk about them too. He may be angry and have valid reasons but each industry have their set of rules and if they don’t suit him he can go. Companies will never feel any particular employee is indispensable. TVB may have their challenges, which company/country is not facing problems with stiff competition from China whether is talent, equipment, costs etc.

    Different people have different contract terms. Like sales in a company have very low basic salary which is rarely incremented but their KPI is the revenue they bring in hence they have high commisions. I believe it’s the same with artist. Their KPI should be formed by their popularity and if they have no limits to the adverts, outside jobs and others based on their popularity then it is motivation to do better like the salesmen/agents/consultants. Any contract can be terminated normally by T&C eg by compensation. If Sammul thinks he deserves so much and is highly valued by others and not TVB, the next company can buy him out of his contract if they think he is worth it.

    Awards, there is another whole psycology behind who should or not but I won’t get into details. Too long.

    Joe Ma – sad for him. When a wife butts in to speak up for you you lose all face. Man’s ego. My husband shares all his “unfair” treatments to me by his company and being HR I could use my knowledge on what is lawfully right/wrong to get fairness for him. I will advise him but never will I confront his boss or company. It’s degrading to him. It’s like he can’t do something himself and needs a woman to speak up for him.

    Bowie – wise statement. Not to say you have to take all from your employer but if you don’t like it just go. There are many other families that they feed and these people may really need the job and not all feels unfair hence for your personal plight don’t try to represent everyone. Cos by doing this and giving TVB a bad name, affects their image, hence affects their business and profits and in turn affects those who really depend on them for a rice bowl.

      1. Thank you. I like reading yours and a few others too. Can see diferrent perspectives.

      2. Is it me or candy is on a cheap sugar high?!? I’m sorry, you sound like you are from 1850s. It’s people with your kind of outdated thinking that makes the workplace feel stuffy and negative. Now a day most work places has suggestion boxes and meetings to improve the working conditions, and if everyone is like you, who is too busy kissing the boss’ ass and playing office politics, then we will never move forward, that’s why you think the way you think, just pathetic! Btw, how did it take for you to write that essay? Lol I think you scared Funn, who usually has a lot of judgements and things to say is now sitting quietly looking up hr laws on wikipedia Lol.

      3. Thank you for your feedback on my comments but I thought people are free to express their views even if it is from 1850s.

        Don’t like it don’t read it, I wasn’t asking for supporters. I don’t like a lot of comments I read too but respect that that is how they feel, like I do yours now. Everyone reacts on information and facts they understand and that differs hence there is no argument. If you want to be right then you’re right!!

      4. @Candy

        And its not ‘don’t like it don’t read it’ – if you write a comment on a public place, its fair to say you’re exposed to and have CHOSEN and take RESPONSIBILITY for being critiqued, bashed and torn to little pieces because as the saying goes “食得鹹魚抵得渴”.

        What you should have said to Lol was ‘if you don’t like it, bite me”. Or you could try and engage in some sort of other debate too. Either would be acceptable. Or you could just leave it as you have done also. But do know you did present an ‘opinion’ composed of statements with premises and conclusions, which constitutes an ‘argument’. Like it or not you argued a view, regardless of how much you wished to persuade, and regardless how intented you are of defending it.

      5. @SDS. Thank you for your wise teaching but mainly I do see a lot of different views in here and prepared to see reactions on points I presented whether for or against. However, I have been concluded as someone who is on “cheap sugar high” which I take as a personal attack and not worthy of writing essays but many others here write longer ones than me just because my views may not be what you agree? Plus kissing bosses ass and office politics??? Hello you don’t even know me as a matter of fact we don’t even know Sammul or TVB. And I do not work for TVB why kiss their ass. So if everyone thinks they are a lousy employer I have to too? I don’t even have to bother giving you my resume since I am so “pathetic”.

        I like coming here to read different views and I see very different ones and I respect that’s the way the person feel. I very seldom comment only for those I feel strongly about which I can relate sometimes because of my own experience. It’s just a point of view. But I have been told people like Funn (not intended for you only but the one who speak on your behalf) will be judge to our comments so I better be scared of her now. I did thank lol for her feedback which I think I took it gracefully but you have to dig in. So I guess I better disappear since now you want to tell me what I should/should not say, so might as well say it yourself.

      6. @STd, oops I meant sds,

        Seriously, I didn’t mean to be nasty, just having a little fun. Didn’t know that this sei- lai would take it so personal. At the end of the day this is an entertainment forum, nice to know that everyone here has a phd and all, but seriously?!? Btw, just because cotton candy gave you a compliment don’t mean you got to act as her rep. FYI miss cotton candy, what STD, I meant sds did was stating the obvious nothing for you to idolize, I’m velly suppppply that a poh-freshional h-r-lo ladee like yourself would be so im-plessed. Lol

      7. What? Scared of me? Why?

        And if by kissing TVB’s ass that we can have quality series, actors, etc, I will see a long queue. I will be the first. I don’t mind.

    1. I don’t think that’s what Joe Ma’s wife meant. She is outspoken. Her husband’s hands are tied, and so she spoke out. But it depends on what she said and how she said it. Statements look bad but in actual fact maybe it was a passing statement, something like wishful thinking. It is not degrading for Joe Ma, he should feel blessed to have a wife who speaks out for him when he is taken advantage. This is her way of making things right but I am sure if Joe Ma was displeased he would have told her in her face. Isn’t his wife the PHD holder?

      True different people have different contract terms, based on the value of that person. But it is a fact that TVB underpays everyone. If Charmaine Sheh feels she could earn much more by leaving TVB when she is also highly paid in our eyes, I can’t imagine the rest. Sammul was right to speak out BUT at some point he must stop or he may sound whiny, complaining whilst everyone worse off just slogging away just to keep their jobs. Truthfully, what TVB needs if a ratings puller. Problem is they’re so arrogant, they think one ratings puller gone, there will be another ratings puller which they can create, promote and made into one. Sammul’s anger is in being sorta deceived. I always had the impression the roles he was to take were bigger roles but come the actual product, his role became the one next to the lead. To me it is misleading so to him, imagine how he feels. Of course he should speak up. Is there even a need to hear TVB’s side when facts speak for themselves? Probably yes but this is like David vs Goliath except Goliath wins all the time. Poor David just needs to move on elsewhere. I hope Sammul will just leave if he has a chance.

      Remember Lau Dan’s son? Wasn’t he up and coming in TVB after Kindred Spirit? I can’t remember if it was him who said this but I think it is. He has carved up a career in Mainland series I believe? I think he said he won’t be coming back to TVB/HK as the competition is too fierce. He enjoys his mainland career, easier for him to excel. I think Sammul should consider those wise words. And when TVB wants to break into China properly, and Sammul is big name in China, maybe then he can return on his own terms.

      1. @Funn Although I’m not familiar with Hawick Lau, but I believe you’re referring to him if it’s Lau Don’s son. Yeah, he was in A Kindred Spirit, Virtues of Harmony, and I suppose a couple other series, but he was never very well-known in HK. He was never promoted, not even to first or second supporting roles if I even remember correctly. Personally, if TVB only places an artist in sitcoms, they don’t seem to value them much. I don’t know how it’s easier in mainland, but I heard they have more series filmed/broadcasted, thus there are more opportunities. I recall Jayne translated an article about Hawick a while back and how he obtained plastic surgery to make himself more handsome (although he refused to admit).

        Has Sammul been acting for mainland for the time that he wasn’t in TVB? I know he has Beauty Scheme. Is he also a singer?

      2. Ah yes, Hawick. He was promoted, he was the young crop thanks to Kindred Spirit so technically yes he was promoted. But I suppose he just can’t compete even with a famous father there. He actually is rather old but still looks youthful. Did he do plastic surgery?? I thought from what I remember he always looked the way he did, maybe to his eyes but generally did he?

        I really have no idea about Sammul. I know very little about him.

      3. Not only Hawick Lau, you can see Wallace Chung also established a good career in China. Wallace Chung was a kid actor of TVB but now his career is in China. Hawick now has a very smooth career.

        Sammul filmed 2-3 series in China before Beauty Scheme. He has a small role in Cho Lau Heung series and a leading role Last Princess. I think Kidd knows more about Sammul.

        I don’t think Sammul is a singer.

      4. @ Funn, Chriselle

        Hawick blamed himself for his lack of success. He said TVB did promote him and give him a lot of chances back then. But, his work ethic was bad. He didn’t put much effort in improving his acting. But, as time went by and he saw that less and less producers asked him to work, he realised he really has messed up. But, his reputation was already damaged in TVB and hard to salvage. So, he decided to pick himself up and start over in China. He work hard this time and he also live healthily (he mention that he do detoxification) and he reap success. He said Lau Dan’s most proud moment of him was when he went to China and people recognised him as Hawick Lau’s father. That shows that his son has made it and not under his shadow anymore.

        As for Sammul, yes, Sammul has been acting for mainland when he wasn’t in TVB. He has acted in several China series already. He has attempted to be a singer earlier in his career, but, didn’t work out. He was nearly able to release an album. A few songs have already been recorded. But, the company changed boss and the project was shelfed. The 2 subsequent companies he signed also didn’t come to any fruition.

      5. @Fox

        Hmm, only 2-3 series? I don’t know if that’s considered progress even if he moved away from TVB. Personally, I feel Sammul is more suitable for modern series, but mainland films more ancient, am I right? Sammul’s career doesn’t seem so smooth and even outside of TVB, he doesn’t seem to have as much opportunities as others. Sammul’s look is more attractive than Hawick’s, even after plastic surgery.

      6. Personally I found Hawick more attractive to my eyes than Sammul. Both are pretty boyish guys, but I found Hawick slightly more “man”..hahah.

      7. It seems like Sammul has had a very rocky career. I can understand his sentiments and wish him the best of luck in his future. As for Hawick, I was surprised that he admitted his faults. Perhaps, earlier in his career, he thought the fact that his father was already an established, veteran actor, will help him in his career so he didn’t have to work as hard as others? I haven’t seen any of his mainland works, so I can’t judge if he’s improved. However, from the roles I’ve seen him in, his characters were rather shy, quiet, and feminine, making him not very likable.

      8. Thanks Kidd for the info on Hawick. I see! Good for him! He looks very boyish but I believe he is late 30s?

        Yes Wallace Chung as well. Doesn’t matter how I feel about their acting, they show that you can do just as well elsewhere. Moreover voices always dubbed so no worries about how you sound.

      9. I also think Hawick is attractive.

        Rmb last year in HK, I saw a very big billboard of Hawick in Nathan street. He looks very “man”.

        Up to now, Sammul has about 4-5 series in China. Beauty Scheme is the most famous. Last Princess is ok but not very famous. And all is girl-oriented :).

      10. However, from the roles I’ve seen him in, his characters were rather shy, quiet, and feminine, making him not very likable.

        In Chinese series, Hawick is totally different. He acts manly and strong guy.

        His career in ATV was quite successful, too.

      11. @ Chriselle

        It is true that Sammul has only filmed 2-3 series before ‘Beauty Scheme’, but, he has filmed some more after that. His big break in China was actually ‘Last Princess’ which was filmed before ‘Beauty Scheme’. That series was very successful in China.

        The series Sammul has filmed in China up till now.

        2007 – The Legend of Chu Liuxiang
        2008 – The Last Princess
        2008 – Rose Martial World
        2010 – Schemes of a Beauty
        2010 – Reflection from the Misty Rain
        2011 – The Golden Age
        2011 – Journey of the Fortune God

      12. About Hawick, I saw some really old pictures of him and it looked like he had a nose job because his nose was really flat back then. I am not sure about the eyes, but I think he did get his nose done. Of course many asian celebs refuse to admit that they have had plastic surgery. I think plastic surgery is still regardless as something shameful in the asian entertainment industry even though many have it done, but never want to admit it. I am glad that he has a great career in China now.

      13. I feel that you are so wise, you can actually apply to TVB and help solve their problems. Seriously, you seem to have so much understanding. You must have had real life experience with handling contracts and hiring people and running a corporation. I respect you.

        On Joe Ma, why I made that comment is following his own comment that “What my wife says and feels, is not necessarily what I will say and feel”. For his sake, I hope he does not feel degraded by his wife’s actions.

      14. Sorry the above message is meant for below. See how pathetic I am.

      15. @sds

        To your first comment, she’s practically waiting in her imaginary line to be the first to buy your book of wisdom lol. To your second comment, no I can’t care less, don’t have a problem with good hr men/women….only with the ones who act like know it all, been there done that now let me share my expertise with you all. Anyways, this mess started with you…and you know that, too lol. It was your initial comment that page agreed with… Which got miss cotton candy all over page like a hungry cat all over an expired tuna can lol. What I don’t get is how she was so opposed to page’s comments, at the same time she totally cao tau to yours… if I’m correct, your view is the same as page lol…contradiction much?!? Conclusion, your an sd case meaning you are a “shit disturber” lol…you know it and you enjoy it when you see her reacted loco the way she did lol… Or maybe that just me…lol

      16. @lol

        I think its just you cause the way I see it, she stuck with her view on the matter and has at most only accepted that while I may have a point, she doesn’t really care for it.

        And from her replies it sounds more like sarcastic pleasantries than any actual agreement.

        Finally, what does it matter who started it? I just happened to say what I thought on the idiom. My replies weren’t aimed to insult Candy etc. but to add a different view to the pool since I saw other people read/agreed with her view. If that means I’m a ‘shit disturber’ to you than shall be it. To me it fits you more since you’ve enjoyed attacking Candy’s view without actually adding anything.

    2. @Candy

      The reason why TVB feels no artist is indispensable is because they do not value the talent, they treat it as a commercial enterprise; staffing many individuals who are supplying something it can recruit any next day because it is virtually the ONLY recruiter of actors in HK for TV media. TVB also has a wider influence through many commercial circles. Yes, TVB may be facing its own problems, but its problems as far as I see it, have been brought about by its own concentration on revenue maximisation rather than talent retention.

      It is unrealistic for actors to invoke terms and conditions of contracts if you understand how contracts are entered into with TVB… This includes being able to fork upfront any costs of termination. This is why the truly popular artists don’t sign contracts with TVB. And its also because they don’t sign, TVB no longer recruits them or gives them good roles. That’s the commercial end of it. Purchasing actors out of contracts is not economically sensible for media companies for too many reasons (e.g. accidents, actor committment, new contract terms etc.).

      I have nothing to say about the whole ‘degrading to him for a woman to speak up for him’ accept now I understand where you’re coming from with the idiom interpretation thing discussed before.

      I don’t see anyone could possibly give TVB a worse name then it already has in entertainment circles. It is also because TVB knows certain people depend on it that it refuses to lift working conditions.

    3. Sorry this message is intended for @SDS

      I feel that you are so wise, you can actually apply to TVB and help solve their problems. Seriously, you seem to have so much understanding. You must have had real life experience with handling contracts and hiring people and running a corporation. I respect you.

      On Joe Ma, why I made that comment is following his own comment that “What my wife says and feels, is not necessarily what I will say and feel”. For his sake, I hope he does not feel degraded by his wife’s actions.

    4. @sds

      No worries, I won’t bite her…me no like cow jade dry :-).

    5. Gotta love Funn, although can be annoying at times lol she can diss it like the best of them but she can also take it as well. Unlike h-r-lo lady, guess there is a reason for stereotyping…because most of the time it’s true! Lol imagine if the world is full of hrs not the kind for the people but those gate keeper type…pwahahaha…relax, before you reply miss delicate hr supreme sugar candy, for the record…wasn’t talking about you, so no need to get
      your fishnet all rise up :-).

      1. @Lol

        You appear to have a personal vendetta against women working in hr? Or a unhealthy obsession with them 🙂

  13. I think TVB has underrated Sammul in any of his series. Not like Ray, he received heavy promotions from all his series, albums and etc. Sammul is just another 2nd rate actor who has handsome face but no fate with the audiences. I really feel pity on him, no matter how hard he has tries, TVB just give him roles that are less exciting and interesting which made him has no surpassing chance to achieve another level of acting.

    I could also understand why Sammul complained about TVB and i think it’s a right things to do provided he doesn’t care whether TVB will keep using him or not. Something bad and dark needs to be highlighted by certain people in certain time so others are aware of such treatment to these actors/actresses. 🙂

    1. This is sad… but I agree. I wonder if Sammul being less obedient to TVB played a role in his status today. If he signed a management contract with TVB years ago, would he have attained more opportunities and greater fame?

      1. “If he signed a management contract with TVB years ago, would he have attained more opportunities and greater fame?”

        Maybe, maybe not. Depends on whether TVB will promote him or not. Many artists signed management contract with TVB, and TVB didn’t promote all of them. Just a selected few.

        With his non-conforming and less obedient nature, signing a 10 year management contract with TVB is risky. I think his past experience also contribute to his sense of insecurity in signing management with TVB. Years ago, Sammul has said someone in TVB has betrayed him. That person said badmouth him to TVB executive. It might be the executive believe that person and cause Sammul some bad experience. So, he didn’t want to sign management with TVB. The reason given by him is ‘What if TVB promote me for the first year and the second year, they didn’t like me anymore? I will be stuck with the same salary and no advancement.’

      2. The reason given by him is ‘What if TVB promote me for the first year and the second year, they didn’t like me anymore? I will be stuck with the same salary and no advancement.’

        I find Sammul is kinda naive to think that. They promoted him in first and second year, of course with the hope he’ll be obedient and sign with them. When they find he won’t, they stop, it’s natural.

        However, the way he is speaking after the I-cable interview makes me lose a bit respect to him. Right now, he is like biting I-cable back to say that he won’t mind act for TVB. Somehow, it’s like he was too angry and said something wrong, now want to resolve and save his way back with TVB.

        If he is really independent, he should let go TVB after the I-cable interview.

      3. @ Fox

        You don’t get me. He’s talking about ‘what if’, not recounting the past where TVB stop promoting him after 1 or 2 years. The past experience I specified was the one where one of TVB actors he was closed to backstab him. Maybe the result of the backstabbing was the executives not liking him? That’s why he gave this reason?
        Another cause that might relate to this reason is his experience with a Taiwan music company.

        “However, the way he is speaking after the I-cable interview makes me lose a bit respect to him.”

        You respected him before meh? From the moment of the I-Cable interview, all you have for him is criticism.

        I guess you respect someone better if that person continue going wrong way even after realising his mistake.

        I don’t see how Sammul trying to mend bridges after realising he has gone overboard in his outburst is a bad thing.

      4. I respect his choice if he does it 100% and doesn’t look back. The way he changes his mind so fast make me feel lost respect. Less than a week and he wants to built the bridge again?

        I criticize him (I dun rmb I criticized him but assume that) but I still respect him as an actor, this is different. I’m not a fan of Sammul or estimate him highly, but I’m not a Sammul hater :P. He is not appealing to me but I think he has quite good acting.

        Maybe our view on respect is different.

      5. @Kidd

        Hmm, I really want to know who that person is who badmouthed him to a TVB executie. But even if that’s true, it’s not the executive’s fault, only the person who did the badmouthing. From what I’m seeing and even if he didn’t sign a management contract, he had lead roles or shared a lead role with another artist. It’s not too bad unless he’s aiming to be another Raymond Lam.

        Did Sammul ever sign a management contract in the past? A ten-year contract seems a bit too much, maybe 5 years to test out the water first, Sammul?

      6. He has never signed management contract with TVB.

        The term of the contract for newbies is often not decided by the newbies. As they are newbies, they dun have the right to raise voice and demand.

      7. @ Chriselle

        I don’t think he has ever signed management contract. There was a few times where TVB gave him a co-lead role. That was supposed to be near the end of his contract and TVB wanted him to sign management. When he didn’t, his role became supporting again.

        I think the only true lead role he has played in a TVB is in ‘White Flame’ where he paired with Charmaine. That series was never broadcasted in HK due to the changing rule/system in HK nursing school and TVB think it’s inappropriate to air that series (that’s the reason given) who follow the old system.

        I don’t think we will ever know who is the culprit who betrayed Sammul and what really happened.

        As for management contract. It’s the normal length. Bosco, Kenneth and Ron also signed such long contract. Bernice didn’t want to sign such a long contract. So, she was not promoted as much after that too.

  14. not interested in bowie lam’s acting. he looks so much like my father.

    1. Eh, he is a very good actor! I mean this photo is awful but he is a very good actor.

      1. @Funn,

        Is that picture of you….

        from 20 years ago? Welly welly nice 🙂

  15. Well said by Bowie. In addition, it is evident that TVB’s management has become too much of a failure for artists to handle.

    Also, to the complains such as Sam and Mike that they aren’t getting paid enough, maybe they just don’t worth the price; Sam might has the looks but he sure needs improvement in acting and as for Michael, he is getting old and it’s not the mid-90s anymore, his potential shouldn’t be great.

  16. By the way, I know this is not really related to the article, but I heard that Bowie Lam is gay. I’m just wondering if this is true?

    1. @sure-lee, there are speculations that Bowie is gay. At Bowie’s mother’s funeral, former Mr. HK participant, Bryon Pang, acted as one of Bowie’s family and attended to the guests. It was due to this incident that sparked rumors that Bowie was gay.

      Bowie never admitted rumors with Bryon though.

  17. Even though TVB is known to overwork and underpay their artists, many artists would not be where they are today if it weren’t for TVB. I think TVB has its good traits too because they always allow artists that have had problems with them come back and work for them. I am not sure if other companies would do that.

    1. Yes and no to your first comment, what if tvb operated differently maybe some of those artist could of achieved even more, nobody knows. They always allow artist to comeback, because 1. They save on training cost. 2. These actors are paid only when they are working sort of like people in sales, who are paid by commission, you sell you get paid if you don’t you get nothing (maybe a cheap base but nothing to live off of). 3. They want to have more options for casting but don’t mean you get the part. Therefore, not like tvb is losing anything to let them back, it’s win win for tvb (totally vicious bastards) lol

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