Due to the recruitment efforts of Hong Kong’s new television stations, City Telecom and Now TV, the number of TVB fadans and siu sangs were decreasing dramatically. Currently seeking an early contract termination with TVB, Steven Ma (馬浚偉) was singled out by TVB Deputy Chairman, Mona Fong (方逸華), to remain at the company. Discussing his contract terms with a TVB executive yesterday, Steven Ma’s position remained firm. He indicated that he will not fight for any awards and was only interested in resolving his contract dispute. Asked what he would do if TVB were to hand him the TV King award to demonstrate their sincerity, Steven stated firmly, “There’s no need to do so!” Steven’s response indicated that his negotiations with TVB were still in a deadlock. On November 1, 2011, Steven will need to head to mainland China to film, The Founding of the Yuan Empire <建元風雲>. Prior to his trip, there were still many unresolved issues with TVB. Aside from filming new TVB series, Lucky Father <當旺爸爸>, the most pressing matter was to terminate his contract early with TVB. Steven hoped that prior to the end of next week, a resolution will be reached where TVB will allow him to tread upon a new path. October 28th Deadline Originally, Steven’s TVB management contract had a June 2012 expiration date. Due to issues in how his contract was managed, Steven requested an early termination with TVB; the dispute has been ongoing since over a month ago. In an earlier report, TVB executive, Virginia Lok (樂易玲) pondered why Steven was “throwing a tantrum” prior to the TVB Anniversary Awards, thus leading people to feel that Steven was strategizing in this manner to fight for an award. Yesterday, Steven Ma was filming an outdoor scene for Lucky Father with costar, Linda Chung (鍾嘉欣). Regarding the recent news that claimed Steven sought to terminate his contract early as a tactic to fight for awards, he stood firm and stated that even if TVB were to give him the TV King award, he did not wish to receive it. “This morning, I met with a TVB executive over the progress of terminating my contract early.” (What did Steven wish TVB would give him? ) “Whatever they wish to give me is fine, as long as it is not an award. I will not take any kind of award.” (What if TVB were to give you the TV King award to demonstrate their sincerity?) “There’s no need to do so!” Although both parties were currently in a deadlock, Steven admitted that he hoped TVB would allow him to pursue new career path prior to October 28th. Steven smiled, “Although I do not want the TV King award this year, it does not mean that I have no opportunities to win it afterwards!” Linda Chung Happy Over TVB and the Big Four Recording Companies Reached Turning Point In the scene filmed for Lucky Father yesterday, taxi driver, Steven Ma, was kidnapped by robbers and rescued by police officer, Linda Chung. Since the filming took place at the time when students were released from school, numerous students and pedestrians asked for autographs. Linda indicated that she was happy that TVB and the Big Four Recording Companies had reached a turning point in their contract dispute. Next year, Linda hoped to be able perform with more singers onstage. “Of course, it is a happy incident. With more singers performing at TVB, there will be increased opportunities to cooperate together and learn from them.” (Who did Linda wish to collaborate with?) “Hins Cheung (張敬軒) and Eason Chan (陳奕迅)!” Creds: Oriental Daily/Dramasian
