TVB Limiting Number of Chinese Dramas Artists Can Film

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TVB is allegedly restricting their managed artists from filming mainland Chinese dramas, as reported by various Hong Kong magazines earlier this week. In order to tie down the artists closer to home, the reports claimed that TVB purposely turned down many activities and casting opportunities that were offered to popular TVB artists by mainland Chinese producers.

TVB also allegedly demanded that managed artists are to reserve every single empty slot in their schedules for TVB, and if they do receive casting calls from mainland Chinese production companies, the project must be approved by the executives. Allegedly, even simple and ordinary job offers like stage performances in mainland China must receive TVB’s signed approval.

Not only does this restriction policy limit the golden opportunities for artists to earn more film remunerations, TVB management will also earn less commission fees as well.

TVB’s previous lax rules on allowing their artists to accept an unlimited number of mainland Chinese filming offers had reportedly led a wave of popular leading TVB stars to turn down local drama offers in favor for the higher-paying mainland Chinese productions. With popular stars gone, TVB dramas were left with limited casting choices for their own productions.

TVB’s general manager Mark Lee (李寶安) once mentioned that it is important for a competent TV station to use and promote its own work. He also stated that he found it unreasonable to have their artists work for other TV companies and not for their own station.

Artists’ Responses

Moses Chan (陳豪), who is currently negotiating a contract renewal with TVB, appeared uncomfortable when he was asked about TVB’s new policy. He neutrally replied, “Let’s just say that the company has their tactics. I think I am not qualified enough to comment. Right now, I’m more interested in working out my new [TVB] contract.”

Fala Chen (陳法拉), whose management contract with TVB ended earlier this year, said she never heard of the new restrictions, but implied in her responses that she is not at all surprised if it were true. “Of course, TVB is our mother station after all and for TVB artists, it makes sense to have TVB as their first choice. When I was at TVB, I also had to prioritize my schedule for TVB first and film their dramas first. As a TVB employee, it makes sense. It’s normal.”

Nonetheless, Fala added that when she was still with TVB, the company would always allow their artists the opportunity to film dramas outside of TVB so filming remuneration and commission fees meet a desired balance.

Asked if TVB’s new restrictions would hinder Fala’s chances at working for TVB again, she said, “Not related. In all those years I was with TVB, I never filmed a mainland Chinese drama. Finding a suitable role for yourself is more important. TVB has created many good roles. They can help us gain an audience and improve our experiences.”

Fala said she is currently a freelance artist and is not signed to any management company. Asked if there were many companies that offered to sign her, she said with a smile, “I am thankful to have so many seniors giving me such great advice. I wish to have different developments in my career.”



Creds: Ming Pao