[llwy12]

Catherine Tsang heatedly insists: “I did not accept any bags!”

Monday, March 15, 2010 Hong Kong

Source: Oriental Daily
http://orientaldaily.../00282_001.html

Translation: llwy12@ http://asianfanatics.net




With Stephen Chan’s recent arrest in a corruption case, Vincy Wong’s recent revelation that TVB artists gave expensive handbags to top female management as gifts in efforts to ‘please’ them has created quite a stir in the industry. Due to the revelations, there has been widespread anxiety amongst TVB’s top female managers, with many of them rushing to clear their names. One of them, Production Supervisor Catherine Tsang, heatedly insisted that she did not receive any bags and even went so far as to call Vincy Wong a “foolish boy”. In addition, to avoid interrogation by the ICAC, Vincy Wong has recently changed his stance and indicated that he never personally saw artists giving gifts.

Upon arresting Stephen Chan last Thursday, the ICAC has been requesting to meet with various artists to assist with the investigation. It has been rumored that throughout the interrogation process, someone revealed that TVB’s top management receiving ‘gifts’ is a common occurrence; in addition, former TVB employee Vincy Wong also revealed that during the Mid-Autumn festival season, not only did some artists bring mooncakes for the producers, some of them also bought expensive Hermes handbags for some female management.

Though top management receiving expensive gifts is no secret in the industry, many people know about it but are afraid to say anything. With Vincy Wong publicly revealing the existence of a ‘female bag demon’, many in the industry are actually happy that this is finally coming to light and there has been widespread speculation on who this ‘female bag demon’ truly is.

With the target of the ‘handbag rumors’ focusing on TVB’s top female management, many of the them are being chased by reporters seeking comment. When reporters contacted TVB’s Production Supervisor Catherine Tsang via phone, her response to the rumors was unexpectedly huge, heatedly declaring: “Tell Vincy Wong to say straight out who the ‘female manager’ is then! All I can say is that I never received any bags! I feel that some people shouldn’t make unfounded comments at this sensitive time; he [Vincy] is such a ‘foolish boy’!” (So were you interrogated by the ICAC?) “I cannot comment; whether I did or not, I cannot comment…plus I shouldn’t be speaking to you guys [the media] anyway!” Afterwards, the reporters were told never to call Catherine Tsang again.

As for TVB’s Production and Artists Manager Virginia Lok, she made a rare move by not responding to the issue directly herself. Rather, she issued a statement to reporters through TVB’s Direct of External Affairs Tsang Sing Ming. Tsang said: “With regard to all the current reports and speculations, Ms. Lok has chosen not to respond. She says that the company has told her not to say too much.” (How about the reports that female executives have been accepting handbags?) “It has already been stated previously that any gifts over $500 need to be reported” (Will there be an internal investigation?) “No need, it’s all rumors at this point!”

Supervisor of Variety Shows Ho Siu Wai also clarified: “I have never received any gifts from artists, but if the ICAC wants to investigate, they are free to do so. I’m not worried about it at all – it’s work as usual for me.” <<Scoop>> producer Cheung Kar Ling said: “Receiving small boxes of candies is a common occurrence, especially around the holidays and new year; for example, during the Lunar New Year, some artists made turnip cake for the producers, directors, as well as other artists themselves. This is just a small showing of the artist’s good heart and doesn’t mean anything. If the ICAC wants to investigate this, it’s no big deal.”

The instigator of these rumors – former TVB employee Vincy Wong – suddenly changed his stance yesterday, clarifying: “That’s not what I said; what I meant was that I read in a magazine that this was happening – I never actually saw it myself. No, Catherine Tsang and Virginia Lok did not call me, and I won’t call them either. I’m not a TVB employee anymore and I’m not one of their staff, so I don’t want it to seem like I have to report to them.” Afterwards, he called the reporter again to say: “I received a couple phone calls just now – everyone is telling me that if I’m going to say something, I should just come out and say the name as well. I am a little worried about being interrogated by the ICAC soon.”

Though there have been many denials, according to reports, receiving gifts in the entertainment industry is a very common occurrence. People within the industry have revealed that in efforts to ‘kiss up’ to management, some artists have resorted to giving expensive gifts such as watches, handbags, clothes, and even shoes. However, in order to avoid ‘backlash’ from others, the artists giving gifts would often use the excuse “I bought it but it’s not suitable for me”. There has also been a case of a top female executive selling her car and one of the artists rushing to buy it for a high price.

In addition, when a veteran actress passed away awhile back ago, her daughter decided to allow her mother’s good friends to choose an item among her belongings as a souvenir, as a way to thank them for their goodness towards the 2 of them. However, it was rumored that a top female executive took advantage of the daughter’s kindness and kept taking item after item, claiming that each item brought memories of her deceased friend. In the end, the female executive took a lot of expensive handbags, which showed how greedy she was. The woman’s greediness caused the actress’s daughter to become very upset and from that moment on, refused to be in communication with her [the female executive] anymore – even when she had a housewarming party for her new residence, she did not invite this particular female executive.

[sun7630]

wonder if the article were referring to Joyce and Lydia sum...I recall Lydia having many expensive handbags....but also who would want to carry a dead's person handbags??keeping one as a memento is okay, but taking and using dead people's stuff is a bit extreme with Chinese superstitious....wonder if they exaggerated the article. Don't think that female is that desperate for bags, bags as birthday gifts are okay but taking dead people's bag might attract the ghost to come back and haunt you according to Chinese superstitious
wonder who the greedy female management was? Vigirnia??

This post has been edited by sun7630: 16 March 2010 - 01:27 AM

[llwy12]

sun7630, on 15 March 2010 - 05:23 PM, said:

wonder if the article were referring to Joyce and Lydia sum...
wonder who the greedy female management was? Vigirnia??

Yes, it was definitely Joyce -- the news was in the papers a couple months ago about how she gave away some of her mother's belongings to good friends. Plus she did move to a new home and had a housewarming party, so it has to be her...based on everyone's reactions so far, I am willing to bet that the greedy female executive was Virginia Lok.

And though many are superstitious about that kind of stuff, there are people out there who are very materialistic -- if you're a bag collector and Lydia had alot of one-of-kind expensive handbags that you can't get anywhere else, it's no surprise that the person would be greedy and want to have them...

This post has been edited by llwy12: 16 March 2010 - 01:30 AM

[sun7630]

The one that is guilty stays quiet why the accused one usually comes out and defend themselve loudly....therefore it is obvisou that Virgina Lok accepted gifts, (look at her birthday parties)....Catherine Tsang came out to defend herself because she knows she didn't accept the gifts. Compare the two Virgina is always in front of the camera hugging her "sons" and "daughters" while Catherine is more low profile.

[littlegalpal]

There something very shady about Virginia Lok, it seem like she only like to promote certain artists. Catherine Tsang is more low profile, Wayne Lai when he win TVB award last year thanks her for bringing him back...from all the news it seem she value talent more than look.

I hope the media find out who is the greedy female excutive.

[Sabby]

^ Ditto that!
Virginia seems more close to the artists onscreen!
But it could also because alot of artists respects her and all therefore gives her gifts.
Who knows. Artists may be 'willing' to give gifts rather than are 'forced' in order to gain favour!

[angelicdestiny]

Obviously it is Virginia Lok who's greedy and loves bags, but another thing is that the artistes could potentially get charged or involved with the law if their gifts are over 10 million.

Spoiler

黃國桐律師表示，身為下屬的藝人若送價值十多萬的名貴手袋給高層，隨時涉賄：「請食飯飲茶冇所謂，十幾萬手袋送畀上司做禮物真係好灰色地帶，法官會推論禮物價值符唔符合送禮者身份。普通一個藝人，十幾萬手袋自己都未必捨得用，用嚟送禮值得商榷。（高層申報畀上司知呢？）根據《防止賄賂條例》第9條，私營機構僱員得到僱主允許係可以收禮，但TVB係公營機構，即使個高層申報畀上司知，法律上都係唔應該收。佢哋幾時都應該避嫌，唔好收咁貴重嘅禮物，送禮嘅下屬亦都應該避忌。」

I also love Catherine Tsang's response. Obviously everyone knows that Virginia and her don't get along. So, its so obvious.

This post has been edited by angelicdestiny: 16 March 2010 - 02:34 AM

[inlovewithu]

it was rumoured that the "bag" incident was charmaine sheh giving it to virginia lok...& the one where vincy wong mentioned about the moon cake...that was also rumoured to have been gigi lai...as to whether or not it was true...who knows? haha..i guess we'll never know...

[reiyi]

llwy12, on 16 March 2010 - 08:16 AM, said:

When reporters contacted TVB’s Production Supervisor Catherine Tsang via phone, her response to the rumors was unexpectedly huge, heatedly declaring: “Tell Vincy Wong to say straight out who the ‘female manager’ is then! All I can say is that I never received any bags! I feel that some people shouldn’t make unfounded comments at this sensitive time; he [Vincy] is such a ‘foolish boy’!”

Now, we know who is the one who accepted the bags.

littlegalpal, on 16 March 2010 - 09:10 AM, said:

There something very shady about Virginia Lok, it seem like she only like to promote certain artists. Catherine Tsang is more low profile, Wayne Lai when he win TVB award last year thanks her for bringing him back...from all the news it seem she value talent more than look.

Haha, but, it's also Catherine Tsang who brought Virginia Lok's fave, Kevin Cheng, into TVB.

This post has been edited by reiyi: 16 March 2010 - 02:36 AM

[sun7630]

Sabby, on 15 March 2010 - 09:14 PM, said:

^ Ditto that!
Virginia seems more close to the artists onscreen!
But it could also because alot of artists respects her and all therefore gives her gifts.
Who knows. Artists may be 'willing' to give gifts rather than are 'forced' in order to gain favour!

I guess she has more connections comapre to Tsang Jie, she is able to push Bosco, Myolie, Raymond, Kate, Linda into the music industry. She also has connections in the movies industry where she is able to convince Johnnie To use Kate in his movies. Guess that is why so many are willing to kiss up to Virginia.
She is the one that is in charge of the movie "72 tenants"

This post has been edited by sun7630: 16 March 2010 - 02:47 AM

[陳欣怡]

haha, when I started reading the article and about the bags, I immediatly thought "virginia lok!"
yeah, it must be her.
she's always promoting talentless artists and you always so close and personal with her 'favourites'
perhaps she'll be investigated by the ICAC too?

[sun7630]

littlegalpal, on 15 March 2010 - 09:10 PM, said:

There something very shady about Virginia Lok, it seem like she only like to promote certain artists. Catherine Tsang is more low profile, Wayne Lai when he win TVB award last year thanks her for bringing him back...from all the news it seem she value talent more than look.

I hope the media find out who is the greedy female excutive.

I do agree that Catherine value talent more. Artistes under her clan are less flamboyant than those under Virgina Lok. Series under Catherine are Off Pedders, Tavia, Wayne, Yoyo are under Catherine....

[reiyi]

sun7630, on 16 March 2010 - 09:46 AM, said:

She also has connections in the movies industry where she is able to convince Johnnie To use Kate in his movies. Guess that is why so many are willing to kiss up to Virginia.

What makes you think that Johnnie To was convinced by Virginia Lok to use Kate instead of him choosing to use Kate himself? You might not like Kate, but, maybe Johnnie To saw something in Kate that he likes? Maybe Kate's look fit the character and it's what Johnnie To wanted? If Johnnie To is so easy to convince, his movies would have been filled with Virginia's favourites and not just Kate.

[yuki9066]

Obviously its Miss Lok. Catherine Tsang looks a lot nicer and she doesn't throw huge birthday party with half of TVB attending and hugging or touching all the artistes all the time! I remember there are a lot of close pics of Lok and her #1 Fav Kevin Cheng. Ewwwww. She also always intimately hugging with Kate and Charmaine all the time

We all know Lok is that greedy female executive.

[tamaya]

I’m sure I’ll get flake for this but I'll have my say, anyway.
God knows I find corruption and bribery all very deplorable, but just as bad and off-putting to me are the vultures and 'little people" (siu yan) coming out of the woods to feed the media frenzy. People like this Vincy dude and Erica Yuen gleefully, if not maliciously, dropping insinuations and making spurious statements to a pack of hungry reporters just to cause more havoc to TVB and for their 5 minutes of fame.

Like Tsang demanded, if you have something to say then say it, but don't cast aspersions on people who may be innocent. I simply can't stand vindictive people enjoying the misfortunes of other people and gleefully pouring oil into the fire, this kind of behavior just don't sit well with me, even if they have an ax to grind. Go ahead, declare your grievances out loud, not like this Vincy dude dropping hints to deliberately stir up the hornets' nest, then sit back, and then cowardly retracting his words because he might get a call from ICAC.

Now that the local wags got going, any TVB personnel be they the management or artistes, are fair game to the ecstatic, salivating HK media. What a mother load this scandal is. Determine to strike iron while hot, every hint, every rumor, everything, with no rocks left unturned – founded or unfounded, the media will embellish & sensationalize to sell and sell big. The TVB artistes are victims many times over. First, they are cheated of hard earned money, 2nd their lives and careers are being turned topsy turvy and, 3) they are fair games to the media. This is an open hunting season for HK media. So artistes, beware of being dragged into the whole, sordid cesspool where lies can make into truths and facts.

TVB did this to its people. It could have let Stephen resign quietly. The whole world (exaggeration, I know ) knows that the whole tvb is corrupted through and through. But by so publicly exposing Stephen, TVB is putting its people, esp. the artistes out to the wolves and left to fend for themselves, and maybe even putting their careers in jeopardy. TVB is manager to its artistes, it is supposed to watch out and care for their wellbeing and welfare, not put them through such publicized turmoil. What Stephen did is wrong, but how TVB sensationalized his fall from grace is also very unfair to its artistes. There will many innocent casualties caught in this tvb politics.

This post has been edited by tamaya: 16 March 2010 - 03:34 AM

[nukerc]

everything has a reason behind... when all current actors and actress have babies there's a reason why they won't want their child to enter the entertainment ... it's simply a dark circle ! What is Vincy said might be fake but i'm sure some artist did try to do so...

[llwy12]

tamaya, on 15 March 2010 - 07:31 PM, said:

TVB did this to its people. It could have let Stephen resign quietly. The whole world (exaggeration, I know ) knows that the whole tvb is corrupted through and through. But by so publicly exposing Stephen, TVB is putting its people, esp. the artistes out to the wolves and left to fend for themselves, and maybe even putting their careers in jeopardy. TVB is manager to its artistes, it is supposed to watch out and care for their wellbeing and welfare, not put them through such publicized turmoil. What Stephen did is wrong, but how TVB sensationalized his fall from grace is also very unfair to its artistes. There will many innocent casualties caught in this tvb politics.

Absolutely agree with you! Unfortunately, this is typical TVB -- to be honest, they really don't care about their artists, they only care about themselves and their own politics -- that's the way it has always been. This is especially evident in the awards ceremonies when they put their artists in difficult positions (such as putting someone in top 5 over other more deserving artists or giving a talentless artists an award they didn't deserve) and the audience ends up hating the artists rather than liking them. TVB is not dumb (after all, you can't be in the business for that long and not know a thing or two about how the industry works) -- they know what they are doing and they know what the audience reaction is going to be -- but all they care about is feeding that frenzy in the hopes of getting high ratings for their programs or getting more attention for their station -- even if it means sacrificing their artists in order to do so.

This post has been edited by llwy12: 16 March 2010 - 04:12 AM

[sionteh]

actually it isnt true that TVB is feeding this frenzy, TVB did not expose Stephen (and hence not letting him resign quietly). Someone tipped off the ICAC and they went to arrest him at TVB where incidently the reporters on site caught the whole thing.

Since then, TVB has cancelled all media events and u realised that the article states that the reporters have been calling for comments as they are temporarily not allowed into TVB.

[tamaya]

sionteh, on 15 March 2010 - 11:32 PM, said:

actually it isnt true that TVB is feeding this frenzy, TVB did not expose Stephen (and hence not letting him resign quietly). Someone tipped off the ICAC and they went to arrest him at TVB where incidently the reporters on site caught the whole thing.

Since then, TVB has cancelled all media events and u realised that the article states that the reporters have been calling for comments as they are temporarily not allowed into TVB.

Wow! Must be one lucky day for the cluster of lurking reporters on site who just happened to be there. Their stars of right timing, right place and knowing the right informer must have aligned perfectly for that lucky moment to happen. Guess who reportedly snitched on Stephen to ICAC, none other than the Group GM, Mr. Mark Lee Po On, now the acting GM. Coincidentally, Po and Stephen were earlier on engaged in a power stuggle with the latter losing, now vanquished. When pressed repeatedly by reporters if Po was the instigator of Stephen's arrest, Tsang of External Affairs replied that TVB would not respond to that question. And when asked if someone within TVB tipped off ICAC, again Tsang evaded answering that question saying he had not heard of that rumor.

[llwy12]

sionteh, on 15 March 2010 - 08:32 PM, said:

actually it isnt true that TVB is feeding this frenzy, TVB did not expose Stephen (and hence not letting him resign quietly). Someone tipped off the ICAC and they went to arrest him at TVB where incidently the reporters on site caught the whole thing.

Since then, TVB has cancelled all media events and u realised that the article states that the reporters have been calling for comments as they are temporarily not allowed into TVB.

Actually, there were reports today that Mona Fong and TVB upper management have been working with ICAC for quite some time already planning this and were just waiting for the right time to turn Stephen in -- those who know Mona know that she is very smart -- there's no way that TVB did not know that this was coming. Also, keep in mind that TVB was the one who revealed the names of those arrested -- in all their reports, the ICAC have only said that "employees of a certain television station" were arrested -- TVB was the one who gave all the details in a press conference.

[misshk]

I agree with Catherine, Vincy is a foolish boy. If he's gonna make claims like that he should be prepared to back it up. He's just bitter for not being promoted by TVB.

[cinseto]

This story is turning so ugly. I wonder if the veteran's daughter is refering to Joyce Cheng?

[Azentia]

reiyi, on 15 March 2010 - 09:57 PM, said:

What makes you think that Johnnie To was convinced by Virginia Lok to use Kate instead of him choosing to use Kate himself? You might not like Kate, but, maybe Johnnie To saw something in Kate that he likes? Maybe Kate's look fit the character and it's what Johnnie To wanted? If Johnnie To is so easy to convince, his movies would have been filled with Virginia's favourites and not just Kate.

Here's the evidence, read for yourself.

http://asianfanatics...d-relationship/

here it clearly states:

Quote

Mike also said that he knew many Hong Kong directors through Virginia Lok. If there are any scripts that are suitable for him, he will come to Hong Kong to shoot movie.

Virginia can pulls strings for artists in HK movie industry if they rub her pocketbook the right way. i was wondering why i keep seeing her appear with a plethora of stars, it looks like they need her to bridge petty favors for them.

This post has been edited by angelicdestiny: 16 March 2010 - 03:46 PM
Reason for edit:: Removed offensive material

[in the red light]

i believe the angry and indignant one because that would also be my reaction if they wrongfully accuse me. she also candidly propose Vincy reveal who it was, showing she know her name wouldnt in that rank, so Catherine has nothing to fear. on the other hand, somebody else is in hiding and needs a publicist to speak for her, which is unusual as she herself is TVB's representative woman to do the speaking. Catherine Tsang need to learn from Virginia Lok how to effectively shirk from trouble. the shrewd and calculating one lets the others do the talking.

[llwy12]

in the red light, on 15 March 2010 - 10:48 PM, said:

i believe the angry and indignant one because that would also be my reaction if they wrongfully accuse me. she also candidly propose Vincy reveal who it was, showing she know her name wouldnt in that rank, so Catherine has nothing to fear. on the other hand, somebody else is in hiding and needs a publicist to speak for her, which is unusual as she herself is TVB's representative woman to do the speaking. Catherine Tsang need to learn from Virginia Lok how to effectively shirk from trouble. the shrewd and calculating one lets the others do the talking.

This makes alot of sense based on the reactions from each of the women. Notice that Catherine as well as the other 2 producers outrightly said they did not accept any bags and welcomed the ICAC to come investigate them. Virginia Lok was the only one who -- departing from her usual actions (she loves attention and is constantly in front of the camera hugging and kissing people) -- refused to comment on the issue and instead issued a statement through someone else (and that someone else kept evading the question when asked again)....to me, that already tells who is guilty.

This post has been edited by llwy12: 16 March 2010 - 06:55 AM

[sun7630]

Azentia, on 16 March 2010 - 01:22 AM, said:

looks like Virginia Lok found a fanboy in you. read for yourself.

http://asianfanatics...d-relationship/

here it clearly states:



stop being so blind, Virginia can pulls strings for artists in HK movie industry if they rub her pocketbook the right way. i was wondering why i keep seeing her appear with a plethora of stars, it looks like they need her to bridge petty favors for them.

Thanks for the proofs....
Artistes might have talent but in the real world, especially the entertainment circle, knowing the right people, aka connection, will get you where you want a lot faster. Virgina use to work for "Siu Si", Uncle's Six movie company that did Laughing gor and 72 Tenants, movies before working for TVB, she has connection and could pull strings. That is why her clan seem to overshadow Catherine Tsang.

reiyi, on 15 March 2010 - 09:57 PM, said:

What makes you think that Johnnie To was convinced by Virginia Lok to use Kate instead of him choosing to use Kate himself? You might not like Kate, but, maybe Johnnie To saw something in Kate that he likes? Maybe Kate's look fit the character and it's what Johnnie To wanted? If Johnnie To is so easy to convince, his movies would have been filled with Virginia's favourites and not just Kate.

Personally I do not like Kate that much but I have to agree that she did pretty good in that particular movie compare to mediocre acting in the series. But I am being objective here with what I seen/heard in all the different entertaiment news, award shows, scoop, artistes personal interviews through different media and ect.. Kate thanks Virginia in her award acceptance speech for the opportunities do a movie with Johnnie to. Kate is under TVB Management which take cares all the works negotiating for her. If Virginia does not feel likes it she has the power to not allow her to do movies. In one of the Scoop interview, Virginia Lok (Johnnie to was standing next to her) said her self that she was selling/promoting the movie industry people to use TVB artistes. Last year Virginia Lok were able to contract a very famous movie director (forgot his name) to shoot the TVB calander. I am not picking on Kate in particular, but she was a very good example of showing Virginia Lok's connection in the industry and power to give artistes a lot of opportunities.

Bosco is another artist that always thanks Ms. Lok in the interviews.

This post has been edited by sun7630: 16 March 2010 - 07:20 AM

[kobeslm]

actually didnt like vincy wong and erica yuen..always create trouble once tvb coming out some bad news..

[reiyi]

Azentia, on 16 March 2010 - 01:22 PM, said:

looks like Virginia Lok found a fanboy in you. read for yourself.

http://asianfanatics...d-relationship/

here it clearly states:

stop being so blind, Virginia can pulls strings for artists in HK movie industry if they rub her pocketbook the right way. i was wondering why i keep seeing her appear with a plethora of stars, it looks like they need her to bridge petty favors for them.

For your information, I don't even like Virginia Lok, let alone being her fanboy. But, to be fair, she doesn't deserve to go to jail just because she plays favourites (like someone want her to). I also won't deny that she's a good manager who is able to promote her darlings to great height in a short time. And she did help some talented artists like Michael Tse.

Secondly, I wasn't defending Virginia Lok in my post. I was defending Kate and Johnnie To and question the supposed great influence that you guys attribute to Lok.
Your Mike's quote prove nothing. Yes, Virginia knows a lot directors in HK. But, does that mean she will have a lot of influence on them? Do you see Mike He in a lot of HK movies? Do you see Virginia's favourites in a lot of movies? If Virginia has so much influence, her darling Kevin Cheng, Linda Chung, Charmaine Sheh, Raymond Lam will be in a lot of big directors' movies. Yes, maybe Virginia Lok suggested Kate to Johnnie. But, I believe if Kate doesn't fit the role, Johnnie won't take her. I believe Johnnie To has more mind of his own than you guys attribute to him.

This post has been edited by angelicdestiny: 16 March 2010 - 03:47 PM

[sun7630]

reiyi, on 16 March 2010 - 02:10 AM, said:

Sigh, haters just can stop with the personal insults, can they? For you information, I don't even like Virginia Lok, let alone being her fanboy. But, to be fair, she doesn't deserve to go to jail just because she plays favourites (like someone want her to). I also won't deny that she's a good manager who is able to promote her darlings to great height in a short time. And she did help some talented artists like Michael Tse.

Secondly, I wasn't defending Virginia Lok in my post. I was defending Kate and Johnnie To and question the supposed great influence that you guys attribute to Lok.
Your Mike's quote prove nothing. Yes, Virginia knows a lot directors in HK. But, does that mean she will have a lot of influence on them? Do you see Mike He in a lot of HK movies? Do you see Virginia's favourites in a lot of movies? If Virginia has so much influence, her darling Kevin Cheng, Linda Chung, Charmaine Sheh, Raymond Lam will be in a lot of big directors movies. Yes, maybe Virginia Lok suggest Kate to Johnnie. But, I believe if Kate doesn't fit the role, Johnnie won't take her. I believe Johnnie To has more mind of his own that you guys attribute to him.

But I also believe, without Virginia Lok's help and connection Kate wouldn't landed the role. It work both way. Artistes need the talent to succeed but they also need the connection for opportunities. Knowing someone that will recommend you or bad mouth you make a big difference. Don't underestimate Virginia's lok influence and power. There is a reason why so many artistes kiss up to her and lavish her with expensive gifts. There are tons of artistes and singers out there waiting for someone to give them a chance/opportunity. . The status of Kate's success was very fast, thanks to Virginia Lok. Some waited for 10 and 20 years, like Wayne Lai. In addition since they are all TVB contracted artistes, if you are not in good terms with them they could put you in the freezer without any series or shows and one can't do anything about it until the contract is up. TVB is the boss, it can shoot you up to stardom and yet at the same time it can pull you down to hell.
As to her others favorites, Kevin did produced a CD with Lo Ka Cheong as composer.
Linda also did a movie, she was nominated for best newcomer the same year as Kate. Charmaine did do a movie with Hacken Lee. She also have a pretty big role in 72 Tenants. Virginia did gave Bosco, Kate, Myolie, and Raymond Lam the opportunities to be singer. Virginia did heavy promote her artiste into the movie and music industry where Catherine weren't able too. Thus, not all her efforts are rewarded. Charmaine movies flopped. The success one are Kate winning the best newcomer award and Raymond's singing carreer in EEG. Charmaine is TVB's number fadan.
In terms of Kate, Linda, Myolie, and Bosco singing career, I am not sure if it is a sucess or not. Like investing stocks there are lost and gains but at least she did make a lot of efforts in promoting her favorites. As an artiste the more venue to express yourself the better.

This post has been edited by sun7630: 16 March 2010 - 07:50 AM

[in the red light]

this gets me to thinking, TVB opened a can of worms for themselves with their public GM arrest. how is corruption defined for their company? unrecorded monetary gains? they are corrupt on regular basis then. they not only need to sanitize the place, they need to sterilize it, heavy duty-style. the industry brothers are going to teethingly thank TVB for ruining their best kept secret and have investigations spread elsewhere in entertainment circle, even to prostitution den EEG again. keep on arresting 'em HK ICAC. I bet ATV is plowing through some popcorn and watching the greatest show of the decade from their much hated bully TVB.

[Akazukin]

I agree with Catherine Tsang. If Vincy intends to spill the bean about the female top management who received bribery, he better discloses the name because otherwise it will adversely affect those who are innocent. His reaction of saying that he doesn't want to say more in fear of ICAC calling him is bad, really bad, showing that he is very immature. He should know that as a man, he should be responsible for words he is saying. I would probably respect him if he is willing to say the truth and be determined to dig the truth out for the public to see til the end. However, I'm disappointed that he would charge off just like that. If I'm a part of ICAC, it would be too late for him to play coward now because I would definitely invite him for a talk.

I get the bribery about the bag part. But buying mooncake for the Producers etc? I mean, a lot of colleagues would buy food for the company once in a while so that they can eat together.

[Azentia]

reiyi, on 16 March 2010 - 02:10 AM, said:

Sigh, haters just can't stop with the personal insults, can they? For your information, I don't even like Virginia Lok, let alone being her fanboy. But, to be fair, she doesn't deserve to go to jail just because she plays favourites (like someone want her to). I also won't deny that she's a good manager who is able to promote her darlings to great height in a short time. And she did help some talented artists like Michael Tse.

Secondly, I wasn't defending Virginia Lok in my post. I was defending Kate and Johnnie To and question the supposed great influence that you guys attribute to Lok.
Your Mike's quote prove nothing. Yes, Virginia knows a lot directors in HK. But, does that mean she will have a lot of influence on them? Do you see Mike He in a lot of HK movies? Do you see Virginia's favourites in a lot of movies? If Virginia has so much influence, her darling Kevin Cheng, Linda Chung, Charmaine Sheh, Raymond Lam will be in a lot of big directors movies. Yes, maybe Virginia Lok suggested Kate to Johnnie. But, I believe if Kate doesn't fit the role, Johnnie won't take her. I believe Johnnie To has more mind of his own that you guys attribute to him.

this is the other side of the coin. Kevin Cheng, Charmaine Sheh, Raymond Lam, Linda Chung, are television(key word here) stars are contracted to do dramas, and that is their first priority. TVB's startup movie-studio contracts are a recent direction for them so we'll slowly see this. they will consider doing Virginia a favor because of TVB's clout in the industry and cast who she likes.

no, the mike quote does prove something. you keep claiming there is no connection between Virginia Lok and her influence in helping to get roles. none of that is needed, essentially its whether bootlicking-involved-favoritism have a role in why she is active for some artists and not for others, the answer there is yes.

in that same quote, mike said his plans are not immediate in HK.

This post has been edited by angelicdestiny: 17 March 2010 - 03:18 AM
Reason for edit:: Removed offensive material

[reiyi]

sun7630, on 16 March 2010 - 02:19 PM, said:

But I also believe, without Virginia Lok's help and connection Kate wouldn't landed the role. It work both way. Artistes need the talent to succeed but they also need the connection for opportunities. Knowing someone that will recommend you or bad mouth you make a big difference. Don't underestimate Virginia's lok influence and power. There is a reason why so many artistes kiss up to her and lavish her with expensive gifts. There are tons of artistes and singers out there waiting for someone to give them a chance/opportunity. . The status of Kate's success was very fast, thanks to Virginia Lok. Some waited for 10 and 20 years, like Wayne Lai. In addition since they are all TVB contracted artistes, if you are not in good terms with them they could put you in the freezer without any series or shows and one can't do anything about it until the contract is up. TVB is the boss, it can shoot you up to stardom and yet at the same time it can pull you down to hell.
As to her others favorites, Kevin did produced a CD with Lo Ka Cheong as composer.
Linda also did a movie, she was nominated for best newcomer the same year as Kate. Charmaine did do a movie with Hacken Lee. She also have a pretty big role in 72 Tenants. Virginia did gave Bosco, Kate, Myolie, and Raymond Lam the opportunities to be singer. Virginia did heavy promote her artiste into the movie and music industry where Catherine weren't able too. Thus, not all her efforts are rewarded. Charmaine movies flopped. The success one are Kate winning the best newcomer award and Raymond's singing carreer in EEG. Charmaine is TVB's number fadan.
In terms of Kate, Linda, Myolie, and Bosco singing career, I am not sure if it is a sucess or not. Like investing stocks there are lost and gains but at least she did make a lot of efforts in promoting her favorites. As an artiste the more venue to express yourself the better.

All the above I know. I can even name you more. Kevin Cheng has acted in a romantic comedy with Charlene Choi and another movie with Gigi Leung. Ray has also acted in a movie years ago and are going to act in more later. Ray has also acted in a young romance movie with a bunch of EEG actors years ago.

I just have problem with you saying 'she is able to convince Johnnie To use Kate in his movies' like it's all her influence and power, thus, discrediting both Kate's appeal and Johnnie To's mind. Maybe I read too many bashing on Kate and overreacted. But it read to me like Kate is so bad that only Virginia's convincing can get her to be in Johnnie's movie (without her own appeal) and Virginia's convincing Johnnie to take Kate is a great feat.

Azentia, on 16 March 2010 - 03:23 PM, said:

ok you really go to great lengths to deny the apparent and sound quite unreasonable here. this is the other side of the coin, dont present me with more hypothetical questions as to why so and so isnt in all the movies(absurd and impossible). could you not of answered some of your own nonsense? Kevin Cheng, Charmaine Sheh, Raymond Lam, Linda Chung, are television(key word here) stars are contracted to do dramas, and that is their first priority. TVB's startup movie-studio contracts are a recent direction for them so we'll slowly see this. also, dont hallucinate more than what was suggested, who said anything about the directors? no one insulted them but you, they will consider doing Virginia a favor because of TVB's clout in the industry and cast who she likes.

no, the mike quote does prove something. you keep claiming there is no connection between Virginia Lok and her influence in helping to get roles, then when its shown that there is, you shyly admit it but then immediately accost me to find the specifics that only you pointlessly want to know. none of that is needed, essentially its whether bootlicking-involved-favoritism have a role in why she is active for some artists and not for others, the answer there is yes.

in that same quote, mike said his plans are not immediate in HK.

I still maintain that Virginia Lok did not have has great an influence as you guy attribute to her even though she has connections.

This post has been edited by angelicdestiny: 17 March 2010 - 03:20 AM
Reason for edit:: OT comments removed.

[BKzzard]

ICAC must be seeing ***STARS*** these days without turning on the TV.

TVB can start preparing screen test for an ICAC sequel. There is no need for scriptwriter, they just need to look themselves in the mirror !

In all industries, all workers have to be in the good books of their bosses, not just the entertainment industry. Running errands for bosses outside of job scope is one example. Ostentatious gifts for prospective clients are common too although such acts are a kind of corruption because it undermines the interests of the organisation. Only in government service are civil servants required to DRAW a line.....very strictly. For procurement, an employee needs to 'declare' their vested interest to the employer and he cannot be the approving authority to hire a contractor in which he or his relative has vested interests. If the above precaution is not done but the relationship is subsequently discovered, he could be accused of cheating even if he doesn't take a single cent.

This post has been edited by BKzzard: 16 March 2010 - 10:56 AM

[athlon]

Wasn't there some news about some birthday party where expensive gives were flaunted?

[sophieloke]

athlon, on 16 March 2010 - 11:59 AM, said:

Wasn't there some news about some birthday party where expensive gives were flaunted?

Nothing wrong with that. What is birthday without birthday gifts ?

[Tumby_tum]

Wow.. this case is revealing more & more things about the showbiz. I am not surprise about giving gifts to upper managment ppl... there are all kinds of ppl out there.

[wChaU1]

in the red light, on 16 March 2010 - 02:19 AM, said:

this gets me to thinking, TVB opened a can of worms for themselves with their public GM arrest. how is corruption defined for their company? unrecorded monetary gains? they are corrupt on regular basis then. they not only need to sanitize the place, they need to sterilize it, heavy duty-style. the industry brothers are going to teethingly thank TVB for ruining their best kept secret and have investigations spread elsewhere in entertainment circle, even to prostitution den EEG again. keep on arresting 'em HK ICAC. I bet ATV is plowing through some popcorn and watching the greatest show of the decade from their much hated bully TVB.

Oh please, ATV has widespread problems including with their capital money issue. Plus there talent people has been demising month by month. Soon to be ex-TVB people over there.

[♥ daydreamgirl]

wChaU1, on 17 March 2010 - 06:42 AM, said:

Oh please, ATV has widespread problems including with their capital money issue. Plus there talent people has been demising month by month. Soon to be ex-TVB people over there.

At least ATV are not in deep trouble with ICAC or the police and doesn't have corruption problems in their company.

[Wing L]

Actually, I believe that ATV is also having problems with the law...as a past shareholder was said to be suing the corporation due to stocks.