TVB Faces Potential New Wave of Departures; Hong Kong Television and Mainland China Become New Destinations

    Hong Kong Investment Immigration focus on Hong Kong: Following the departures of artists such as Michael Tse, Joey Meng, and Mimi Lo from TVB last year, TVB actress Charmaine Li recently publicly expressed her intention to leave. In response, Mimi Lo, who has already left TVB, supported Li, stating that "the world outside is quite good." Meanwhile, veteran actor Lau Siu-ming, also known as Ming Sir, who declined Ricky Wong's invitation to stay at TVB for three years, has not been given any work assignments and has been left on the sidelines, leading the veteran actor to express his grievances against TVB. TVB may face a new wave of departures. With i-Cable and now TV about to join the ranks of free-to-air television, Ricky Wong's Hong Kong Television preparing to launch a network television station, and the attraction of high salaries and broader market space from Mainland China, TVB's former "monopoly" in television is no longer, and TVB artists have more choices in platforms. To prevent artists from leaving and audiences from being lost, TVB may need to put in more effort.

 

 

Charmaine Li laments that leaving TVB is the right choice

Charmaine Li joined TVB immediately after graduating from the Academy for Performing Arts in 2004. In the 9 years since, she has filmed quite a few dramas, but only played minor roles without good opportunities to showcase her talent. By the end of May this year, Charmaine Li's contract with TVB will expire. The company had discussed contract renewal with her, but the "salary increase was minimal."

Regarding Charmaine Li's intention to leave, not only did TVB not make an effort to retain her, but the artiste management department also called her to say that "venturing out is also a good thing, and we hope she can have more opportunities to do different things," which left Charmaine Li very disappointed, feeling that "leaving is not wrong." Not yet fully free, Charmaine Li revealed that she has only had preliminary contact with Ricky Wong's Hong Kong Television, "there is no substantial deal yet."

With his wife leaving TVB, will her husband, fellow artist Ricky Fan, also jump ship? It is reported that Ricky Fan still has a five- or six-month contract with TVB, but the company has not contacted him yet. "I am just a small employee, contract renewal is not up to me to think about; maybe they don't want to renew with me?" he said.

Lau Siu-ming has not had any work arrangements

Three years ago, Ricky Wong personally invited veteran actor Lau Siu-ming (Ming Sir) three times to work for Hong Kong Television as an actor and mentor to train newcomers. Seeing this, TVB immediately urged Lau Siu-ming to stay. Based on the idea that it is better to stick with what you know, Lau Siu-ming eventually continued to serve TVB, but has not had any work arrangements since.

Last December, Lau Siu-ming was awarded the "Professional Spirit Award" by TVB. It is understood that Lau Siu-ming's contract with TVB is "one show per year," but he has not had any work arrangements. Lau Siu-ming expressed his dissatisfaction in an interview recently: "I don't know if it (TVB) is out of concern for me, worrying that I haven't come out (of the shadow of losing his wife)." It is reported that Lau Siu-ming is 83 years old, and his wife passed away due to illness the year before last.