2013 CAFF Awards for LOTYEF and Director Tsui

The 9th Chinese American Film Festivals (CAFF)  was held November 3 2013 at Los Angeles. Its opening ceremony includes its the Golden Angel Awards presentation. This year mainland tv series are included in its Golden Angel awards list. "The Legend of the Yuan Empire Founder" was among the 10 best tv series finalists, and Director Tsui Siu Ming snagged the best tv director award for it, while Vicki Zhao took home the best director for her debut movie, "So Young"《致我們終將逝去的青春》 Congratulations to Director Tsui and Director Zhao on their awards. Hopefully these two awards for LOTYEF will also boost Steven's popularity in China

link
pix- best director
caff website

Director Tsui Siu Ming's praise on Steven's Liu BingZhong

7/23 00:41制片人Amy Hello, still learning! 

7/ 23 00:02 steve Haha! Mrs. Tsui is here too 

7/23 00:02 制片人Amy (siu ming's wife) I really like how Director Tsui designed this scene. Steven's appearance is awesome! Very stylish!  

7/22 23:40 香港徐小明Tsui jeh, you're the go-between me and Ma Jai, a merit credited to you!  

蓉蓉細語 tsyi yy 7/22 23:40: Monk Zi Chong, skilled in letters and martial arts.  Siu Ming gor waited all the while for young master's arrival.  And that very night shaved head. And the next day shot his scenes, all just so that he could have an outstanding performance in the series, such affection hard to forget! Thank you, Siu Ming gor!  

Steven: Wah, Thank you, Siu Ming gor  @蓉蓉細語

香港徐小明 7/22/2013 23:32 Steven did an outstanding performance; brought Monk Zi Chong to life, a compassionate and righteous Liu BingZhong.  Fans, don't miss it!  @小明哥粉丝会

馬浚偉 7/23/2013 17:30: This scene is painstakingly designed by Siu Ming gor! Thank you, Siu Ming gor! @香港徐小明 

weibo 6/29- 6/30/2013 dinner with Director Tsui and Tsui Jie

6/30 23:50 Tonight get-together. See Siu Ming gor again, Mrs. Tsui and fei yao jie (Tsui jie)  Lots of past stuff, lots of  future stuff. Very happy!

6/30/2013 19:45 Taking picture with self

6月29日 23:54真心多謝當日多位新聞界前輩大姐的鼓勵啊 @蓉蓉細語 6/29/ 22:28 第二首馬浚偉的「只因有祢」，第一次聽，六個人都喜歡。今晚獨個兒靜聽，歌好歌藝更好，一把好嗓音，埋剑多年終出鞘，恭喜少爺！









 6/29/2013  23:51  Just saw this weibo...  When 大姑奶 (aunt) saw me she instantly fanned me with her fan. Truly once Tou Jeh, Tou Jeh for life.... What's difference is that Tou Jeh has gained weight and  has become Tsui Jeh.  @蓉蓉細語 6/25 15:22 Today, saw Siu Yeh (young master) sweating profusely, so instantly became Tou Jie (TN: of A Simple Life) and started to fan him and whatnot. Once a Tou Jie, forever a Tou Jie for life; so true! 

Legend of the Yuan Empire Founder Displayed its secret arsenal in Filmart.

2013-01-04
Legend of the Yuan Empire Founder (LOTYEF), produced by 北京阳光盛通文化艺术公司, directed by Tsui Siu Ming, and starred by the cast of: Hu Jun, Charmaine Sheh,  Cai Wenyan, Wu Yue, Tang Guoqiang, Gao Fa, Steven Ma, Ray Lui, Ba Sen , Ha Si Gao Wa, etc (胡军、佘诗曼、蔡雯艳、吴樾、唐国强、高发、马浚伟、吕良伟、巴森、哈斯高娃)  drew much praise from its recent Filmart debut.

Yesterday (1/03), the series producer attributed one of many reasons why the series was such a hit in Filmart to its 'secret weapon arsenal', including the extended trailer, the revised posters/bannerd and brochures, and the CCTV broadcast of the documentary film of "LOTYEF 200 Days".

source: sina.ent 2013/1/04 16:58

7/28/2012 -

click to enlarge pix to check out Steven's flawless skin!!

above two pix credit: Torrie_恩 weibo
Pix got to be ps before uploaded.
But what about the below pix, which Steven  himself uploaded on his own weibo?
Skin still unnaturally flawless. ps, too?

Steven helped out Director Tsui Siu Ming in World Hepatitis Day to promote awareness of healthy liver to prevent hepatitis.  That's a really good pix of Steven.

Steven looking young and well-rested in the picture. Very fresh looking color shirt.  He says he'll be home cheering on China Badminton team as well as the Hong Kong team in the Olympics.

 credit to Steven ma weibo

LOTYEF - pix

I guess those of us who love Steven are all so choked up at watching LOTYEF preview especially Steven's scenes because their existence came at such a high price to him.

tsui yy 7/6/2012 Recall that day, Siu Ming gor waited until the very last minute, and still tried to think of ways to wait for Steven to join the troupe, arranged for him to shoot an exciting video clip, insisted to include him in the preview. Ma Zai, regardless what your future achievements maybe in China, don’t ever forget this favor from Siu Ming gor. This is also the reason why I would not forget 「建元风云」recalling that gesture of friendship. 情与义 Mrs. Tsui’s grace I also will not forget. And also Ah Ou’s…

Steven Ma: Mainland China tv series have high standard

This is the 2nd piece to Steven Ma's 5 piece interview
馬浚偉專訪 ~ 「大膽浚言」之二
enlarged pix link

Edited to include vid link. 
Steven's words in video are those highlighted in purple.
Corrections per video to the printed reported are highlighted in brown.

馬浚偉:內地劇水平高
 on.cc news report   2012 4/10
on.cc uploaded vid   2012 5/06

With the filming of 'Legend of the Yuan Dynasty Founder' behind him, Steven Ma, having earlier terminated his TVB management contract prematurely, now as a freelancer has accepted as his first job a 25-episode mainland series that paid him 3.5 million yuan.

Although Steven derives much satisfaction from earning his 'first pot of gold' in mainland, he asserts that earning money is not the most satisfying yet, what's most satisfying to him is that he can become among the valued artists in the recent Hong Kong television war.

Actually filming 'LOTYEF' has broadened my horizon.  Siu Ming gor (Director Tsui Siu Ming) filmed the series with a movie feel to it, very meticulously done. A few years ago per TVB arrangement I participated in a mainland series but that was long time ago.  Nowadays, the tv series with mainland investments are an eye opener for me. The investment for LOTYEF itself was 150 (sic. Steven said 120 mil not 150 mil as reported in this article) million yuan. My participation has given me a good experience, and a good start to my venture into mainland.

Since regaining my freedom, my first series, a pre-modern drama, is one that I picked on my own. In the series, I officially became a lead actor (in mainland). The role requires a person to portray two characters; there's lots of room for improvisation. As an actor to be given this kind of role, I'm truly grateful. The production troupe has also invited the seasoned, award winning costumes designer, (HK and Taiwan movies golden awards) Bobo  吳寶玲 , to do my makeover. She has designed more than 10 western suits for me. (Heard your fee was 140,000 yuan per episode), actually money is not my primary consideration, for instance, if the character is not suitable or that the quality of the script is average, I may not have the courage to accept the role.

More Opportunities Therefore More Valued
As to my taking the first step to earn the so-called first pot of pot, actually the credit to TVB should not be erased because in the past TVB had also helped me find many pots of gold.  Incidentally, recently the number of free-to-air tv stations has increased considerably, greatly impacting the television industry but it is a good thing because the healthy competition provides available choices to many artists and crews. More opportunities aside, I myself have become more valued (by others).

Awash in Artist Poaching Tide
Also, I just happened to encounter the artists poaching tide. I admit I did have contacts with other tv stations.  But for now I want to have a bit more freedom, so I maintain only a friend relationship with the people in the industry who have previously contacted me such as Ricky (CTI Ricky Wong). Last year he had already approached me but as for our collaborating it is too early yet, however, I do appreciate his drive. And Siu Ching jie (Producer Miu Siu Ching), who has now joined NowTV, has a good relationship with me but I still have not decided.  After terminating my contract with TVB, Zhan jie (TVB executive, Catherine Tsang) has had also talked to me but I want to venture outside.  People say that TVB big tree provides good shade, but for me, I would like to have more flexibility for now.


口述：馬浚偉
筆錄：影視組
服裝：Bally

1st part link

Hu Jun and Steven Ma’s Life Risking Adventures Produced “Laughter Fruit”.

The grand historical tv series production, “Legend of the Yuan Dynasty Founder (建元風雲, LOTYDF)”, a 150 million (yuan) investment by Beijing Sunshine Sheng Tong Company, with its majority of filming work done will soon be wrapping up production. Yesterday, the drama producer revealed that in the series, Kublai Khan and Liu Bingzhong portrayed by Hun Jun and Steven Ma, respectively, though in status ruler and minister, in truth, having been through together life and death situations, their mutual feelings are no different from real brothers'. In one particular scene whereby the ruler and his minister encountering a dangerous situation inadvertently produces an amusing outcome. 

The drama of the magnificent but turbulent life of the Yuan Dynasty founder, Kublai Khan, is directed by Hong Kong golden director, Tsui Siu Ming who brought together a cast including Hu Jun (胡軍), Charmaine Sheh (佘詩曼), Cai Wenyan (蔡雯艳), Wu Yue (吴樾), Tang Guo Qiang (唐國強), Gao Fa (高發), Steven Ma (馬浚偉) , Ray Lui (呂良偉), Ba Shen (巴森) and Ha Si Gao Wa (哈斯高娃) . The highlights of the series are its unique subject matter, its enormous investment, and its production assembly of big shots and support staffs, as well as its stellar cast and its new way of marketing, hence it's hot even before its broadcast, and unanimously being looked upon with favor by both the satellite tv stations and film distributers, alike. The series’ chief investor, Beijing Sunshine Sheng Tong Company’s chairman, Sheng Ta Song (盛漯松), whose company has previously successfully invested in such grand tv series productions such as: 《新水浒》《大国医》《大瓷商》《香格里拉》, presented the series thus: LOTYDF will interweave an artistry process into the history foundation fabric, consequently restoring the life of Kublai Khan through bits and pieces of details. One of the major the highlights in the series is Kublai Khan’s ruler-minister relationship with his loyal minister, Liu Bingzhong, who was dubbed the “Architect of the Yuan Dynasty”.

According to history chronicles, Liu Bingzhong was a great statesman during the Yuan Dynasty’s infancy years, possessing a deep well of knowledge. In fact, Kublai Khan using “Yuan” as the national title for his country was due to Liu’s recommendation. Liu was also an renowned scholar, architect and a verse poet. Liu was a former monk, roaming the four seas. After a chance meeting with Kublai Khan, Liu returned to secular life and resolutely assisted Kublai Khan to fight for hegemony of the country. LOTYF uses this basic fact as a spring board to vividly portray the whole process of this pair of ruler and minister’s first encounter, acquaintance, and finally their bonding. The series promotional director, Lu Ke, reveals that in the series, Kublai Khan and Liu did not take to each other in their first encounter, but following a series of shared tribulations that strongly intertwined their destinies, whereby they underwent numerous life and death situations together, and numerous times saving each other's life, that though by status and title they are ruler and minister, their mutual feelings are as close as real brothers'. What is notable is that this episode of “ruler-minister adventures” is quite dramatic and very amusing. Also, through the superb collaborative performances of both Hu Jun and Steven Ma, their scenes produced quite a “laughter fruit” effect.

Apparently, Steven Ma’s scenes have already ended at the end of February. Before he left he especially stopped by to say goodbye to Hu Jun and all the producers. After almost half a year of working together, they have developed a strong friendship.

Steven Ma Miu Siu Ching on leaving the nest

马浚伟谈离巢：没受伤，是去追求我想要的

Steven Ma on leaving the nest;
Not Wounded, just want to pursue what I want.

 Recently, Hong Kong television industry is in turbulence, and all of a sudden, this series, Daddy Good Deeds, contains not one but two former TVB prominent generals who have left or will be leaving the nest --- the golden producer, Miu Siu Ching, and front line siu sang, Steven Ma. Hence, some Hong Kong media reported that this series has summarily become an ‘orphan’, resulting in its being broadcasted in the slow, off season timeslot as warehouse clearance. Yesterday, both Miu Siu Ching and Steven Ma, attending a promotional event to rally support for DGD tv premier, accepted this Nandu reporter's interview, whereby they candidly shared their state of mind before and after leaving the nest. Steven, who has prematurely terminated his TVB contract and has once declared “he and Virginia Lok has weak affinity” denies that this “parting of way episode” has wounded him, in fact, he expresses that he has not ruled out the possibility of collaborating with TVB  under a different contract format in the future. As for Miu Siu Ching, she expresses the main reason for leaving TVB is because she wants to “apply what she has learned”.

LOYEF Exploits the untouched Kublai Khan subject matter.

Legend of Yuan Empire Founder exploits the untouched Kublai Khan subject matter. 
Battle scenes are epic. 

The high profile, historical epic series, "Legend of the Yuan Empire Founder" with its stellar cast lineup including Hu Jun, Charmaine Sheh, Cai Wen Yan, Wu Yue, Tang Guo Qiang, Kao Fa, Steven Ma, and Ray Lui and its over hundred million yuan grand production is presently winding down to its final countdown phase in Hengdian. Yesterday, a production staff commented that this series has spared no expenses and that its battle scenes are epic, truly breathtaking to look at.

Reportedly, this grand production series is the first ever to present such an indepth and comprehensive drama on the Yuan Dynasty. Spanning 70 years, this series adopts an epic saga style to present a panoramic viewing of the whole process of the founding of Yuan Dynasty, as well as showcasing Kublai Khan's magnificent life. Sheng Luo Song , head of Beijing Morning Star company (北京阳光盛通) weibo link that has in the past invested successfully in such grand productions as: The new Water margins《新水浒》, Da Guo Yi《大国医》, Shangrila《香格里拉》, Da Ci Shang《大瓷商》, reveals that Kublai Khan theme is a rare piece of hitherto untapped subject matter in the entertainment circle. Actually,a few years back, its producers had already started preparing for this series, and had especially invited the president of the Academy of History in Nankai University cum the president of China Yuan Dynasty Society, Professor Li Zhi An, to be its Yuan history consultant.

The people interviewed commented that the five eye-catching aspects of the series to the public would be its unique subject matter, its huge investment, its stellar production team, its stellar cast, and it new marketing approach. This estimated 150 million yuan historical epic drama under the leadership of Tsui Siu Ming has already shot on location in Mongolia and Hengdian as well as other parts of the country. Just within Hengdian, the on location filming has taken 5 months or more. A staff member said that the series’ battle scenes are simply magnificent, and breathtaking. Especially worth mentioning is the large number of ‘horse scenes’. Hu Jun, Wu Yue, and Ray Lui etc all have scenes to showcase their horseback riding prowess. Even Charmaine Sheh has had quite a bit of horseback riding scenes too.

Also, as one of this year’s handful “100 million yuan drama club” series, and this year most highly anticipated period drama, along with its stellar production team, its stellar cast, and its stellar operation and management team, Legend of Yuan Empire Founder even before its broadcast is already unanimously favored by many tv stations and distributors.

Director Tsui's birthday party

11/29  13:21 A very happy night. Wishing Siu Ming gor good health and happiness!

Director Tsui's birthday party 11/28/2011

Tsui Siu Ming- hengdian more a tourists attraction than a filming hub

HK Tsui Siu Ming: Hengdian, everybody should be familiar with it. This small village has now become today's movie and television filming hub.  But to directors, they love and hate this place. Love because it is so suited to tv series production, but because it is more like a tourist amusement park than a filming ground. And the organizers seem more concerned with taking care of the tourists than the filming troupes.  The ceaseless flow of people and the unending noise and voices; the proximity of nearby production causing mutual disturbances; the sound of laughter, crying, and yelling heard all at the same time.  I'm going crazy!  

Like I said from watching the fan group video, Hengdian tourists treat celebrities like an amusement park attraction with their rude and insensitive conduct.

loyef - mingpao magscan

Helen Ma 11/13 09:34  Ma Zai (Duo Bo) Ah Leung (Mother) read the magazine today and found out that you, Ah Sheh (Charmaine Sheh) and Siu Ming gor are shooting a series together.  Wah! 50 episode series.  You'll have to be in Mainland for at least 5 months.Take care of your health! Especially your throat. Make more tea and soup to drink!


Steven Ma has fate with shaving his head hence his frequently bald head. This time in the series, Legend of Yuan Empire Founder, under the blade wielded by Tsui Siu Ming, his strands of 'worries' fell off.  But Ma Zai got back more, not only can he experience mainland shooting of series but also according to Director Tsui, his skin has become so much more smoother and moisturized. "Working in TVB his 'qi' (aura) has been suck up, but in Mainland he breathes in air. (qi)  Come here often, he will become well-fed and well moisturized."  Ma Zai has temporarily put aside his contract issue with TVB, wakes up early everyday to work in Hengdian, diligently workout in the gym, and eat lightly, that's the reason for his radiance. (moisturized)

Prince Consort Sai Hin and Princess Cheung Ping meet at Hengdian but one has been transformed to a monk, the other a khan's wife.  Ma Zai and Ah Sheh once again collaborate after Perish in the name of love but into a different horizon.  Naturally the wallet has become heavier and the horizon different.

In the 50-episode grand production, Ma Zai's role is quite heavy. His character as Liu BingZhong resembles Zhuge Liang.  He is originally a monk but was invited by Kublai Khan to leave the monastery to assist him building his country. When he has successfully established the nation, Ma Zai will have a good ending and a lover to accompany him in seclusion.

Steven Ma on leave from TVB to Shoot Series in Hengdian

馬浚偉攻內地懶理無線  takungpao 11/12
馬浚偉暫離無綫橫店拍劇 singpao

On November 1st, Steven Ma ‘temporarily’ left his TVB home for Hengdian to shoot Director Tsui Siu Ming’s 50-episode historical drama, “Legend of Yuan Empire Founder” 《建元風雲》. This drama is tentatively scheduled to air at 8 pm on cctv1 in 2012.

Character Similar to Zhuge Liang
Steven collaborated with Hu Jun and Charmaine Sheh et al in the tv series, "Legend of Yuan Empire Founder". Liu BingZhong, (劉秉忠), the character Steven portrays is similar to Zhuge Liang, whereby he assists Kublai Khan, portrayed by Hu Jun, to establish a new nation. His role has lots of room to flex his acting chop. In the series Steven undergoes numerous makeovers, one of which is that of a monk. Director Tsui Siu Ming even personally shaved Steven’s head for him, and praised Steven for having a beautifully shaped head. Tsui also said that though this is their first time collaboration, he is impressed with Steven's professionalism. The reason why he uses Steven for the role of Liu BingZhong is because this character cannot be too rugged, or be too soft, either. Mainland actors are usually too rugged or are pretty boys siu sangs; Steven’s masculinity and gentleness are well balanced.

Tsui Siu Ming:  Thriving Prosperous 家肥屋潤
Steven has only recently joined the production team, but Tsui Siu Ming has already noticed the latter’s skin becoming more ‘moisturized’ (radiant). “Working in TVB, his (Steven’s) ‘qi’ got sucked up by TVB. In mainland he breathes in Mainland's air. (qi) If he comes to Hengdian often to shoot series, I guarantee he will “thrive and prosper” .『家肥屋潤 – well fed; well watered』 When Siu Ming gor’s words were repeated to Steven, he initially misunderstood ‘round and smooth’ (圓潤) to imply he had gotten fatter and was instantly concerned. But he relaxes when he finds out that the words actually indicated his healthy aura and his dewy skin. Steven says that (before he came over) to ensure he would be in peak form for his performance here, he not only gave up eating his beloved noodles but also diligently went to the gym to workout, and that his mental and physical conditions are better than before.

Zero Reaction to TV King Nomination.
So as to break into Mainland China, Steven has temporarily shelved his unresolved contractual issue with TVB. He expresses that he is definitely changing the type of contract with TVB, so even if nominated for tv king his heart will not be moved. Before Hong Kong, Steven had already unequivocally expressed his position to TVB. He once again emphasizes that he has no conflicts with TVB, just that he cannot collaborate with certain people there. If the issue can be resolved, he will be more than happy to collaborate with TVB in a different way.

As to TVB recently being bombarded by outsiders, like Macy Chan’s incident while filming a tv travel special in Japan, whereby her boyfriend, Eric Suen, publicly lambasted tvb.  Steven says forthrightly: “Some artists are scared to offend TVB so they kept quiet. Old Suen dares to speak out. Good for him! (真好嘢!) This incident illuminated the problematic handling of matters by someone in TVB.” Steven also says that if tvb continues to do nothing to fix the problem, when face with next year television war, he fears for tvb.

Steven’s role in Legend of Yuan Empire Founder is heavy. He is expected to stay in mainland for three months. Later he will go to Mongolia for on location filming. As to whether he will attend the anniversary gala to show support, he says candidly that the chance of his attendance is slim.

pix sources: mingpao, kuangaiTVB weibo, takungpao, singpao
~~~ magscans below