It's Risky Business in Mainland

Ada Choi's recent hair-raising experience with a mainland business company brought to mind Steven's own scary experience in 2004 (filming Snake Curse 《蛇咒》) when he was unexpectedly put in a dire predicament by an unscrupulous mainland assistant producer, and how he resolved that crisis. AF link

Excerpt from a 2006 news report

S: [..] But, freelancing can also create dire predicaments.

Once, while filming in Meizhou, one night we went to a local disco for an location filming for a scene. When we got there, suddenly there were people holding up banners; somehow it had become my concert. Even selling the admission ticket for 120+ yuan each. Turned out the film producer did not pay rental to the disco management; he tricked the owner into thinking that I would perform on stage to cover the rent; thus, I became the sacrificial lamb. I'm stubborn; I absolutely refused; the people wanted to beat me up. I said, "Go ahead, beat me to death here!"

How did it end? I called up Li Ru En’s husband (Ceng Zhi Ming) for help. His factory was in Meizhou. He sent in his factory foreman and called in the public security (police). So for the rest of the filming in Meizhou, I had a police escort. There’re things that artistes cannot easily take of. I didn’t want to deal with the mountain folks, and it just happened at that time, TVB sought me out. I thought the time was right to sign on.

excerpt source: 2006 sm red wine, fresh milk

related 2005 news I Don't Bite
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Incident described in more details: 2007 Anna Chau radio transcript

Extortion
A: As to your deepest impression of losing your temper, was it that one time when you were doing a stage performance?

S: oh, yes!

A: Can you talk about?

S: Sure, but it wasn’t a stage performance, it’s filming a movie.

A: but it became a stage performance.

S: At that time, it wasn’t plain losing my temper. Actually to protect myself, I transformed into a different person. What happened is that I went to a very remote, mountain town to shoot a movie. My whole contract was just to shoot a movie. Who knew, later one night, something wasn’t proper. That was during the on-location shoot of a disco scene. Even during the journey to the disco location, I already sensed that something wasn’t quite right. I did say I’m a very sensitive person. I felt that some of the crew were acting strangely. (gugu guai guai) At that time, a female assistant (tn: Tsui Jie - she has mentioned that incident in her weibo when both their lives were threatened.) accompanied me. There’s just us two from HK, the rest were from mainland. When we reached the site, something really fishy was going on. Wah, bat dak liu! Hanging all over the place, fluttering in the winds were red helium balloons and a huge banner, “Welcome Ma Chun Wai to tonight’s performance!” My poster was plastered outside and the ticket cost was 129 yuan.

A: Did you think, yee? just filming a scene had to be this real?

S: But that scene wasn’t about the real me, wasn’t about Ma Chun Wai; but about my character in the movie. When I saw it, I knew instantly that they wanted to extort me. But if I were to leave immediately without getting to the bottom of it, then it would be to my disadvantage. So I got inside for makeup and was getting ready to act the scene, and to speak with the director. The producer came and introduced the DJ to me, ha what? Why do I need to know him? The DJ asked me how to introduce me for my entrance onto the stage. I said: Ha? Why do I need an introduction to get on stage? I’m here to make a movie. Did you make a mistake? He said no. And then the producer pulled up someone supposedly the assistant producer, a big, tall, hefty man. Of course, I knew I was being extorted. But I’ve a stubborn personality. So you think you would extort me, well then I will fight back. So I sat down and said, “I won’t sing. I’m here to make a movie. You’ve made a mistake!” At first I was polite. I said how can you guys be so ridiculous. Then the producer said, “Please help, just go up there and sing 3 songs.”

Wah! 3 songs! I said, “As artistes, our work by nature has to be accounted for. Our work is tied in with a contract and a fixed price. Also we have management. I can’t do this, sorry!” Seeing my inflexibility, he got another big sized assistant producer. He came, rolled up his sleeves, like readying for a fight. He asked, “Are you going to sing or not?” I lifted up my head. I kept my seat. I refused to sing. No! So what now? Then the director and the crew came over and asked what’s going on? At the same time, I asked my assistant to call up the movie lo ban (boss) to come and resolve this predicament. When he was aggressive, the situation was really dangerous for me. Because I didn’t know if he had co-horts around. After that incident, found out that there were around 10 to 20 of his people in the province. After reporting the incident to the police, some co-workers introduced their local friends to me. I’ve never made a movie with a daily escort of two policemen. But I didn’t care. I’m making a movie you can’t extort me. Subsequently, they changed that producer. And finally managed to finish the movie. Actually in between there were some other problems but they didn’t affect me. It had nothing to do with me.

Now that I think back, wah, I was quite brave then. But that’s just my personality. Yes is yes, no is no. Don’t you try to extort me. If you exhort, I will not take it lying down. I asked him, “So, you want to beat me up? Go ahead! Beat me to death, but I still won’t sing. So that’s how it went. Actually, working in mainland does not pose this kind of problems, this was unusual. All my work there went smoothly with no problems and the people I worked with were all very nice. Except for this one time. The way I see it, is that a big tree has many branches, and occasionally will meet some bad apples.

A: I guess in all your years working, this must be you first time or the only time encountering such an incident. I heard from friends incidents like this not only happened in China but also in Malaysia.

S: I’ve never encountered the same in Malaysia. That was my first and only time.

A: Could it be that you are someone who will yield to soft pleading but not to hard force. Say at that time, it was not this humongous big guy but a petite delicate person like Angel in our Macao filmology. (Anna and Steven had previously collaborated in a short filmology on advertising Macao) There she was pleading with you. Like: Please, all the tickets are already sold out. Would you…?

S: In my position, I couldn’t help because this concerns the nature of my work. It would be against the rules. I had a contract with a management company. My company had a cut in my fees. I couldn’t forfeit your fees. If I privately agreed to perform because of your pitiful display, I would have done something wrong, which is to have betrayed my company. Or worse maybe my company might misunderstand and thought that I had collected your fees. I couldn’t do it. If I were freelance, like you say, and had no company backing, if a big, hefty guy approached me, I would definitely not sing. But if like that ‘pitiful’ girl, maybe I might help you out by singing one song, fine. The situation is resolved. So maybe without management contract I might do it but probably wouldn’t. Because this concerns principles. (ethics)

A: Actually that situation then was quite dangerous. That big guy and his co-horts. And you, all by yourself alone. Also those people were in covert while you’re in overt.

S. Which is why later….sometimes life is like that. Troubles find you even though you didn’t provoke them.

..................................................................................................

Posts reposted from a 2009 AF discussion thread

Akazukin:
I love his strong hold onto principles and ethics. His courage in upholding them is very admirable. But men... can they never be able to escape what maybe a woman's trick? (re: above transcript italics) No matter if he/she is being offensive or pitiful, if he/she wanted to trick him into performing in order to get around paying rent and earn from the concert tickets, he/she is clearly unconscionably taking advantage of him. Such action, no matter how wallpapered, does not deserve to have him to sing for them. The thing is, if he sang one song for the 'pitiful' girl, he is not helping her, he is letting her taking advantage of him. If he wants to sing, the only reason he should sing is for the audiences that have bought their tickets with real money.

honeydaisy: Haha that is so funny. A woman's guiles are a man's downfall ... seen this happen many times in history, right? But I like to think that just goes to show what a gentleman he is!

Read the ensuing discussion here - scroll to page bottom.

Steven Ma as red wine, fresh milk

Posted 13 October 2007 - 08:00 AM

忽然一周－红酒鲜奶马浚伟

2006-03-31  TVB明星联盟

Summarized intro: Showbiz, like red wine, is all about place of cultivation, year of production, and taste. Likewise, after 13 years of showbiz immersion, Steven has the goods to become a bottle of good wine. But then again, maybe he is just a glass of bland fresh milk?

Rather be taken advantage of than to take advantage 「 寧 人 負 我 ， 我 莫 負 人 」 。

Safeguards’ rating was a triumph; however, Steven, the person, attracts more news attention than his alter ego, the Big 4th Boss; participation in a charity show, somehow became a sexual indecency scandal; vacation in Taiwan with girlfriend, somehow became Steven got ‘straightened’ by a superwoman innuendo; to top it all off, his past love relationships are once again dredged up and spun repeatedly through the gossip mill. Some female entertainers might have had welcomed the frequent tabloids' headlines and cover pages, but as a man, Steven must have felt the strain under such unrelenting negativity.

Hu: Do you feel you're like a magnet to controversy?

S: Maybe I handle stuff differently from other artistes. When faced with bad press, I seldom respond. Therefore, people think I’m an easy target, and will try to get more flesh out of me next time. As for the recent news, I really don’t know what to say. The captions are so nauseating. (ref: pervert charge - salty pork hands; see pix link) Admittedly, that picture is indeed suggestive. But people got to realize, what artiste would do such a thing in a show that was aired live before millions of viewers. The tabloids want to sensationalize that incident; there’s nothing I can do. I admit my dancing technique is weak, the rehearsal was brief, only a few hours or so. Luckily, I had a tight grip on her and didn’t drop her at the end of the dance; else, the papers would have had a field day with this caption, "After indecent groping, Steven kills to prevent victim’s accusations."

Hu: How do you deal with such negativity?

S: In the past, I brooded; tried finding solace in liquor, also tried locking myself in a room, crying. Over time, I came to believe so long heaven and earth know of my innocence, my conscience is clear. The present day viewers are pretty clear-eyed; they won’t continue to misunderstand me forever. Instead of wasting time refuting, why not expend that energy into doing good works so that people, within their limited leisure time, can get to know me better. The tabloids may denigrate me to worth less than a penny; the important thing is, that I’m not.

H: Such high-road attitude. Won’t that corrode? (reputation)

S: Used to think so. But, does silence really induce corrosion, not necessarily. If I explain every detail, maybe some people might say, "Oh, Steven really had nothing to do with it." But then again, others would sure to retort, "Steven is so cheap to bad mouth people like that." Won the argument, but lost on conduct; it’s all so pointless. My father once said: "Rather I being taken advantage of than to take advantage." Every rebuttal will hurt people. I dare to say this, that I can hold my head up high in front of everybody.

H: The homosexual accusation, was that the most damaging rumor?

S: As of today, there is no one such rumor that can truly hurt me. Frankie (his ex-manager) was my mentor. When I first entered the industry, he signed me up for 7 years, which was later extended to 3 more years. During this period, he developed and took care of me. He is a very attentive man, maybe that’s how the misconception started. To me, he was a very good manager. There’s no reason to end our contract just because of the rumors. Whatever rumors about me will not influence me. So long, I take responsibility for my work, who I’m with is of no concern to anybody.

Every time, Steven dances, things happened. In 2002, after his Latin dance with Sonija Kwok in Miss Hong Kong Pageant final, rumors spread of their dating, and Steven was fingered as the culprit who spilled the beans on their 3 months dating. The lady accused him of self-promotion. Recently, he was accused of indecent touching on Rain Li’s bottom during their dance together. Steven laughs, "I’m not scared to dance. Next time, I will partner Chu Mi Mi, nothing would happen then."

I’m Truly Lucky

Steven is obstinate. Rumor has it that he has a millionaire girlfriend: Shi Hui Ling. But he has made up his mind not to talk about it, and that's that. Steven has been in showbiz for 13 years. He is 35 years old this year, so naturally he has contemplated much on his career path and future. Two years ago, when his contract with Frankie ended, he decided to strike out on his own. Last year, he formally signed a contract with TVB in June. For sure, a big tree can provide better shade. (meaning a big company can provide more opportunities.)

Hu: So in the end, back to TVB?

S: Actually, TVB and I have always had a contract. It’s just that the contract then was more flexible; it allowed leeway of outside work and endorsements. When my contract with Frankie ended, I became a free agent. Honestly, money wise, it was really very lucrative. Also, the ability to completely control one’s success or failure was very self-satisfying. But, freelancing can also create dire predicaments.

Once, while filming in Meizhou, one night we went to a local disco for an location filming for a scene. When we got there, suddenly there were people holding up banners; somehow it had become my concert. Even selling the admission ticket for 120+ yuan each. Turned out the film producer did not pay rental to the disco management; he tricked the owner into thinking that I would perform on stage to cover the rent; thus, I became the sacrificial lamb. I'm stubborn; I absolutely refused; the people wanted to beat me up. I said, "Go ahead, beat me to death here!"

How did it end? I called up Li Ru En’s husband (Ceng Zhi Ming) for help. His factory was in Meizhou. He sent in his factory foreman and called in the public security (police). So for the rest of the filming in Meizhou, I had a police escort. There’re things that artistes cannot easily take of. I didn’t want to deal with the mountain folks, and it just happened at that time, TVB sought me out. I thought the time was right to sign on.I will now concentrate on filming. My most fervent wish is to perform on stage, no matter how small the role may be, I’m willing. (translator’s add- on: Steven got his wish. He will perform the male lead in 王子复仇记, a Chinese version Hamlet, on stage in Hong Kong Cultural center from Nov 22-25th. Rehearsals have started since Sept 11. His character will recite poetry, sing and swordplay in the show. )

Hu: What is the most important thing you’ve learned from your years of outside ventures?

S: That I am truly insignificant. In China filming industry, even a minor actor posses great acting skills. He can effortlessly do 8 back springs in a row, then somersault 360 degrees mid-air to land gracefully onto his feet. If it’s me, after 3 springs, I would need an understudy. Just in Beijing alone, there are some 200,000 professional thespians. For each role, there are over 2,000 candidates fighting over it. In the past, I took my male lead for granted, but after my eye-opening experience outside, I now know how very lucky I am. Before, I took criticisms hard. A classic example was in Healing Hands 1. Zhen Jie, (TVB upper management) always complained that I would not open my mouth wide to speak the lines. My upper lip would not move. I thought to myself, when I was young, my two upper front teeth were chipped; a deep inverted v separated them. It was only when I was 20 years old that I had them fixed. So all those years, I learned to speak without moving my upper lip. But now I know, understanding and explanations are of no use. The viewers only see the performance; they are not interested in knowing why. Don’t expect people to understand you. If you performed poorly, naturally there’ll be others to replace you. (H: Steven has since corrected that habit of not moving his upper lip while talking.)

Amending a Regret.

Besides acting, Steven’s career also includes book publishing. He grew up in Sham Shui Po-Bak Tin. From young, he was used to seeing discarded used syringes on the back staircase in their building. In the back alleys, the most common sight was the presence of hooligans and prostitutes. His father, a bus driver, was the sole breadwinner in a family of seven. His mother was a long-time nose cancer patient who died a few years back. The materials of his published books drew heavily on his childhood background, which include: suicide, the family of a cancer patient and problem teenagers. Steven has never concealed his humble origin. Maybe to overcome self-inferiority is to face it head on.

Hu: Why book publishing?

S: First, it’s purely sentiment. My 1st and 2nd jobs after graduation were in sales in Longman and Ling Ji publishing companies, respectively. Second, in the past, I was often looked down by people, so I wanted to prove my ability. I still remember that time not long after I entered the industry, a friend sent me home. At first, he thought I lived in Kowloon Tong, but when he found out that I lived in Sham Shui Po, he immediately locked all his car doors. He looked disgusted. I thought to myself, "Was that necessary?" Even though Sham Shui Po may be a slum, it’s not representative of its people. I’ve never studied in a university; my academic education is only Form 5 standard, so being a publisher is a sort of psychological compensation.

H: Aren’t you worried that people would think you’re seeking approbation and fame?

S: Only 2000 odd books are published per run. It’s a breakeven, can’t even make profits. What fame is there to laud? What compliments are there to fish? How people see me, I don’t care.

H: Do you feel that you don’t belong to this time period?

S: Yes, showbiz really doesn’t suit me. The competition is too fierce. But I’ve never participated in it. My personality is similar to Cao Zhi; won’t compete or exploit, always being bullied. I think if I were born in late Qing dynasty, I would be most happy. I love to read history books. The ending periods of the Qing dynasty were very turbulent. The citizens could put themselves out for their country, spilling hot-red blood. If I were in that generation, I’m certain I would be part of the revolution. But I don’t think I would be as radical as the 6 martyrs, or as self-sacrificial as Qiu Jin. I think I would be more like Luxun kind; I would use words and films/stage shows to resist the Japanese.

A Qing Model

Today, seems like I’ve just taken a class on China’s recent history and on Chinese thoughts. Steven loves to read Late Qing dynasty history , and also books by philosopher Tang Jun Yi, especially his 人 生 之 体 验.If not for the fact that I was solidly stuck in Lan Gui Fan Bar, I would have been deluded by Steven’s Qing appearance, thinking myself transported back to the early 20th century. Teacher Tang (Jun Yi) once said: the world mystifyingly doles out random praises and also mystifyingly metes out random hurt. I can relate to that; the entertainment circle is where most of this randomness is fabricated.

Interview credit to:忽然一周-Huran-2006-03-31 
secondary source: steven ma warm house
related radio interview excerpt on meizhou extortion 

Steven growing up in Ba-Tin was used to the sight of druggies and muggers in his neighborhood. But he was a bespectacled, refined student, himself. 马浚伟成长於白田 ，见惯屋 吸毒、斩人等现象，但他是一名戴金丝眼镜的斯文学生。

I Don’t Bite – Ma Chun Wai

I Don’t Bite – Ma Chun Wai
我不咬人 马浚伟
Ming Pao Weekly October 2005
Translator: Tamaya


The initial concept was: Steven wanted to use a sled dog in his photo shoot as an analogy to himself; that what is perceived as aggressive in nature is actually docile and dependable. But no sled dog could be found, and so a golden retriever was used in its stead. Not too bad. Anyway, a golden retriever was Steven’s second choice. It never bites, and it aptly fits the bill.

On July 1st of this year, he signed a management contract with TVB, thereby, symbolically returning to the fold; back to the hotbed of rumors. Of interest to people would be his interactions with the divas (fa-dans), with whom he has had scandals with in the past.

“I will be a most polite Ma Chun Wai.”

When reporters requested snapshots of him and Sonija together, he politely declined. In the end, Virginia Lok had to step in to ease the tension. Later, he was reported as being ‘stuck onto the top brass’.

“I don’t bite, but it doesn’t mean others won’t.”

After the interview, Steven would have his head shaved off in preparation for a Qing TV series. (LoW) Reality dictates that be you a gentle golden retriever or a fierce looking sled dog, and notwithstanding your unwillingness to have your hair sheared off, at your master’s command, how would you not obey? Therefore, the theme for this photo shoot of man and dog is aptly entitled ‘Loyalty’.

Back to the Hotbed of Rumors.
Upon his return to TVB, even before any of his series was aired, he was already inundated with new and old rumors, alike. While attending a Mid-Autumn festival event, he was even asked for his thoughts and reactions to the rumors alleging Sonija of relieving herself casually on the filming grounds. Returning to the hotbed of rumors, the first hurdle faced was the eloquence test. “From a regular person’s perspective, I would say this: “It’s wrong to covertly snap pictures of any actress doing it.” (Note: In the same interview, Steven blithely dismissed the rumor as baseless.) He answered with poise and discretion. The second hurdle faced was the expression test. For instance, always avoid being photographed wearing a ‘fierce’ countenance or having lips curved suspiciously in disdain. Still, what finally hit the tabloids were: ‘mutually transparent’, ‘right turn vs left turn’. Clearly, much work is needed to pass this hurdle.

“The reporters wanted to snap Sonija and my pictures together; I found that too contrived, so I declined. To break the awkward moment, Ms. Lok suggested: “Let’s all do a group photo,” and propelled us to the center. Subsequently, what ran in the tabloids was that I clung tenaciously onto Ms. Lok; holding tightly onto a good thing. To this end, the pictures were used as proofs to speciously support their stories. I felt detached.”

These kind of tell-a- tale pictures reports were but child's play; for in the past, Steven was dubbed a rumor spirit.(非精) His most titillating scandal involved Sonija. The man said they dated for three months; the woman fiercely denied: “I’m the kind of person who will admit to it if it was so.” Ultimately, Steven ended up being accused of propagating rumors for self-publicity. And then there was Ada Choi, on whom he allegedly had a crush on. (see video & footnote1: Steven’s takes.)

“…These past years, I have become more wary with engaging my emotions.”

Won’t Fight Tooth and Nail for Vindication
As to the Sonija scandal: one admitted to it, one refuted it; an impasse. He blames it on his Chiu Chow male’s disposition; in situations where the man had to take the fall, he would voluntarily suck it up and keep his silence.

“Every man should behave this way. There are many situations where a man finds it inexpedient to explain. I would choose not to explain. If I had to fight tooth and nail for vindication, I would much rather not do it. So what if I’m finally vindicated, people would still look down at me, as it is but a hollow victory if a man had stoop to such tactics.

“I believe in this saying: Heaven knows, earth knows, you know and I know. I would not squabble back and forth. The more you explain, the more people will get suspicious. Anyway, all things will come to pass. Time will tell the truth."(Note: Amen to that, esp. on this kind of he says, she says scenarios. I applaud them both for burying the hatchet to collaborate professionally in LOW & The Chinese Hamlet. Bravo! Now if only the media would let them be. )

Take the fall for the women, as well as, for the men. Not long after signing Frankie Fan as his manager, rumors abound of their alleged gay relationship. That too, he believes actualities will prevail over explanation.

“Wrote he bought me a car, a flat, and provided for me; all these published without a shred of evidence. These rumors persisted until I left his company. And then, the rumors stopped. At the time when the rumors were rampant; should I then drag out a female to repudiate? Furious, sure; but I’d no interest to do that.”

Heavy Eye Bags Ridiculed, Unhappy
When his July 1st TVB management contract came into effect, Steven went to work on a Qing series, Safe Guards for three months straight. All’s well and quiet; so far no rumors, yet.

“My present attitude is that everyone is my colleague; a mature artiste. I try not to think too much. I will not bring along my private feelings into the production arena. This should also help my performance.

“After work, I won't have much contact with entertainment. When I have the time, I will play badminton with Evergreen Mak (麥長青) , Gwok Fung(郭鋒,) or Ho Kai Nam (何啟南). Right now, they are my closest friends. I’m comfortable with them....

“The past two years proved that I can live a rumor free, quiet lifestyle. “Do not involve me,” these four words are my sincere plea.

Steven grew up amidst negative publicity. When he first started in the industry, his then record company used this slogan, “He’s not Hok Yau; he’s not Lai Ming” to promote him. For that, he suffered the ire of Leon’s fans.

“The bags under my eyes are naturally obvious. During one photo shoot, under the bright lightings, the bags were extremely conspicuous. At that time, because I was still being promoted as “Lai Ming” look-alike, plus the reporter didn’t like me; so beneath the photo, he wrote this caption: “Even with such a light workload at present, Ma Chun Wai’s dark eye circles are already so obvious, what if his workload were to increase in the future, how could he show his face to the public?” I was unhappy to read that.

“I had to shave my head for DOMD, and for me that was already a big sacrifice. Several newspapers ran this “clad in a dragon robe, but didn’t look like a crown prince. How to compete with Andy Lau?” TVB assigned me the work. It’s not my fault. Obviously, situations that are outside our control, we’ll still get blamed and criticized for them. Anyway, there’s no point getting upset over it.”

Threatened while Filming in China
In 2003, Steven finished shooting “Better Halves”; in 2004 his contract with Frankie Fan expired. He took this opportunity to venture outside on his own. Without an agent, he took the reins of his own career.

“The best part is that there’s no cut for management fees. 100% of the earnings went straight into my own pocket. Last year, my one year’s earnings are equivalent to three years’ worth. Truly, the management fees can be very hefty.”

Out on his own, he experienced for the first time of being owed money, and had to personally call up those debtors. “The fact was they should pay up, but turnaround, I had to beg them to pay up. It’s like I was being heartless. Decent people are often bullied while the fierce ones are feared.”

Even debt collecting is chalked up to new experience; Steven really had his eyes opened. And then there was the incident in Guangzhou, where he was threatened and was almost assaulted. (Note: translation of this incident skipped. 「这是我入行以来遇过最荒谬的事，原本是拍片，到了的士高场地，才知拉起横额，变成了演唱会，一百二十元一张门票。他们把我和女助手锁在卡拉OK房，一个男人站在我旁边，凶神恶煞的，问我可不可以上台唱几首歌，我说不唱，他好像想打我，我打电话向电影公司老板求救，才能脱险。结果报了公安，接 那十天，有两个公安跟 我出入。」 Read previous translated article.)

Album Release: Too Time-Consuming.
Outside, trials and tribulations abound; but, more importantly, freedom beckons. February, this year, TVB sought him out to sign a management contract. After pondering for five months, he decided to sign up.

“Ultimately, freelancing is not for the long run. People recognize me because of TVB series, more so than my albums. Even though, I started out as a singer, but I should know my own designation. People relate me to acting, not to singing-maybe to just singing some theme songs here and there, that’s all. Forgot that I started my entertainment profession as a singer. Which is why, in the end, I had to sign up with TVB, only then can I maintain my status.” (Note: A sense of helplessness & resignation?)

Few years back, Steven severed his 10-year work relationship with Frankie; the rumors were that the parting of ways was due to the break up of their ‘relationship’. He says it was actually due to differences in opinions.

“He wanted me to concentrate on my singing; ; whereas, I preferred performing in TVB series. A dilemma divided us. During that period, I had to decline several series because I was working on new albums. Actually, I had really wanted to accept them. In the former company, the album sales weren’t that ideal, anyway. To have to decline series for albums just wasn’t worth it. I preferred using the album production time to act in TVB series. Moreover, when the recording was done, there’s still lots of outside work to do. They also overpriced my fees. Many potential jobs fell through because the initial asking fees were set too high. Actually, I felt the fees needn’t be so high. They would start off with an exorbitant number, and then slowly came down on it, but by then many people were already frightened off.”

Now in TVB, he believes the company will not set exorbitant fees; and at month end, he need no longer have to chase after debtors to collect his fees. Zhen Jie (TVB executive) reassured him: “Now, you don’t have to worry la. We’ve a team of lawyers here; nobody would dare to repudiate a debt.” Steven reaffirms, with TVB he feels relieved and reassured, therefore, loyal; so TVB has gotten itself another golden retriever.

Panic Attacks
Six years ago, Steven was diagnosed with having panic attacks. Six years ago Steven was inflicted with an anxiety disorder. Because of his mother’s nasopharyngeal cancer, Steven took care of her for twenty-two years. Even during filming he constantly worried about her and was in and out of hospital to visit her, consequently because of accumulated pressure, he became inflicted with a mood disorder.

“No reason whatsover. Suddenly the heart beats wildly. Once almost fainted, conscious but couldn’t draw in breath."

Whenever the attack happened, the heart rate accelerated to150 - 160 beats. (Normal range is 60-100 beats/min). He carried his medicine with him at all times for unexpected attacks.

"Doctor says there’s no cure for this condition. It will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Many incidents will also follow us for the rest of our lives. Like the slogan from twelve years ago “He’s not Hok Yau; he’s not Lai Ming”; like right now, will still invoke it for laughs.

“Made me shed buckets of tears, and suffered public censure,” says Steven, self-deprecatingly.

Even the more discomfiting rumors, be they love affairs or gay affairs; he can now blithely dismiss them all with a laugh. When talking about Ada or Sonija or Frankie, his heartbeats will not abruptly leap to 150; at least in this aspect of his panic attacks it could be cured.

Journalist: Wang Zhi Qiang 王志強
Photographer﹕Qi Qi Ling 戚其麟
credit: mingpao - shall we talk?

TN footnote:
Per his recent diagnosis as reported in the news, his panic attacks might actually be symptoms of a congenital heart disease that accelerates his heart palpitation to as high as 160 beats. Normal range is 60-100 beats. The only cure to this problem is surgery, which Steven has put off indefinitely)

Note 1: On his alleged crush on Ada Choi.
In this interview, Stars Steven denies ever saying he has had a crush on Ada. True, he admired her but that’s as far as it went. The rumor originated with this reporter who did an over-the-phone interview with him as a publicity write-up on the series, On the track or off . The reporter asked him to comment on his co-stars, including Ada.

Steven’s response in Stars (Ming Xin) interview(in Mandarin)
Steven: I said Ada is a good actress, very hardworking. I admire her. That’s all. And the reporter asked: "How long have you guys worked together?" I said in all, about three years or so. Somehow, that became I’ve had a crush on her for three years. That’s the truth, really. ….later, the reporter apologized to me.

Radio Interview - People

Partial transcript of Steven's 2007 2-hour live radio interview with Anna Yau on the topic of People.  Since the interview was transcribed into Mandarin by a Steven fan, the transcript is not verbatim translation, but a paraphrase. But the meaning is no way altered.

Since live interviews are spontaneous, the interviewees' responses reflect their personalities, knowledge, intelligence, their quick wit, and most of all, their eloquence and articulation. I must say, more often then not, I'm impressed with Steven's live interviews, be they tv or radio. Even back then when his Mandarin wasn't too fluent, he was still able to articulate his thoughts well. There's always substance in his responses, regardless of whether one may agree or disagree with his opinions.

*The 7th day of CNY, traditionally known as yan yat 人日, is the common man's birthday, the open birthday when everybody grows one year older.

主持：丘凯敏（丘） 嘉宾主持：马浚伟（马）
Host: Anna Yau Hoi Man (A)
Guest: Steven Ma (S)
Date: Feb 2nd 2007 CNY 7th day, Saturday 9pm – 11 pm
Dialogue topic: People (live broadcast)

A: Happy Birthday!*
S: Happy Birthday!
A: How come you’re not elated? (雀跃 “jump like sparrows”)
S: I’m like this even for my own birthday.
A: Is that right? I’d like to introduce – whether tonight is for personal birthday or Everybody’s birthday there might be a little enthusiasm. (不大雀跃); but I hope there is for this program. We have here an enthusiastic (雀跃) guest; we have Steven Ma.
S: Hi Anna, Hello, everybody!
A: Hello! You’re very difficult to get hold of.
S: Not really! Quite ok!

A: For your birthday, you really couldn’t care less?

S: Not really, just that for other people’s birthdays, I tend to be happier, more enthusiastic and more joyous. (雀跃些) As for my own birthday, I’m usually not excited. My birthday celebrations by friends are usually quite tame.

A: How do your friends celebrate your birthday? Could it be that they know you don’t want to celebrate, so didn’t help you celebrate?

S: It’s not that I don’t want to celebrate. It’s all right to celebrate. Celebration is a joyous occasion. But no matter how happy I am, I'm always pre-prepared. Sometimes, some well-meaning friends wanted to surprise me, but I always knew in advance. If I didn’t guess the pleasant surprise beforehand, then I’d be really surprised.

A: Any? These past 3 years?
S: No!
A: past 10 years?
S: I saw through all of them. (laugh)
A: Is it because you were extra perceptive or that your friends were just too careless?

S: I guess it’s because I like to contemplate, therefore most things I can foresee in advance. Like when one or two of them start to walk off; I say to myself - here it comes, a cake. I just knew.

A: That’s true. Like when a karaoke song suddenly stops, you know what’s going to happen next.

S: Or like when friends whisper among themselves, one can also guess. If you expect me to act ignorant and later act surprise, then I…then I… Maybe because I’m an actor, therefore, ordinarily I really don’t like to behave too dramatically, else it’s like playacting in a show.

A: True, true. Just like, ordinarily I don’t like to chatter too much. If you were granted a birthday wish, what would you wish for, besides world peace?

S: In the past, there would many, but now I guess it would be good health. Of course, there are other aspirations, but if good health is gone, so will everything be gone. As such, good health predominates. Every year my birthday wish would be… Even during the blessing ceremonies for series, I would wish for a smooth sailing production, good health for myself and those around me and for my family. That’s more than enough!

A: What? You’d never wished for a #1 rating, breaks 43 points?

S: At the moment, it has only broken 42 points. (Laugh)
A: I know, wanting to smash it.
S: very tough!
A: Actually getting 40 points is not too easy. Besides good health, you said you’ve other aspirations; like, what are you career goals?
......................

Karaoka
A: Would you sing your own songs? Or occasionally listen to them?
S: I’ll listen to them, but won’t sing them in karaoke.

A: You go to karaoke?
S: Yeah, why not?
A: Well, some people don’t like karaoke, at least, those who sing or are artistes.
S: Before I entered the industry, I often sang in piano/organ clubs.
A: That’s different. That’s singing live, no? Some people get nervous at seeing their own mv.
S: I’m nervous, too.
A: Then why go?

S: I won’t request my own songs. There was once I went with a group of friends to karaoke and reserved a room – can’t remember the occasion. There were these two who disobeyed me and went behind my back to request 4 or 5 of my songs. And there I was, having a good time, drinking, when suddenly....I rushed to stop it, cut!… But still, he put in another request. I told him, if you keep doing that I’ll leave.
A: It’s just for fun ma… why so fierce? You’re bad! (laugh)

S: Yeah, that’s what my friend said. Do you have to be so fierce? I’ve already told you not to request my songs. Because at that moment, I didn’t want to be reminded of my identity or to have any contact with work. Because after work, during my free time, I prefer not to talk shop. I don’t like talking about myself. Like, so what film are you making now? So on and so forth. Even at old friends’ gatherings, I'm very clear on that I’ll brook no entertainment related questions. If you are my friends, don’t discuss my series, don’t ask if she’s pretty or not, or if she a nice person. Etc… If you insist on asking me this kind of questions, I’ll leave immediately. I don’t relish chatting these things after work.

A: Neither do I.
..........................

A: If you have the chance to get close to Ma Chun Wai, you’ll find out many unexpected stuff about him; like I found out you like Chinese tea. Later I also was surprised by how familiar you were with oldies songs. I can only used oldies to describe those songs, not old hits, (gao goh旧歌) but old songs(老歌 lou goh)

S: How do you know?

A: Because I’ve collaborated with you on a film & my observation is very strong. No lah, actually do you remember that one time we were inside a conference room. You and Zi Man Goh子明哥had to sing a song.

S: Oh, yes!
A: I was surprised how you knew the lyrics even better than Zi Man Goh. Those songs may not even be Brother Zi Man’s generation.

S: They were Brother Zi Man’s generation’s. They should be very familiar with them. But I don’t remember what songs they were.

A: Neither do I. But anyway, whatever they hummed, you could always pick up. So I was surprised, and looking at you, yee.. how come you knew that too? Yeah, and many others too. Before we start the program, allow me to interrupt here, if not once you start talking you won’t stop. Which is why tonight we have 2 hours to shoot the breeze on one particular topic with different categories so that everybody will get to know you better.

S: Getting to know each other better. 大家互相了解。（笑）

TN: Anna and Steven go a long way back to 1994 as show in the below April fool's Day trick pulled on the hostess by Steven and one other guy.

............................................

On Stupid people vs Lazy people
A: There’re all kinds of people in this world. Different people have different personalities. Everybody has his or her own principles and beliefs; if you were to choose between stupid people vs. lazy people, whom do you have the least tolerance for?

S: Actually can’t use “tolerate” on stupidity. Nobody wants to be stupid. Also, how to define stupidity, moreover, nobody can predefine it.

A: Compare to yourself

S: But you can’t do that. You think he’s stupid, that his strengths can’t compare to yours, but actually that’s because you haven't see his strengths as yet.

A: True. But if you can’t see them, then you don’t know them. And if you don’t know them, you don’t see him as competent. Like from what I can see or from working together, he doesn’t fit in.

S: There’s a Chinese saying 知人善用: use people according to their abilities. Actually, no one has the right to label a person stupid. You've only one option, which is, if you place him in a situation where he can excel and where his abilities can be fully utilized; then you are the smarter person.

A: True. But there’s no need for that; I know I’m more capable than him. But the problem is, you don’t get to know everybody for like 10 years. The chance may be once, or thrice or whatever, but all this time, he’s not competent at all. In your mind, this person just doesn’t cut it.

S: I’d think, is it because he’s being lazy? It’s easy to define laziness. Like maybe he needs to deliver something faraway, so suddenly he has a stomach ache. Can’t go. Ok. Fine. It is also fairly easy to determine laziness. But a person’s stupidity, it’s tricky to decide whether he’s naturally stupid, or that I’ve yet to see his strength(s). Even if he’s an idiot, I still believe he has his own strength(s). It may be from one's perspective, one can’t see them yet, therefore, he's labeled as stupid.

A: Yes. There's this group of people. Like he may be good in sports, but in my workplace, sports are unrelated to my work therefore not appreciated, right?

S: Exactly. How can he be considered a stupid person? He's capable, and is an outstanding athlete.

A: But I couldn’t see them (strengths). I’m only stating an example. Of course, I think athletes are intelligent. So, people, please don’t take my words out of context, that I said athletes are incompetents.

S: Of course not.

A: Say for instance at work, you've occasional collaboration with some people, maybe once or twice, always brief. The impression is that some people are indeed brighter than others, sharper, right? Would you tolerate the person who’s dumber? What I mean is, from your perspective and workwise, he's just slow. From day 1, you’ve told him that the costumes had to be yellow from top to bottom, but he continually brought you an orange one everyday.

S: That’s why, Anna, I’ll resolve this problem in my own way, or maybe will look at it from a different perspective. Like surely this person is very slow in this area. But this labeling of him only pertains to this area because he may have strengths that I’m unaware yet. For instance, like as an acting partner, he just doesn’t get it no matter what, maybe his acting skill is weak, but who knows his editing skills maybe excellent. Right? Why do people change? Because they have gotten to know their own weaknesses and strengths by and by. And so, they change jobs for ones that are better fitted to their own abilities. They learn to conceal their weaknesses and to use their strengths to further their career.

A: True. As you say, everybody has his/her own strengths. But as a girlfriend, would you choose a stupid or a lazy person?

S: In this case, I would choose a stupid one because I can’t stand laziness. You have to force lazy people to do work.

A: Wow! You have such a low tolerance for lazy people? But your acceptance of stupid people is high and you’ve a lot to say about them. For myself, I don’t think lazy people are born lazy, it may be due to their moods at that time.

S: Many lazy people are smart. Smart people know how to slack off.

A: If I were to find a life partner, I’d rather have neither, but if I were to choose between these two, I would choose a lazy person because at least he understands what I’m saying.

S: If you’re talking about a life partner; then frankly, if I truly love her, even if she were a pig, I would still love her, much less her being lazy or stupid.

Make-Up
A: You know if it’s a life partner, and he’s dense....and women are indeed sometimes hard to figure out. What comes out of their mouth may not be what’s in their heart. If he’s clueless or if he’s not observant enough… that would be tough on a woman. But for slackers, at least he can understand but just won’t do it. He won't do it today or even tomorrow, or the day after, but love might make him do it one day. Just he doing it for one day will make you very happy. I understand that these two have their own pros and cons. But if you were to pick, which….

S: My response to what you say about some women being stupid; some are truly stupid, but some only pretended to be stupid….they are the smart ones…wanting to make us men happy. You say some women are lazy, yeah, in certain areas, they are lazy. Except in one particular area, which is when they’re putting on their make-up, usually causing them to be half hour or an hour late. If they are lazy in this area, I would welcome it. Better yet if they slack off plastering those 8 layers of stuff on themselves. Or…. anyway, why paint your face so heavily? It’s just a casual outing…just out for dinner. Light make-up will do for casual appearances. I don’t know if most women are like that, but those I know are never lazy in this aspect, very diligent indeed.. even applying it layer by layer, can’t even get done within an hour. Maybe if they can slack off in this area, they’d look even cuter?

A: Is it because you can’t stand her heavy make-up or that you can’t stand her tardiness?

S: Firstly, I dislike tardiness. Secondly, I wonder: Is heavy make-up necessary? If I really like you, whether you have make-up or not, I’ll still like you. If I only like you with your make-up on, then does that mean I can never see you without make-up? Then that means you must always put on make-up first thing in the morning, if not, then wear a mask?

A: You exaggerate.

S: That’s why it’s (make-up) not necessary. To me, every female, regardless of her looks, has a beautiful side to her. Maybe it’s her cheerfulness, maybe her decency, or maybe her vivacity, or her optimism... Maybe she looks good when cooking... whatever, she’ll have a beautiful side.

A: But she feels the prettiest when make-up. If she feels that way, why can’t you accept it?

S: It’s not that I can't accept it, it’s only what I feel, what I hope; like in the case of wanting to look thin, I don’t think it’s necessary. In fact, when on the streets, I notice many women without make-up on and in casual outfits, but you see them looking happy, looking confident; and.. they look fine.

Girlfriend
A: Well, maybe that’s just one side to them….. But anyway, what about you, Steven, what do you look for in a girlfriend? Do you have certain requirements or look for a certain kind of person?

S: In the past, I would. Especially when I just entered the industry, and always being asked about my ideal girlfriend. I would say prefer girls with long hair, Chinese ethnicity, gentle etc. etc. But I won’t do that anymore. Now, there’s none, no particular ideal image.. only need to be compatible… of having that certain feeling of clicking, of fate. 缘分 I no longer believe in looks. Good looks don’t always equate beauty. If you love her, her looks is not important, what is, is that you two can communicate with each other, can connect with each other’s thoughts and mind.. .a tacit understanding…

A: But if she’s stupid, then she can’t meet your mind, right?

S: This..this…(chuckles) Stupid…I don’t how to define stupid. But anyway to me, what’s inside you is more important than your looks. Some beautiful women are not truly beautiful. After so many years of living, I prefer natural looks, that’s why I dislike heavy make up. I don’t need her to be stunning, just simple and natural, and genuine. I truly feel that all I need is a genuine woman, doesn’t have to be too beautiful.

A: I agree. But do you think that genuineness is hard to find?

S: Very tough.

A: In what way? In that you don’t have the time to spend in getting to know her, or that most women wear a mask in public?

S: Yes. Nowadays, women are very capable, very smart and financially independent. That doesn’t mean I feel inferior, but that when a person is overly smart, it can sometimes create a barrier, inadvertently erecting an extra barrier to a relationship’s communication. If a woman is truly worried; imo, if she worries about not finding a boyfriend or getting married, I think instead of dressing to the nines, she should let her own stlye 气质do the attraction.

A: Will that really work? Having no make up? But make-up will attract more people. Haven’t you heard what Hacken say? I once asked Hacken; I probe: What is your ideal girlfriend. He quips: Easy, just one word, “Beautiful!”.

S: Well, he’s married one, right? For me, I think, style/class (气质) is very important. If a woman has inner substance, (内涵)and if she has character, her beauty will naturally shine through. I believe this saying: A good heart makes one beautiful. 心善则貌美. No matter how beautiful you are outside, but if your heart is not, gradually you won’t look beautiful anymore. For me, this is my least kind of beauty. I most appreciate those who seem to get prettier the more you look at them. Over time, your strengths gradually appear, your  inner substance shows, as well as your character. And thereafter, you notice she can play the piano, looking very pretty indeed when she does. She can cook, and look extra pretty when making soup. These would all show the beautiful sides of her.. I think this (beauty) is far more lasting.

A: Be more natural, yes. It goes for both males and females.

Colored portion by Akazukin @ AF
A: Then actually Steven Ma, what are your own criteria for a girlfriend? What kind of person?

S: I think before I would have set criteria, especially when I first entered the showbiz, I was often asked about my criteria for a girlfriend. I have said before, it would be best if she has a long hair, of Chinese ethnic, gentle etc, I have said a lot. But now I won’t. Now I feel there is no, no certain image, meeting someone who clicks is the key. That is, we both have that feelings when we meet each other, we have that destiny. I no longer believe in appearance, the prettiest can be the most not beautiful. I now will most believe that a pretty appearance is of no use, this one people said it is the same for both male and female, maybe it is so. But I feel, if a girl is very pretty, her being pretty and not pretty is not relevant when it comes to loving and having romance with her. I think the most important thing is to be able to communicate. Both parties originally have the same consensus even when we are at different places, both can web each other, and even able to see through each other’s mind, there is the kind that with one eye, we can see through each other~

A: If she is stupid, then won’t she be able to? Won’t she be able to meet your mind? (claps to Anna for this too, LOL)

S: This, this, (laugh) stupid~~, I don’t know what is called stupid. Anyway, I feel the things inside wins over your face. A pretty girl can be very not beautiful. I myself gradually mature. I feel the movie that I have watched, the books that I have read etc, show that a pretty girl is the one that possibly hurt you the most, so~~

A: You are afraid that she will play around outside?

S: There are a lot of reasons. If a girl is too pretty, to be honest, I will actually feel that we may not communicate very well.

A: Is the communication not good or you don’t feel secure?

S: Both. But I really like the more ordinary one, I really ~~. Ten years later when I look back to today, I don’t know, maybe I will say I like the type that is easy to escape from (?? What does he mean by 好跳脱?) , I like the prettier one, maybe at that time, I will, but I think I won’t. Up til now I have lived for so many years, I think I like the more ordinary one, so I don’t like those who put on heavy make-ups, I don’t need her to be too eye-catching. Simple and more real, I still feel a girl who is more real is enough, don’t need to be too pretty.

A: I agree too, but do you feel “real” is difficult to find?

S: Difficult, difficult.

A: Where is it difficult? Is it difficult due to your time, that actually you cannot come to understand them, or the girls nowadays often wear masks when they go out?


.................................

Angel's incident
Anna asked Steven to speak of a certain mean person, yet it was she who brought him up and preceded to monopolize the whole conversation. Poor Steven only got in a word or two during that time. lol!

A: Let’s start with mean people, how do you define them?
S: Mean people? My definition would be: Their deeds are innately harmful, convey verbally or physically; their harmfulness or aggression is immense. But whether those said deeds are covert or overt, that I don’t know. But mean people are not necessarily evil. We often hear people said these: Wah, this who and who is very mean, be careful when you meet him. But mean people are those I’m least scare of. Because they are what you see, therefore, real.

A: Let’s put that aside for later, now what would you say if you are suddenly asked to talk about a mean person.

S: You want me to speak of one particular person?

A: Yes, to bring up an incident, an incident that made you think this person is real mean. I once saw Ma Chun Wai being very fierce unlike his normal self, who is not fierce at all. Even his portrayed characters are all very nice. You’ve never portrayed a villain before, right?

S: Not yet, so far.

A: Yes, never acted as one before. As you know, some tv audience are funny in that; oh you’re this kind of person based on the image of you in their mind. You portrayed a villain so you’re bad. You are loyal so you’re guai zai and good. In BOL you are even-tempered. But when one got up close with MCW ~like that one time, I felt that you could actually be fierce too. But your fierceness was not actually bad, rather it was pretty righteous.  Just didn’t expect it from Ma Zai.  Not like how one would expect it from a more explosive personality like Louis Koo or maybe Nicholas Tse.  But Ma Zai?  He would actually speak out like that?  The incident happened last year when we were filming a show about Macao.*  There was this one driver with a real bad attitude.  Moreover, he didn’t know the roads well. And so, much time was wasted thus delaying schedules and the film progression.  But he wasn’t even sorry nor did he change his attitude. Whenever we talked to him about it, he was belligerent. Anyway, I felt we had given him many chances. Because our shooting schedule was constraint to 3 or 4 days, and we needed to shoot in 7 or 8 locations within a day, our time was really tight.  At the 3rd location, we had already spoken to him many times about it.  ~We had to make up for the lost time.  Can you please not be so late?  Where did you go?  But his attitude remained obnoxious.  By the time we reached the 2nd last location, we had had it with him, having endured him the whole day.  Suddenly, at this very moment ~ because the girl liaison between the company and the taxi company, she had tried fierceness; she had tried entreaties; she had also contacted his company.

S: She wasn’t fierce at all. That girl the whole day was ~my impression was that she’s a very courteous girl ya. She herself was a uni student, very si man (very well-mannered) Just by her appearance, shows she was very si man. Wore a pair of glasses, very fair, with straight hair~ a young girl. 一个细路女

A: Yes, a young girl, petite, seems easy to bully.

S: Ya, looks like someone who can be bullied easily.

A: But she had already called up his company and spoke to his boss but to no avail. Suddenly, MCW, in a very loud voice, hollered: “Do you still want to work? If not, then we’ll find someone else!”   Something along this line. You would think woah! This is Ma Zai? So unlike him. So, actually you could be one too.

S: I---I feel if that is even considered as fierce then…..

A: Not saying it was tyranny ya.

S: Not tyranny (laugh)

A:Ya, that you have a temper too ya

S: How can I not have a temper ya?  If human, then must have temper. Only that it must be reasonable. I will differentiate the fierce people; those who lost their temper unreasonably are also crazy people.

...................................

Extortion
A: As to your deepest impression of losing your temper, was it that one time when you were doing a stage performance?

S: oh, yes!

A: Can you talk about?

S: Sure, but it wasn’t a stage performance, it’s filming a movie.

A: but it became a stage performance.

S: At that time, it wasn’t plain losing my temper. Actually to protect myself, I transformed into a different person. What happened is that I went to a very remote, mountain town to shoot a movie. My whole contract was just to shoot a movie. Who knew, later one night, something wasn’t proper. That was during the on location shoot of a disco scene. Even during the journey to the disco location, I already sensed that something wasn’t quite right. I did say I’m a very sensitive person. I felt that some of the crew were acting strangely. (gugu guai guai) At that time, a female assistant accompanied me. There’s just us two from HK, the rest were from mainland. When we reached the site, something really fishy was going on. Wah, bat dak liu! Hanging all over the place, fluttering in the winds were red helium balloons and a huge banner, “Welcome Ma Chun Wai to tonight’s performance!” My poster was plastered outside and the ticket cost was 129 yuan.

A: Did you think, yee, just filming a scene had to be this real?

S: But that scene wasn’t about the real me, wasn’t about Ma Chun Wai; but about my character in the movie. When I saw it, I knew instantly that they wanted to extort me. But if I were to leave immediately without getting to the bottom of it, then it would be to my disadvantage. So I got inside for makeup and was getting ready to act the scene, and to speak with the director. The producer came and introduced the DJ to me, ha what? Why do I need to know him? The DJ asked me how to introduce me for my entrance onto the stage. I said: Ha? Why do I need an introduction to get on stage? I’m here to make a movie. Did you make a mistake? He said no. And then the producer pulled up someone supposedly the assistant producer, a big, tall, hefty man. Of course, I knew I was being extorted. But I’ve an obstinate temperament. So you think you would extort me, well then I will fight back. So I sat down and said, “I won’t sing. I’m here to make a movie. You’ve made a mistake!” At first I was polite. I said how can you guys be so ridiculous. Then the producer said, “Please help, just go up there and sing 3 songs.”

Wah! 3 songs! I said, “As artistes, our work by nature has to be accounted for. Our work is tied in with a contract and a fixed price. Also we have management. I can’t do this, sorry!” Seeing my inflexibility, he got another big sized assistant producer. He came, rolled up his sleeves, like readying for a fight. He asked, “Are you going to sing or not?” I lifted up my head. I kept my seat. I refused to sing. No! So what now? Then the director and the crew came over and asked what’s going on? At the same time, I asked my assistant to call up the movie lo ban (boss) to come and resolve this predicament. When he was aggressive, the situation was really dangerous for me. Because I didn’t know if he had co-horts around. After that incident, found out that there were around 10 to 20 of his people in the province. After reporting the incident to the police, some co-workers introduced their local friends to me. I’ve never made a movie with a daily escort of two policemen. But I didn’t care. I’m making a movie you can’t extort me. Subsequently, they changed that assistant producer. And finally managed to finish the movie. Actually in between there were some other problems but they didn’t affect me. It had nothing to do with me.

Now that I think back, wah, I was quite brave then. But that’s just my personality. Yes is yes, no is no. Don’t you try to extort me. If you exhort, I will not take it lying down. I asked him, “So, you want to beat me up? Go ahead! Beat me to death, but I still won’t sing. So that’s how it went. Actually, working in mainland does not pose this kind of problems, this was unusual. All my work there went smoothly with no problems and the people I worked with were all very nice. Except for this one time. The way I see it, is that a big tree has many branches, and occasionally will meet some bad apples.

A: I guess in all your years working, this must be you first time or the only time encountering such an incident. I heard from friends incidents like this not only happened in China but also in Malaysia.

S: I’ve never encountered the same in Malaysia. That was my first and only time.

A: Could it be that you are someone who will yield to soft pleading but not to hard force. Say at that time, it was not this humongous big guy but a petite delicate person like Angel in our Macao filmology. (Anna and Steven had previously collaborated in a short filmology on advertising Macao) There she was pleading with you. Like: Please, all the tickets are already sold out. Would you…?

S: In my position, I couldn’t help because this concerns the nature of my work. It would be against the rules. I had a contract with a management company. My company had a cut in my fees. I couldn’t forfeit your fees. If I privately agreed to perform because of your pitiful display, I would have done something wrong, which is to have betrayed my company. Or worse maybe my company might misunderstand and thought that I had collected your fees. I couldn’t do it. If I were freelance, like you say, and had no company backing, if a big, hefty guy approached me, I would definitely not sing. But if like that ‘pitiful’ girl, maybe I might help you out by singing one song, fine. The situation is resolved. So maybe without management contract I might do it, but probably wouldn’t. Because this concerns principles. (ethics) (see AF discussion below)

A: Actually that situation then was quite dangerous. That big guy and his co-horts. And you, all by yourself alone. Also those people were in covert while you’re in overt.

S. Which is why later….sometimes life is like that. Troubles find you even though you didn’t provoke them.

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Notes:
Green portion translated by Akazukin @ asianfanatics.net

*Fell in Love with Macao - (a sort of propaganda film for Macao)

Starring Steven Ma, Anna Yau, Halina Tam

show part1

show part2

related news on Meizhou exhortion excerpt on SM as red wine fresh milk 

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2009 AF discussion thread  reposted: from post1032 to post1044