Steven Ma: Rely on Sports to get out of the haze

馬浚偉：靠運動走出陰霾
Oriental Daily interview 5:
The final installment to Steven's 5 piece interview

Steven Ma emanating a young master's quality, at first sight, gave an impression of being born into an affluent family and also of being a returned overseas student entering the entertainment industry as an artist.  Being repeatedly mistaken as such at the time, Steven promptly clarified his background and even made it a point to reveal he was actually an estate housing resident, that while still in his teens he had already held a job to help out his family's financial situation, and at the same time also had to take care of his cancer mother, and that his mother's passing away so pained him that he fell into depression. Fortunately, relying on sports he was able to release the pent-up negative energy and walk out of the gloomy haze.

When I was young I spent most of my time at home caring for my nasopharyngeal cancer mother, and seldom went out to play... I actually did not have those wild and reckless years! It was not until 1999 that my mother passed away, at the time I was doing promotion for Ultra Protection.  I was devastated, went a bit crazy even, (shotshot dei tim) ..my mother's death was a big blow, and I got very depressed. At that time, I was diagnosed having depression by the doctor and needed to take medicine timely. 

Rejuvenation
During  that period, my friends around me were aware of my erratic moods, at the time I did not have any religious belief yet, so I used work to tranquilize myself, and later even began to take up sports such as: table tennis and badminton. Sports can expunge negative energy. Recently, my group of friends feel that I have become rejuvenated, the whole of me have become more sunshine!

Precursor of  homebody males
Truth be told, my mother in the end passed away, that did lighten my burden because during my growth in those 22 years, I took care of my mother for a prolonged period. During that period besides filming I would be home. I seldom ate out. My personality did lean toward self-withdrawal so I dubbed myself the 'precursor to homebody males' ! And my father was the sole breadwinner. He drove a bus as a means to raise our family of seven. Though we did not lack for money we were no wealthy family. But many people thought I was a returned overseas student when in fact I was an estate housing resident. I was 14 years old in a job selling ice cream. The former Miss Hong Kong, Michelle Lee and  Sheila Chan had all seen me. --The end--

Afterthought - open up your heart
Steven claimed himself self-withdrawn, although that was in his earlier years. This writer through this interaction found him to be an easy and good conversationalist. Probably what he did not say before he saved them all for today's endless topics, making this whole interview process a very pleasant one.

interview 1
interview 2
interview 3
interview 4
interview 5 

---original article---

news 2012 April: Steven Ma talked about his 6 "Bo Lok"

On.cc video clip link 

4th installment to Steven Ma's 5-piece interview with oriental daily 4/12/2012

无名小卒到一线小生 马浚伟谈6位伯乐助成功
马浚伟：珍姐见我就闹，好hurt!

Steven Ma: Whenever Zhan Jie Saw Me, She would Scold Me, I was Hurt!
Steven Ma, from a nameless nobody to today's first line siu sang, the whole process with its twists and turns has been most arduous.  However, among those six mentors or bo lok he spoke of, who at different phase  had given him much help, Catherine Tsang who loved (sek) him was actually also the one who scolded him the harshest!

The first person who turned  my life around was a singing teacher, Leung Yue Ling. In 1993 I competed in the 3rd Pioneer Laser Karaoke Singing Competition; Tai Si Chung was the chief judge. When I won the competition, Teacher Tai arranged for me to join a record company. During that time, I truly transformed from a housing estate resident to a singer.  After entering the industry, I was most grateful to have met Paco Wong (黄柏高), but I feel that I had let him down because at the time I had had the opportunity to sing a duet with Sally Yip, and Paco had secured Mark Lui as the producer for my albums, but unfortunately at that time I was still 'unformed'  therefore did not handle it well. Earlier, I partook a meal with Paco and the past was brought up, he said:"Those days you did not fully release your latent potential! But nowadays you are a first line siu sang leading in many series, so that's good!" I was moved by his words.

Record Company Wouldn't Renew Contract
My 3rd record released in 1995 did not generate a good result so the record company would not renew my contract. I was prepared to leave the music industry and resumed my past job as a 'plastic' salesman. But then at the pivotal point, Zhan Jie (TVB Director of Production, Catherine Tsang) told me to go for a screen test that landed me the role of Emperor Kangxi in the series, Duke of Mt. Deer 1998, which successfully transformed me into a TV actor. Though many people knew Zhan Jie loved (sek) me but unknown to them, whenever she saw me she would scold me. I was quite hurt inside, actually! When I was a youngster I accidentally chipped the front tooth and it was not untilI became a singer when Teacher Dai suggested to get it fixed. Although the outward appearance had improved it inadvertently affected my speech making me speak quite unnaturally.  Watching my series performance, Zhan Jie noticed that. She dragged me to face a mirror, all the time scolding me: "If you can't change that then quit la!" I knew it was because she cared about me so wanted me to improve; this indebtedness (恩情) is indelibly imprinted in my heart!

And there are two more to thank: Stephan Chan (TVB former General Manager) and Tsui Jie (Tsui Rong Rong, a former news journalist) . These two have also played a pivotal part in my acting career.

*note: Bo Le (horse connoisseur during Spring and Autumn Period) / a good judge of talent / talent scout
--more-- original article

Steven Ma: Temporary leaving tvb is a good thing

3 installment to 5 part interview
东方日报 2012/04/11日(三)

 馬浚偉：暫別無線係好事 
Steven Ma has prematurely ended his contract with TVB. Despite his dissatisfaction accumulated over the years, his attitude was to 'live and let live' using only " did not click' to explain his departure from his maternal home, and even points out that this temporary separation from TVB is a good thing.

My relationship with TVB all along has always been fine. I can say with confidence that throughout these 18, 19 years, I did not have many grievances nor did I complaint much. Whatever tasks were given me I did them all to the best of my ability for the company. But ultimately it all comes down to interpersonal affinity. Indeed, my collaboration with the artists management department did not work out well.  It maybe that all these years I got into the habit of not speaking out so may not have clearly express what I wanted, so to certain extent, I have to bear some responsibility.  Anyway, because of that, I accumulated 6, 7 years of dissatisfaction. 

Cherish Old Times but Also Know Oneself 
View from a different angle, what's wrong with the artists management department?

It's not convenient for me to say.  Since I choose to leave the company, differences of opinions do exist. So it would be better to just cheerfully, happily and amiably end the contract.

How come there could be no reconsideration?

It's tough to explain the details one by one. Moreover, there's no need to. But I can say this, whether I could or not accept LOTYEF I would still request the termination of my contract.  Because there was just too much stuff being accumulated over the years that made me disheartened with TVB.  Else, why would I give up on such a safe and stable tv station?  It is precisely because I have deep feelings for TVB, frankly speaking... I like TVB a lot.  I dare to describe myself as nostalgic group (念舊一類) but in the end I had to respect my own feelings.  Today's temporary parting (TVB) might turn out to be a good thing.

Weak Affinity With Ms. Lok
Want me to describe my relationship with Ms. Lok? Honestly, I've had only few contacts with her. During the lighting ceremony night, people were pulling us all to take pictures. At the time because of the news on my discontentment, the situation was perhaps a bit sensitive but it was fine with me. However, that time the reporter came over requesting to take pictures and asking Ms. Lok to take pictures with me but at that time Ms. Lok was taking pictures with other actresses. And then the public relation official came over to drag me over to take pictures for the poster, and Zhan Jie (Catherine Tsang) thinking that I needed to rush over to the shooting studio told me to leave.  Everybody rushing over to grab me so I blurted out: "How come suddenly I became so busy?" Anyway, the upshot is that I did not get to take pictures with Ms. Lok.  At that moment, I did not wonder if other people were trying to help me ease the situation. But if we did not do anything wrong, there's no need to be awkward! (see weibo)

Let bygones be bygones.  One's conduct has to get past others and oneself.  I'll not have my words put Ms. Lok in a difficult position.  Anyway, there's no need. Since we have weak affinity so be it. Moreover, for the time being, I won't come into contact with her through work.  Even if have to discuss the contract I'm not worried. If the company care for me they should understand. (what to do)

part 1 part 2

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

Steven Ma：Most worried Linda Chung Bullied！

 馬浚偉專訪 ~ 「大膽浚言」之一
enlarged pix link
 qq link

Edited to include On.cc video (1) on Tavia Yeung
On.cc.video (4) on Fala's straightforward character and Linda Chung's naivety.
Steven's words in video are those highlighted in purple.

Steven Ma joined TVB 19 years ago as a singer turned actor, and later becoming TVB  first line siu sang. He has filmed countless tv series but has had few romantic rumors, however he has great affinity with Tavia Yeung, Fala Chen and Linda Chung, respectively. With his rich life experiences he occasionally counseled these three women and also tried to help them resolve their problems, and so by and by, he unconsciously took on the role of a big brother to them.  Starting today for 5 days consecutively, Steven will reconstruct his growth fragments to piece together his journey of singer turned actor,  and other details of his life.

Over the years at TVB, besides my three god sisters, Tavia, Fala and Linda, there are many other artists including Kenneth Ma who also called me 'Big Brother' but I get along better with Linda, Fala and Tavia, who I also collaborated the most with, and have the most fate with. I first met Linda in 2004 when she filmed her first tv series, Virtues of Harmony 2 《皆大歡喜》and at that time she was already playing a couple with me.  In 2007, Fala acted my younger sister in 'Steps' ,  and in 2009 Tavia collaborated with me in Sweetness in the Salt as a couple and we became acquainted.

Admit to be tight-lip and an Attentive Listener
Although we did not formally become god-siblings we do maintain a very good relationship. We chat often and I am more than willing to help them resolve their problems. I admit I am very tight-lip. When they talked to me I would just listen. And if I gave them advice I would just as quickly forget what I said. Once the younger sisters finished venting they would be ok! But if there is stuff they need me to resolve I would do my utmost to help them. I believe it is because of this that they let their guards down with me. My birthday earlier on last year, the three sisters all came to celebrate with me.

I once told them if they were ever bullied by anybody, they must speak up. I won't let anybody bully my three sisters! Although I'm no martial art expert but I can support and help, and would unhesitatingly lend a helping hand, this is my promise to them!

Praises Tavia for having a brotherhood feel
Actually, they all gave out a different feel to me. Tavia is a very independent woman, and among the three sisters has the least problems. I don't need to worry about her. She is a person who upon seeing me from afar would come running over to give me a hug. Personality wise, she is more tomboyish compare to the other two,  at the same time, more mature. Our relationship has a very brotherhood feel. haha! Athough we don't get to see each other often, I am still fond of her.

Fala is like a little girl when with me, and is also a very straightforward person, so much so she may even offend people unknowingly.  I've seen her relationship with reporter was not too good, her way of communicating was also quite odd.. so I as the big brother would advise her. For instance, her tone may not be all that appropriate,  so I would suggest to her to improve on how to express herself. Fortunately, she listened to me. I often remind her to do self-reflection because artists and the media are interrelated like lips and teeth, we should be mutually understanding of each other, and mutually supportive of each other.  In most things, don't be too overly stubborn! Recently, I've noticed Fala's improvement. Last week over the phone, I recounted my experiences to her; other people not necessary would accept your first reaction! Although being smooth and slick entails some fibbing,  which actually I can't accept, but I'll use a different method to handle this: I choose not to speak! That way, I don't have to lie.

Exhort to maintain a pure heart

I have known Linda the longest but she is actually the one I am most worried about. One time, she left a message on my weibo saying that she is a big girl now, but I still worried because Linda is truly too naive, too simple and can be easily bullied.  Working at TVB inside its 'greenhouse' protection, of course she is fine.  But if she works outside TVB then that is tough to say. Back when Linda just entered the industry, we were having lunch together and I exhorted her that learn whatever she wishes to learn but do not learn to become bad, do not do 'unclean' things.  Must maintain a clean and pure heart. Linda has been able to do that. And her acting have improved much, I feel very gratified.

Maybe because I am used to taking care of my real sisters at home, so my words may come across as old fashioned, a bit of a father feel. But I am lucky to have found three sisters that I both respect and care for, and vice verse.

Fala Chen's wish for an Older Brother is half-fulfilled
Fala Chen, whose personality Steven Ma says is straightforward, is full of praises for this god-brother of hers. As the only child, she admitted candidly that she once wanted so much to have an older brother. She laughingly said that her wish is now half fulfilled after coming to Hong Kong and getting to know Steven Ma. "When I acted in 'Steps' I was still a newbie. If he found this leng miu (youngster) lacking in anything...he would mention it, especially on how to conduct myself when handling interpersonal situations. In many situations he taught to be patient and to control my feelings. When faced with a situation, don't run off my mouth at the first instant. That could easily offend other people without even my knowing it. In this field, he has good affinity with people and has experienced much, so of course, I will listen to his opinions, at the same time, grateful to him for teaching me interpersonal skills.  I have also mentioned this older brother to my mother. Previously during Ghost Writer promotion, my mother came to Hong Kong to support me and she got to meet Steven. Even though we did not ceremoniously officiated our honorary sibling-hood but we keep up our relationship really well. We are sincere in our interactions. I know Ah Gor does not care much for ceremony."

4 close brothers
Steven besides having three beautiful god-sisters in the entertainment circle also has three very good brothers: Evergreen Mak, Dexter Young, and Lam King Kong, whom he has been friends for many years and often hang out outside work.  He expresses that their friendship is gradually accumulated over the years, and they are close like family.

"Evergreen and I have a very strong relationship. In 2002, we became acquainted when we filmed TVB 'Where the Legend Begins'. Dexter Young will get married in July (he registered last year) and of course he has invited me to his wedding banquet. During that time, I should be in Beijing filming another mainland China series but no matter what I will definite apply for leave to attend Dexter's wedding banquet, and also be part of bis groomsmen party. As for the other close friend he's Lam King Kong.  Not everybody may know about our friendship but people in the industry often always say "there's not true relationship in showbiz" . I think we have broken this saying. It could be that the people who said this have not encountered a true friend yet or maybe they are unwilling to hand out their heart to communicate with other people. Actually, artists are not necessarily "phonies".

TN: I would rather Steven stop talking about his 3 sisters, constantly. He comes across as a too overly fussy big brother but the truth is he's not their big brother. These 3 fadans are doing just fine in TVB unlike him. So who among them need protection?


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