Assasination of the Spirit -- Steven Ma

Source: Eastweek Magazine
Writer: Tsui Yong Yong
Date: September 2011

July 21, 2011 night was the date I tendered my resignation to Steven Ma.  The year I helped Steven to establish Kinston Publishing Ltd. Company (建星文化出版有限公司)* was in July in Autumn; today’s parting also was in July. “Where’s old friend? Where’s future? With whom to share heart to heart talks?”  Ten years of acquaintance ephemeral like the evanescence of white clouds.  Came in with happiness, left with sadness, such bitterness!

Who brought this bitterness here? I believe if my old friend, Steven Ma, in 2005 did not choose to sign up with TVB artists management and became this department so-called ‘biological son’, today he would not have with much grief and indignation requested to terminate his contract and leave; only missing a long sleeve to wave farewell. (tn: as in the ancient times)

It is that, once a person leaves, the tea will get cold, (tn: out of sight out of mind) and all gratitude and grievances would summarily dissipate; but after reading an article in a magazine concerning Virginia Lok and Steven Ma’s contract termination request, my heart suddenly became agitated.

What first agitated me was this sentence: “Steven’s jobs are not many? Why?..  clients are fickle, one minute like this the next like that.. .and close to him is Tsui Jie, (i.e. me, Tsui Yong Yong), a seasoned veteran media person, many clients looked her up first, then had us followed up.”

An executive in charge of overseeing artistes’ careers has the responsibility to seek out job opportunities for each and every one of the ‘biological sons and daughters’ who signed a management contract with TVB, yet she charged that because Steven had someone by his side to help him, that is why (TVB) was not able to find jobs for him.

Mona Fong Expresses Anger Over TVB’s Talent Drain; Wants Steven Ma to Stay

Source: Oriental Daily
Recently, TVB was in an embattled state, facing the exodus of its production staff and continuing the long-time struggle over royalty provisions with the “Big Four” recording companies, which consisted of EMI, Sony Music, Universal Music, and Warner Music Group. TVB Vice Chairman, Mona Fong (方逸華), was extremely angry over the state of affairs, ordering top three executives, Norman Leung (梁乃鵬), Lee Bao On (李寶安), and Stephen Chan (陳志雲) to solve the crisis of the talent drain in the artist department, while specifically stating that Steven Ma (馬浚偉) should be retained at the company.

With the Hong Kong government’s approval of operating licenses to three free television stations next year, a wave of high staff turnover occurred within TVB. Aside from fadans, siu sungs, and singers expressing their intention to leave the nest, numerous top executives, producers, scriptwriters, and even veteran supporting actors also launched “The Great Escape” [to rival stations]. In charge of TVB, Mona Fong was very dissatisfied with the news reports over the past few days.

Steven Ma Moved to Tears in Front of TVB Management

To avoid further deterioration in the current state of affairs, Mona Fong enlisted the help of TVB’s top three executives, Norman Leung, Lee Bao On, and Stephen Chan to resolve the company’s internal and external issues, while stabilizing staff morale. The first issue to address was the recent high staff turnover, requiring the top three executives to understand the root of employee dissatisfaction and the cause of their intent to leave TVB. Second, did the collective resignation of high-level management validate outside rumors that the salaries were indeed low and the hours were very long? Finally, regarding the problem with the “Big Four” music companies, it was also necessary to retain talent at the company.

Among the three main issues to address, Ms. Fong requested that Steven Ma’s contract be handled first. He was the first artist asking to leave with an unexpired contract. Allegedly, Ms. Fong noticed Steven Ma’s recent performances, including The Life and Times of a Sentinel <紫禁驚雷>, cooking show Apprentice Chef <大廚出馬>, and Book of Words <正識第一>. Considering Steven to be a talented artist, Ms. Fong did not understand why he possessed the intention to leave TVB. Ms. Fong specifically pointed out that she hoped to retain Steven at the company.

There were rumors that Steven Ma was in tears at an earlier dinner Mar 15 2011 between TVB artists and management. It was understood that Steven did not shed tears for himself, but was worried over the future prospects of TVB. Steven confided to Norman Leung regarding the plight of the little-known state of TVB artists. Steven hoped that TVB management will place importance upon the matter, as an increasing number of artists would otherwise leave, resulting in greater losses for TVB.

Although Ms. Fong did not enlist the help of Virginia Lok (樂易玲) in her emergency response plan, Ms. Lok worked with rumored rival, Catherine Tsang (曾勵珍), to initiate meetings with TVB artists and greater understand their feelings.

Steven Ma Groaned Over Inopportune Broadcasting Times
Held in high esteem by Mona Fong, Steven Ma noted that he was unaware of the situation. If the praise were indeed true, Steven indicated that he felt very happy and appreciated Ms. Fong’s praise. Asked why he had cried at an earlier TVB management dinner, Steven said, “That dinner was between artists and TVB management. These type of dinners occurred on a regular basis. That night, Norman Leung and Li Bao On were present. I drank a bit of alcohol and we discussed some unhappy issues. I expressed my feelings about the company and hoped TVB can do better.”

Asked what matters made Steven unhappy, he said, “I asked Norman Leung not to broadcast my dramas during inopportune times, such as holiday periods. In fact, it was not much. I just felt emotional and shed tears!”

Since TVB appeared to possess great sincerity in retaining him, will Steven remain at the company? Steven replied, “I am currently filming a series. Stephen Chan did contact me. However, I did not have time [to meet yet]. This situation takes time to resolve. Give me some time. I need to think carefully about the future!”

Stephen Chan did not return the reporter’s call before the publication deadline. Normally attending church every Sunday, he was not seen yesterday.

Source: Oriental Daily
translator: Jayne @ Jaynestar  on 9/25, 2011

Steven Ma: Knows how to manage time.
Steven Ma fans know that their idol loves Bumblebee of the Transformers, so they gave him this key chain.  Steven: "Besides being an accessory, that thing at the end of the key chain is a mini flashlight, very useful in nighttime outdoor shooting."

Steven often has to work outside so his cellphone is low on battery so a battery charger is a necessity to have with him at all times. Steven said: "For just in case situation. Also can lend to others who need it."

In between takes Steven uses the interim to do some exercises so he brings along his gym gloves and gym clothes with him.  "When on breaks will go do some exercises.  And I have my gym clothes inside the car so can do exercises anytime."

Steven's

Steven Ma: Chok King

Haha! Steven caught by roving paparazzi self-snapping away his own "chok" look with his iphone.

Even though the road in front of him is unclear but yesterday when shooting Prosperous Father with Linda Chung and Chris Lai, Steven's mood was not affected. In between takes he talked and joked with the crew. But when left alone, it's like Chok god suddenly possessed him as he began to snap self shots, as he took shots of himself from all angles, up down left right, was he trying to compete with Chok Fung? (Raymond Fung)

Steven Ma: Contract Termination has nothing to do with Ricky Wong

2011/9/ 23
Ming Pao
馬仔﹕解約不涉王維基TVB series, Prosperous Father, did an outdoor scene yesterday at Ho Man Tin, which included Steven Ma, Linda Chung and Edwin Siu.  Steven said he had expressed his reasoning for prematurely terminating his contract to the company. After wrapping up Prosperous Father he will head up north to shoot, The Founding of Yuan Dynasty. He hopes that the contract situation will be resolved before he leaves for China. When everything is resolved he will give an explanation to everybody.

As to the poaching on TVB artists, Steven admitted that an intermediary from Ricky Wong's company had indeed contact him, but he had not met with Mr. Wong .  He explained that his contract termination does not have anything to do with this contact.  Recently, Lee Kwok Lun complained that he had not been asked to remain?  Steven said: "My situation with Lee's is not the same.  I hope you all won't speculate too much.  Actually, whether I have contract with TVB or not doesn't matter, if Zhan Jie wants me to shoot a series, I'll certainly return to camp."

Note: In 2012, there will be three more free broadcasting television stations in Hong Kong, which include Ricky Wong’s (王維基) City Telecom, Richard Li’s (李澤楷) Now TV, and iCable’s free broadcasting arm.

Citing Weak Affinity with Virginia Lok, Steven Ma Reveals the reason for his resignation

直認與樂易玲「緣薄」 馬浚偉剖白請辭無綫因由
source: Ming Pao issue 2236

Admitted that He has “Weak Affinity” with Lok Yi Ling.
Steven Ma Reveals the Reason for Tendering his Resignation.
Virginia Lok's Response to Steven's news article.
see related post: Steven reminded Ms. Lok he is requesting to terminate his contract not renewing it.

Steven Ma, who has worked in TVB for eighteen years, shockingly requested termination of his contract. I sought confirmation from the horse’s mouth and he candidly admitted its veracity. “I’m not asking for an increase in salary, or for the tv king award, it is just that I am at the bottleneck now, and that I just can’t see any further growth, which makes me uneasy.”

The year before (2009) Steven had already decided to leave the nest but general manager, Stephen Chan, personally persuaded him to stay back, and promised him lots of opportunities to grow in different areas, and so he decided to stay. But with the changes in the higher management, after Apprentice Chef, things came to a halt. The steadily accumulating anxiety and anger ignited by the company's rejection of the Mainland grand tv series production, "The Founding of Yuan Dynasty", finally exploded. “I want to exert it is not that TVB is bad to me but that I often met with unhappy issues….” Is it because of someone’s suppression? “If you want me to answer “no”, I can’t do that!” Naturally, it brought to mind the persistent widespread rumors that Steven and Virginia Lok do not get along. For the first time, Steven speaks out what he had suppressed in his heart for a long time, “Virginia Lok and I, weak affinity!”

Steven Ma's decision to leave is set

Yesterday, there was new rumors about Steven Ma and TVB's contract termination situation.  It was rumored that Steven's decision was set. He hinted that his relationship with Virginia Lok is not that good.  This reporter called up Steven to verify.  He admitted that he is working to resolve the problem with TVB but declined to reveal details: "I don't want to say too much, let the company handle it. (To terminate the contract?) Yes, it's contract termination issue."

Lok pointed out that the timing of Steven's request to leave is very close to the award ceremony, and that Steven wanted to use this opportunity to present his 'special requests'.  To this Steven reply: "I'm right now negotiating termination of contract not renewal of contract. Don't confuse the situation. I didn't put out any special requests."  He also said that when the whole thing is settled, there will be a public announcement.

**************************

“Is he happy now that he is in the Mainland tv series."

Eileen Cha asked Steven the above question in his interview. There was a pregnant pause before Steven said without much emotion:”Yes, happy..” however the unspoken “BUT” was quite palpable, at least to me. At this moment when his voice should be filled with joy, it was surprisingly flat.

Just like this weibo entry from Tsui yong yong: 今日喜見初晴，內心是悲是喜？真難細描細述。

Today happy to see the beginning of clear (weather), the heart is sad or happy? Truly difficult to describe.

I guess Tsui’s entry describes precisely Steven’s present feelings. Sad why all these unpleasant happenings that forced his hands. Steven has reiterates many times that he truly loves TVB this organization, because he has so many good friends there, and it is his 2nd home. So he had tussled over his decision, a very painful decision judging from his “no matter how it turns out, the outcome is painful.” So to use happy is truly an inappropriate word to describe his mood.

Steven's happiness is greatly tempered, leaving a taste of bitterness in his mouth. Why all those obstacles in between before the acceptance? Not to mention acrimony caused by the whole incident. If not for Tsui Siao Ming support of him, Steven would have lost this golden opportunity. It is an honor to act in a CCTV tv series as they are considered of higher quality with recognized acting and of a more serious production.

From previous news reports, Steven had wished to sign up a per series contract with TVB but with all this hoopla, guess it’s not possible now. 

So yeah, not exactly happy but less unhappy, that’s all.

magazine interview

快周刊 vol.684　深情快语　活著　马浚伟
baidu steven ma

Mt's vs SM's response

see MT disses SM video  a few post below
source: Excerpts from a Ming Pao report

Results Good or Bad See numbers

Michael Tse's words verbatim: "If he truly said that then I feel that he was being immature, a bit like a little kid, like Daddy Mommy buying toys, buy for me but not for him!  40 points is only a number.A series should look at the average, the hits on the website, the viewers and forum feedback.

As to TVB helping "Omission" to celebrate? MT said:"I didn't blow my own horn. There are numbers to substantiate. The company noticed them that's why there's celebration to share the happiness."

Have he collaborated with Steven before? He said: "Many years ago collaborated on Cupid Stupid but it has not been aired. At the time, there wasn't even a blessing ceremony to commence production but he did not say anything. Maybe it was the company's policy. I did my part, did not feel being given the cold shoulders."

So does he think Steven was being too petty? MT said: "I didn't say that."

What was the purpose of MT bringing up Steven not complaining about Cupid Stupid not having a blessing ceremony but is now complaining about not having a celebration?  

Don't Need Outsiders' Inputs

Reporter called up Steven.  As to being called immature by Michael Tse, Steven replied that he believes MT must have misunderstood.  Outsiders cannot understand at all what he and TVB are discussing about.  Moreover, he also does not require other people's inputs. He clarified that he has never minded whether there's celebration or not, but has always kept a temperate heart. Steven said: "Maybe Michael saw the news report mentioning "Omission" and misunderstood.  That is not important. I'm grateful to kind opinions if from the heart. I only hope that people will not make conjectures but let me resolve this problem by myself."

Read these men's responses, and see how gracious Steven's response was to Michael's arrogant and insensitive response.

Listen to Steven's interview with Eileen Cha on  sm baidu
download link on megaupload 

steven ma terminating contract early

http://www.ihktv.com/steven-ma-anger-written-tvb.html
Steven Ma Deprecates Self as Mother's Boy, needs security from the Company.

2011年09月15日 (05:06 pm)

It is rumored that Steven Ma will leave TVB home to venture outside.  Today he took a phone interview with Commercial Radio Station, leaving much leeway he said: "Currently negotiating with the company. Everybody, please give the company and me time."  He also deprecated self as a mother's boy, and that he needs the company to give him a bit more security.

When brought up that the series, Sentinel, has just recently finished broadcasted and that its ratings are not too bad, Steven said that the producer has discussed about celebrating with the cast but everybody was busy so could not decide on the time.  "The ratings being this good is already very happy. Even if Company treats me to partake a cake, I'll be very satisfied already."  He also said he does not have discord with Ms. Lok. 

Michael Tse Derides Steven Ma as Little Kid Fighting over Toys. [17:44] 2011/09/15

謝天華嘲馬浚偉似小朋友爭玩具

Actor, Michael Tse, was at the event for "Life of Omission" .  When asked about Raymond Lam having confidence to fight for TV King, Michael felt that every artist who is in the competition will have self-confidence.  On an aside, brought up that Steven Ma being dissatisfied with his series though getting high ratings did not get acknowledged, or having any celebratory event.  Asked Michael if he had called him up to console him and tell him not to be so petty?  Michael said: "He should not act like a little kid as if fighting over toys, and said the parents are biased."

See video in below post.

Steven Ma admits to be TVB mother's boy  [20:07] 2011/09/15

Steven Ma on a phone interview explains about his leaving tvb rumor. He says: "Still negotiating on the contract. (Not on good terms with Virginia Lok?) Don't see much of each other, mostly talk about work."   About tvb rejecting Mainland series, Steven says the series will finally start production in the middle of next month: "I'll have the opportunity to shoot it. " (Will you miss TVB?)  I will.  As far as work is concerned, I'm a mother's boy."

Steven Ma dissatisfied with cold treatment, angrily dumps TVB

DO NOT REPOST

As usual, read everything from Apple Daily tabloid with a grain of salt. There are 3 salient points to look out for: 1) Steven has requested tvb to terminate his contract early. 2) Ms. Lok says that Steven will join the Mainland series  'The Reign of Kublai Khan' next month, after all. (tn: Wonder how it will affect his schedule, and if he still gets the role that was previously offered.  And what about his fees?  By accepting the offer, Steven has lost much bargaining power. Stupid TVB!)  3)Despite Sentinel garnering a peak rating of 40 points same as "Omission", it was given zero publicity not even a celebratory dinner unlike the latter which was made much of by TVB with pomp and huge publicity.

**********************************************

The exodus of TVB’s siu sang and fadan is like a bursting dam. Recently, even Steven Ma, who has served TVB for 18 years, has intention of leaving the nest.  It is reported that the igniting fuse originated from his discontentment over the cold shoulders given to his series, The Life and Times of a Sentinel, despite its high finale rating, plus that someone on his behalf tossed away his opportunity to act in a big profile Mainland tv series, all of which compounded to enrage him, so much so that he approached tvb executive, Virginia Lok, to request an early termination of his contract. The enraged Steven once said to a good friend: "This time I truly lost heart."

TVB's siu sang and fadan's exodus is like a revolving carousel, one leaving after another.  Following the departure of loyal Stephen Chan pillar partisan, Wong Hei, and that of Charmaine Sheh, Bowie Lam, Yoyo Mung, and Bernice Liu etc from the nest, the latest person that will leave is Steven Ma. But it is rumored that Steven is leaving the nest enraged, and that he has parted on bad terms with Virginia Lok, who  has total control over the artistes, and who is in a covert power struggle with Stephen Chan. Though his contract only terminates in June next year, Steven approached Ms. Lok last month to request an early termination of his contract; to sever the 18 years of master-servant relationship in one stroke.

Note: In Eileen Cha's interview, Steven clarified that what is reported about him leaving for sure is untrue because he is still considering his options.  To please give him space and time to discuss the matter carefully with TVB.

video: MT disses SM

related video :  latter portion of MT's speech
video of MT dissing Steven Ma childish and lots more

From Ming Pao
Michael Tse's words : "If he truly said that then I feel that he was being immature, much like a little kid; like Daddy Mommy buying toys, buy for me but not for him!  40 points is only a number.  A series should look at the rating averages, the hits on the website, whether the viewers like it or not. It's not just looking at that one peak number.


As to TVB helping "Omission" to celebrate? MT said:"I didn't tout my own horn. There are numbers to prove it. The company noticed them that's why there's celebration to share the happiness."

Have he collaborated with Steven before? He said: "Many years ago collaborated on Cupid Stupid but it has not been aired. At the time, there wasn't even a blessing ceremony to commence production but he did not say anything. Maybe it was the company's policy. I did my part, did not feel left out."

So does he think Steven was being too petty? MT said: "I didn't say that."



This is the typical arrogance and self-importance of someone who has suddenly gained fame.  The more he talks the more obvious how ungracious, how insensitive and how pompous his attitude is.  Just look at him, expostulating over the rates with his body constantly twitching and his facial expression so shifty, and so fully inflated of himself and his own arrogance he could levitate off the floor. Michael seriously needs to learn some grace.

But whether Steven has truly complaint is still unverified.  What I think is that Steven will leave tvb soon, so all the negative press will start emerging, and worse will continue to follow until he finally leaves tvb. Happens all the time.

Furthermore, how a person handles success or failure, victory or defeat,  elation or disappointment, clearly shows the kind of person he is.  Steven is always gracious and introspective unlike MT.

Wonder how this news came about?  Remember how it was reported that Steven and Fala, and then just Steven bullied Linda Chung during Ghost Writer?  Is someone out to get Steven?

SM & Dada Chan in mid-autumn festival event

wenweipo  [2011-09-11]

Yesterday, Steven Ma and Dada Chan Jing were at Landmark North for a Mid-Autumn festival event.  Dada was attired in a deep V dress showing off her 'career line'.  Steven cooked a dish of lobster balls on site. He revealed that he would be shooting his new series, Prosperous Father, on the day of Mid-Autumn festival so would not be able to have a celebratory dinner with family. 

When asked if he has had dinner with Stephen Chan to celebrate, Steven expressed that: "We have talked on the phone, but we're all busy so didn't have time to have dinner together, maybe later."  (But the Dept of Justice has appealed his acquittal.)  "I saw the news. I personally am not worried for him.  The matter has gone into a different level. Hope he'll be all right.  I've confidence in him."  

There was this rumor that executive Virginia Lok was being poached from outside with a huge sum of money;  (Ms. Lok quipped that tvb flows in her blood.) asked Steven if he had heard of it? Steven said: "Apparently she has denied that.  Actually, at her position, it's not that easy to change. TVB is a listed company, has a checks and balances structure installed. It cannot change just like that. "  Earlier on it was said that he and Ms. Lok had had problems renewing his contract.  Upon hearing it, Steven expressed: "I signed my contract with an organization not with a certain person, during the contract renewal I met with several high executives. I look at the job not at a certain person. "

Mid-Autumn Festival event Steven sings

Steven sings Moon represents my heart.

extended version

9/21/2013 eta: I prefer this rendition over his 2012's. link The late Teresa Teng had made this song so much her own (though she was not the orignal singer) that anybody else's rendition just seems 'off' even more so when covered by a male singer, including Steven, cos' I have associated this song with a soft female vocal. 

Mid-Autumn Festival event

more pix @ steven-ma.org
and more at SM baidu

9/10/2011 @ Landmark North Mall

sources: various weibo