editorial - Steven returning to shoot a tvb series

Though I don't like or wish Steven to return to TVB on a per series contract to shoot Uncle Choi's May series, and a pre-modern drama at that, I knew sooner or later Steven would give in to external forces to finally sign a per series contract with TVB: 1) To some people and Steven’s one of them: A debt of gratitude (人情债) though intangible is more binding and timeless than any other debts. 2) There is no such thing as a free lunch; earlier, TVB cut him loose without penalty just so they can cash in their favors (人情债) to rope him in at a later date.  3) Deep affection for Producer Leung, who has been constantly calling out to him to come back 'home'.

In the end it all boils down to Steven being intangibly fettered by his sense of gratitude, his spoken words of promises, and his sense of honor (the latter, though tremendous, is almost naïve, even old-school, in this day and age): be it his sense of gratitude and indebtedness to Catherine Tsang as his mentor, or his sense of obligation to TVB for being his maternal home and for their “magnanimity” to him, or his deep affection for Leung Choi Yuen.

Compare Uncle Choi’s year old forlorn post to his recent ecstatic response eagerly looking forward to a son finally coming home after a long absence. How can Steven get past Uncle Choi’s signature “dak ge la” vote of confidence in him without sounding ungrateful, not to mention disappointing and hurting the latter who has been like a father to him?

uncle choi@ 馬浚偉: Seeing the recent work, and realizing no Old Ma's share, so not used to it. It's like the son's not home from outside so can't sleep, understand? 看看近作 發現沒有老馬的份 這麼不習慣 有如兒子出夜街未歸 睡不著 明嗎？ Feb-5/2012

So, is Steven's contract all finalised?
Uncle Choi: Dak ge la! (Should be fine!) 預晒佢 (count him in already) He has to try out the costumes. We've already arranged for him to have his measurement taken, and makeover try out. 3/ 28th 2013

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2011/9/23
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." link /2011/09/23

Recall these old news reports.
Revisit what Steven Ma had said about Virginia Lok
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Steven Ma to get back with ex-gf

I will transcribe this segment in  part3 tudou link later today. This snatch of conversation is just the tip of an iceberg. 
Steven Ma after leaving TVB gets back with former girlfriend because increased income makes him more confident.  马浚伟离TVB后与女友复合 因收入增加感情更自信

Q: Why did Steven hope to get back with girl after he left TVB?

Last year, Steven described himself as an "apron strings child" in that he could stay at the same job during his lifetime.  So, why then was he adamant in terminating early his contract with his maternal home TVB that he has served for the past 18 years?  After his contract termination, he now begins to plan on how to get back with his former girlfriend, why?  Steven Ma, who just got back to Hong Kong  from shooting, "Legend of the Yuan Empire Founder", called me on the phone and said: "I want to get on your program to talk about my feelings."  

A:  Income increase. Steven is now more confident toward his love relationship as he walks cheerfully into the broadcasting studio.

He says: "Shooting in mainland truly opened up my eyes to the world and broadened my horizon. I'm happy."  

But I persist with my question: "Since you are so faithful and cherish old friendships and old times, why then did you insist on terminating your contract early?" 

 "The company has many people who treated me well, especially Stephen Chan who has helped enormously. My situation is truly very unique."  And then he went on to compliment TVB for being kind (to him) and for its massive influence worldwide.

So I ask him: "If TVB was so good why did you want to terminate your contract early? And moreover, refused to sign a per series contract with it? " 

"TVB by itself definitely poses no problem.  So Steven's answer implies the problem is of an interpersonal issue?

Besieged by me, Steven would only say: "Siu Yan jie, I'm a mute eating bitter lotus (suffered in silence) What can be said I've already said to you"

Steven reveals that at year end he'll take on a new endeavor whereby he will shoot a 30 episode series that he will write and act in.  Also, he has not given up on the music industry. (tn: Not as a singer but more in releasing another music album, which incidentally had been one of his 2009 contract terms.)

I ask him: "Is it because of your breakup with girlfriend that you are so concentrated on your work? And set your sight on Mainland now?"  

Unexpectedly he says: "We've had a favorable turnaround. Currently trying to mend the relationship."

Getting back together?

Steven say: "Still under observation. Before I felt that my financial situation was still not stable enough. I didn't want her to lower her lifestyle because of me.  So, considered breakup. I disclosed our breakup for her sake lest after our parting she met a new boyfriend and because we did not disclose our breakup her new boyfriend would unwittingly become the third party. But after our breakup, (tn: a year ago) neither of us got a new bf/gf.   Moreover, my income has increased tremendously so now I can afford her a lifestyle she is used to. Plus my temper has become better, not so stubborn anymore.  So now we can get along happier."

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TN: Haiz, Steven! But I wasn't surprised by this revelation of Steven's chauvinistic male pride. Also not surprised at all that Steven hopes to get back with former girlfriend since he is a faithful 长情 sort of guy. Vivien must have loved him very much to put up with that stubborn male pride of his. 

Steven's TVB Contract to end in March 2012

Virginia Lok confirms that Steven's contract that was originally to end in May will now end in March.

TVB executive Virginia Lok confirmed that Steven's contract will end in March this year, thereby severing the 18 years of employer-employee relationship.  In a phone interview, Ms. Lok said: Steven did come back today to discuss the early contract termination issue. Originally his contract should end in May this year but he requested an early termination March. TVB has granted his request. Earlier on TVB has accepted some jobs for him which he has promised to fulfill. As to the details, the legal department will follow up on them." 
credit:kuangaitvb

Que sera sera, Steven, what will be will be. Good luck and God bless! Keep walking don't look back!

2011 Mercedes- Benz purchase as reward

Recently, TVB is short on siu sangs, even Steven Ma, who has served TVB for 18 years, is determined not to renew his management contract with TVB but to leave the nest to venture north. Allegedly, Steven's mind has already being made, for now he is shooting producer Miu Siu Ching’s Prosperous Father, but when it is done (tn: production is completed) he will immediately head north to shoot a 50-episode mainland tv series, Legend of the Yuan Empire Founder, co-starring with Hu Jun and Ray Lui.

Steven, who has been coldly treated by TVB all these years, has now become a very popular first line actor in mainland China. His fee for “LOTYEF” has reached 1.5 million rmb, and in his hands he has 4 mainland tv series, 1 movie and soon he will be the spokesperson for China’s Ma Ling canned food brand. (TN: confirmed) Steven has not even left the nest but has already earned more than 8 million rmb (about 10 million HKD). To celebrate his impending leaving the nest and striding north, Steven recently splurged hundred thousands of dollars to buy a new Mercedes-Benz as a mean of transportation, very grand indeed!

vehicle related material: SUV, Van

related link van report1; van report2; black car @ GW promotion

Rumors on SM's TVB contract

Singtao newspaper.  10/24/2011

Next year, Steven Ma's TVB management contract will end, but because of his discord with Production Resources Departmental head, Virginia Lok, he has decided to end the contract early.  However since 6th Aunt, Mona Fong has especially demanded management to retain Steven, the contract negotiation has since been taken over by Stephen Chan to try to do just that.  It is rumored that to retain Steven, TVB had planned to present him "My Most Favorite TV Character" for his character in 'Sentinel' in this year award ceremony as incentive.  But Steven has made up his mind to leave the nest and is determined to end his contract early, TVB now plans to present it to Kevin Cheng for his role in Ghetto Justice.  It is rumored that Steven has already secretly signed up with the agent company that is also Charmaine Sheh and Bernice Liu's agent, and that once his contract ends June, next year, he will officially get on board.  However, since Steven's relationship with Stephen Chan is good, there is a chance that like Charmaine Sheh, he will sign a per series contract with TVB, and will occasionally return to nest to film series.

source: singtao

TN: I don't thing Steven can sign any contract when still contracted to TVB so I will definitely take the italicized rumored with a grain of salt.

Like I said, don't believe about Steven secretly signing mgmt contract with a different agency.

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from: ihktv weibo 10/25

Even though Steven is acquainted with Charmaine Sheh's colleague of the production company that she signed up with and that they (Steven and company) have talked about his career direction, but for now, Steven is not thinking of signing up with any management company. And moreover he does not want to complicate things right now. As to the rumors that TVB will trade awards for contract renewal, Steven said: "Of course not. There was never anybody (in TVB) who offered that trade off with me.  Anyway, I myself do not have that kind of thinking.  Awards and contracts should not have connection. Shooting series is not for getting awards. Please, everybody, don't over speculate."

I did the above translations, to read a more indepth article on the same news, goto Jaynestar website
Watch the related video here

Steven Ma Does not want the TV King award

translator: Jayne @ Jaynestar


Due to the recruitment efforts of Hong Kong’s new television stations, City Telecom and Now TV, the number of TVB fadans and siu sangs were decreasing dramatically. Currently seeking an early contract termination with TVB, Steven Ma (馬浚偉) was singled out by TVB Deputy Chairman, Mona Fong (方逸華), to remain at the company.

Discussing his contract terms with a TVB executive yesterday, Steven Ma’s position remained firm. He indicated that he will not fight for any awards and was only interested in resolving his contract dispute. Asked what he would do if TVB were to hand him the TV King award to demonstrate their sincerity, Steven stated firmly, “There’s no need to do so!” Steven’s response indicated that his negotiations with TVB were still in a deadlock.

On November 1, 2011, Steven will need to head to mainland China to film, The Founding of the Yuan Empire <建元風雲>. Prior to his trip, there were still many unresolved issues with TVB. Aside from filming new TVB series, Lucky Father <當旺爸爸>, the most pressing matter was to terminate his contract early with TVB. Steven hoped that prior to the end of next week, a resolution will be reached where TVB will allow him to tread upon a new path.

Steven Ma: The First Victim

Date: 10/10/2011
Writer: Tsui Yong Yong

Because TVB did not permit him to shoot the grand tv series production, Legend of the Yuan Empire Founder, 《建元風雲》directed by Tsui Siu Ming, Steven Ma requested an early release from his contract with TVB. Recently, whenever I encountered good friends they would with much curiosity inquire into the cause of this ‘turbulence’.《風雲》

Actually all these years of accepting jobs for Steven, I was always on the passive receiving end since TVB has the absolute power in the final decision. I was but a ‘broker’. I understand that to acquire a job, lots of details have to fall into place and come together for it to happen, hence the gain or loss feeling is not all that huge because I always believe that what is yours will be yours, if it is not yours then losing it is not all that regrettable.

Except this time I was not only very disappointed but dispirited, too. Dispirited because I could not see the prospect of my own career, hence the thought of resigning.

Steven Ma avoided talks on his quitting.

 see Steven's weibo response to his reported refusal to take picture with VL.

Steven Ma avoids talks on his quitting. (excerpt)

Last night, after the anniversary show ended, Steven Ma, who recently complained about TVB’s cold treatment towards him, o declined reporters’ request to have his pictures taken with Virginia Lok, claiming he was too busy as a pretext. Catherine Tsang who was behind immediately pulled him away.  Recently there was a rumor that 6^th Aunt indicated by name that Steven Ma is to be retained by management. When asked, Steven said that was just a rumor and he did hear it personally. He revealed that when Prosperous Father wraps up this week, he will discuss further with the company of their future collaboration since he will be heading to mainland at the end of this month, and will not be back in Hong Kong until Chinese New Year, so he wants to get everything resolved before he leaves.   When asked whether he leans towards leaving or staying? He said he cannot disclose that.  When asked what can the company do to move him to stay?  Steven said: “Have been in TVB for 18 years.  Today I’m very happy to be able to attend the lighting ceremony. Even if this new series is the last series, it will not affect my indebtedness toward TVB. TVB is my place of origin. Maybe the form of collaboration will change but money will not be the main cause.”

Will this be his last anniversary lighting attendance? Steven only said: “Life is full of infinite possibilities. No matter what form of collaboration in the future, this is the place where I grew up, if the company needs me in anyway, I’ll come back.”   When asked if he is negotiating with Stephen Chan or other people, he said he had talked with both Stephen Chan and Catherine Tsang but right now he does not have the time because he shooting a series. 

weiwenpo - 10/4/2011

Salient points.
Steven says Prosperous Father will wrap up production on the 8th of this week.  He will resolve the contract situation before leaving for mainland to shoot a series. Steven says: "Anyway whatever the outcome, I'm greatly indebted to TVB. No matter what, it is the place of my origin. My feeling will not change, even if it changes, it will just change in the form of collaboration.

tn:Despite his discord with Virginia Lok, Steven still attended the ceremony to show support to TVB.

Extraordinary looking forward to TVB 45th anniversary lighting ceremony

Steven Ma attended the TVB anniversary lighting ceremony tonight. Auntie 6 (Mona Fong) has earlier mentioned him by name to be retained by tvb. Steven said he has to finish shooting his new series, Prosperous Father, before he can discuss his contract woe, hence no point talking about it now.  He said money is not the top priority in his contract consideration.  He said: "The company understands my reasoning and conditions. TVB is my 'home', regardless of any future changes, they will  not affect my relationship with tvb."

TN: Steven's feelings may not change for TVB regardless of contractual relationship, but that can't be said of tvb, because I pretty sure it will consider him traitor, and will treat him as such.

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.

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“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.

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."

2004 suits ad

Steven's news on January 5, 2004
Steven Ma is a very traditional minded person, so the Chinese New Year and Winter Festival are very important to him. In the past, he had had time off for the New Year and this year is no exception, so he will be going to Hainan Island for five days holiday with some of his friends. He smiles: "I have decided that in April or June, I will apply for the Open University to study Chinese Sociology. Recently I have been reading some of the text books and they are making me rather numb, so I want to go and have some fun." As for work, Steven says that although his contract with TVB will be ending soon, he should be continuing it because he has had a good relationship with them in the past. He also hopes that he can start filming another series for TVB in April. At the moment he is negotiating several Mainland productions and earlier, he made an advertisement for a suit company.

He says: "As I didn't have any time in my schedules, I had to complete the shoot in one day and in the end I had to change into thirty suits in the space of eight hours and smiled so much that my jaw was stiff. Luckily the boss really liked it and insisted that I filmed their TV ad for them as well, so work will start in March. The two ads together had a seven-figure fee and the boss has offered me a lifetime's supply of suits, so if I film any modern series, they will sponsor my suits for me."

Translated by Em @ http://www.tvbspacenews.blogspot.com/