Your hand in mine….2

Ever since the airing of the last episode of Your hand in mine, I have been receiving comments from the extreme ends of the stick. Lovers and Haters alike, I thank you. But what was worth mentioning was the commotion that was stirred up in the papers about it not being a happy ending, with “moral values not being upheld”. It referred to the “good” guy and “bad” guy characters both ended up dead tragically, and that the show had a too depressing end. Viewers were left upset after watching the show.

I am by no means, speaking for the production. But if there is anything to apologize for, we would probably be apologizing for being too honest, for telling the story of life as it is. That life is not a bed of roses, that tragedies are part of life. That one learns how to be stronger from sadness.

As an insider and a regular viewer, I urge all to embrace local shows with a more open heart. Values are not taught by hiding the facts of life but to present it in its true forms, and giving freedom to the viewer to make up his or her own mind about how to perceive life.

Let’s steer away from boxes of limitations, but give way to infinite possibilities and let our local show industry a chance to grow.

2010 Star Awards….It’s a wrap!

Dear boys and girls….

Do not worry or get upset. You guys are absolutely right. I am more than happy to have received a nomination, together with the most respected actresses in local showbiz. What else could I ask for? I’ve enjoyed the night tremendously, other than hoping that I don’t trip on my beautiful but long dress.

I heard your screams, whistles, grateful for the great posters u guys held up for me. It felt less daunting on the red carpet when I turned, and see faces I recognized and could genuinely smiled at.

It’s a very warm feeling knowing there are people out there for you. You guys are like an oasis in the desert.

It’s another working year to strive towards to… Work hard, Play hard, Rest well, Gain peace. A big Thank you once again!

Paigey

Your hand in mine….

We have completed the longest long form drama in local Chinese drama history. A near one and a half years. I just need to keep an entry of this due to its special nature.

I would like to compare this project to a marathon. In a regular 20 or 30 episode drama serial, we are more like sprinters, finishing up a 400m relay.

“Your hand in mine” on the other hand, is a marathon, requiring well-paced stamina, endurance, and determination. Like any other long journeys, there were times of frustrations, doubt, and anguish. But this only made the satisfaction at the end more fulfilling, the views more spectacular. Most importantly, it made us stronger.

I would like to thank everyone involved, for making this marathon less lonely. Thanks for the drinks along the way, the cheers by the roadsides, the pat on the shoulders at the finishing line.

Thanks for having your hand in mine.

Your friend … Always

Very gratefully, I am appointed as the ambassador for Fisherman’s Friend for the second year round… We did a few new inserts for the TVC and a new picture for the print in this round of campaign. It’s always great to work with familiar crew and clients and it’s no different with the Fisherman’s Friend team. Here’s a big thank you to you guys!! Oh .. and Have a Fabulous Tiger Year!!

A salute to local showbiz

I cannot stress enough how I love a good movie. I am fortunate to be in an industry where I can be involved in the making of stories. Maybe the neurotic part of me needed this as well.

It is no secret that the local show business has been under a lot of pressure to achieve greater heights, with the increasing expectations of local audience and competition from fellow film makers. The short history of local showbiz, limited demand, budgets, time constraints hinder the works of the team in so many ways.

But the thing about show people is that we have an innate interest in life. What I mean is, show people see life from a third person’s point of view. We recreate them for the screen. And I don’t mean just the actors, but everyone in the team… the script writers, camera crew, directors, editors, and eventually we transfer this interest to the audience.

During lunch breaks, or as and when we have a chance to bump into experienced seniors, there will always be fruitful discussions about the artistry. In a rare occasion, I had the privilege to talk to a respected and solemn director. He told me he watched a Korean film and was touched by how well it was made. He kept thinking about what he could do to produce such works.

I was impressed by the humility he showed despite his seniority and the zest to improve his artistry. I felt really hopeful then. Immediately, I had recollections of how in school, we would watch a documentary and have a class discussion over it.

There could be a movie night once a month or something and we can have a discussion of the movie over a light buffet dinner. All involved in the drama production should be invited.

Every profession has a role to play in the society. Drama producers (in all departments) are artists, responsible to document the memories, social state of our generation. It is not just pride we should have in our works, but honor.

You are not alone

I hope u guys liked the mini story that started revealing itself in parts since 3rd August. I began my acting experience with short films and I am glad to relive that experience with the branding and promo team this time round.

Short film tells a story within minutes, yet encompassing the necessary elements to touch the audience. When I met the director for a brief on the project, I was thrilled with the storyline and the direction for shoot. I was also glad that the co-actor is none other than Zhen Huan, my “nerdy boyfriend” in Dream Catchers.

The story tells the tale of a girl growing up and being bullied due to her unusual behavior. Unknown to the rest, she is actually role-playing with the objects around her. She has great imagination and hopes to be an actor one day. During her childhood, there is this boy who never gave up on her. When she asked him “ 我是不是很怪?” He assured her caringly, ”你很特别 。”

We all need and long for someone to understand and be there for us when the going gets tough. I hope that this short heart warming story will remind us to show concern for the people around us and renew the belief that people do care.

Here are some pictures taken off the set. I had fun, hope u enjoy watching it.

My first star awards

My friends have asked me this particular question over the couple of weeks….“Are you excited about being nominated for star awards?” I always tease them by saying ,” Yah, very! I’m watching the Oscars everyday to master the various expressions of the nominees. Suspense, Anticipation, Surprise, Congratulatory gestures”:-)

But seriously, I am. The first of everything always brings much excitement. I am also grateful for the nomination. I would like to thank the staff who got me nominated. To my fans out there: Although it has only been a short period of time, I am truly grateful for the unquestioning support you all have given me. Those out there who have helped set up websites, facebook accounts, organizing gatherings, visiting my blog, watching my shows, leaving messages, or simply wonder who the hell I am, I thank you.

Win or not, it will not waver my passion for acting, my determination to deliver the heartfelt performances. So, star awards, here I come, I will enjoy the ride!