When Heaven Burns to finally broadcast

TVB new series When Heaven Burns will take over the 9.30pm time slot from Forensic Heroes 3 on November 21. When Heaven Burns completed filming more than 2 years ago but was not broadcast by TVB. It wasn't until now that the two leads, Bowie Lam and Charmaine Sheh have parted ways with TVB that this series slotted for release.

The cast of [WHB], Bowie Lam, Moses Chan and Kenny Wong took part in the promotional event for the series in Kowloon Bay. Lead actress, Charmaine Sheh was noticeably missing as she is filming in China.

At the event, the leads formed a band and entertained the audience. They were seen singing, playing the drums as well as electric guitars; just like their characters do in the series.

Bowie explained that he has mentioned many times that he will take part in the promotional activities for the series. "It is not because I don't have a contract with TVB that I won't promote the series. I am an adult, we aren't like that," adds Bowie.

When asked for his oppinion if the series should have been aired earlier, Bowie says that there are many people who anticipated this series, so perhaps it should have been aired earlier. However, Bowie admits that this is TVB's arrangements.

Bowie does not believe that his and Charmaine's departure from TVB has anything to do with the airing of [WHB]. "We never thought about this, why would this be! This is a TV rated series, perhaps the subject matter is a different type," Bowie explains.

Bowie feels that for the cast to be nominated for next year's TVB Anniversary, TVB could broadcast some clips about a month before the anniversary to give audience a refresher of the series.

Kenny Wong shares that he was happy when he heard that [WHB] was to be aired last year, but when it was delayed, he was a little unhappy.

On the other hand, Moses Chan was more philosophical about the broadcast timing of the series. While many are concerned about whether the series can get the awards, but Moses' concern is wheter the series can bring out the "modern romance atmosphere". He explains, "The series is airing now is not because of Bowie and Charmaine. Why would TVB air the series when the two are not here! It is just a matter of timing. Even if the series airs now, I'll still be happy. Although people are unhappy about the broadcast period, we are still filled with confidence."

Source: Mingpao with translations by aZnangel @ AsianUniverse.net

My Sister of Eternal Flower

Cast:
Charmaine as Fa Lai Chu/Sister Fa
Raymond Lam as Cheung Yik, Hugo
Toby Leung as Fa Lai Ping, Jennifer
Pierre Ngo as Luk Ho Cheung, Mike
Wu Fung as Cheung Sum
Jazz Lam as Fa Wai Chung
Yoyo Chen as Agnes Du Ting

Total Episodes: 20 episodes
Aired Dates: May 16 to June 10, 2011
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 8.30pm
Channel: Astro Channel 901

Synopsis:
Fa Lai Chu (Sister Fa) suffers from developmental disability. She has an IQ of a ten-year-old but is very kind-hearted and innocent. When her parents passed away, she promised them that she will take good care of her younger siblings.

As Sister Fa is unable to support the family financially, she tries to care for her siblings in other aspects. She does a great job caring for them but it also means bringing home hilarious troubles!

Sister Fa's younger sister, Fa Lai Ping, Jennifer, is the one who brings home the bacon. She is also the leader of the family. Jennifer is a persistent and ambitious woman who wants to excel in her career so that she can provide for Sister Fa and their younger brother, Fa Wai Chung. Jennifer is determined to succeed by all means and helps her superior, Luk Ho Cheung to cheat the company they work at.

Due to some events, the chairman of the company, Cheung Sum, suffers a stoke and puts Luk Ho Cheung in charge. In Cheung Sum's absense, Luk Ho Cheung fires Cheung Sum's playboy and good-for-nothing grandson, Cheung Yik from the company.

Cheung Yik is totally let down and lost all hope. However, thanks to the kindness of Sister Fa, he doesn't end up on the streets. Soon, Cheung Yik begins to see the beauty of Sister Fa's heart and inevitably falls for her.

When Cheung Sum wakes up from his coma, he completely opposes Cheung Yik and Sister Fa's relationship and orders Cheung Yik to break up with Sister Fa. Unwilling to disappoint his grandfather, Cheung Yik adheres to the order and returns to the normal life that he once led.

What will become of Sister Fa and can she change Cheung Yik from a good-for-nothing man to someone successful?

Official Site

Wayne Lai turns down TVB management contract

A handful of TVB artistes, who were previously signed under TVB's management contract, are slowly leaving the nest. One high profile example would be TVB's number 1 fadan, Charmaine Sheh.

TVB has been negotiating with TV King, Wayne Lai, to also sign a management contract with them but alas it wasn't meant to be. Wayne will continue to work with TVB under the "per series" contract and his wife will remain as his manager.

Recently Wayne attended the Yan Chai Hospital 44th Annual Broad Member Dinner Gathering. He expressed that although he may be busy filming, he will still squeeze out some time for charity work. When reporters told Wayne that there are many TVB artistes leaving, Wayne says there are new talents to fill the void. " It is a fact that series is a help to the newcomers," he adds.

Wayne admits that TVB has been discussing a contract with him, but he prefers a "per series" contract with his wife assisting him. "I've been with TVB for many years, money is not the most important factor. Sometimes it's about the feeling," explains Wayne.

Source: Mingpao with translations by aZnangel @ AsianUniverse.net

44 TVB Artistes goes "naked" for new photos

The latest issue of TVB Weekly (Issue 717) certainly caused a buzz in the HK entertaiment scene. 44 TVB contracted artistes were feature with bare shoulders giving the illusion that they may be naked. Artistes with rumours of them leaving TVB such as Charmaine Sheh, Joe Ma and Bowie Lam were not part of the photoshoot.

With rumours circulating about Charmaine's impending departure from TVB, fans and netizens are quick to jump to the conclusion that Charmaine's crisis with TVB has reached another level seeing that she is not part of the photoshoot.

It was revealed that TVB spent a 7-figure sum to hire professional designer, SK to take these artsy shot. TVB Executive, Virginia Lok explained that TVB did not take any new photos for their artistes last year. As such, they decided to take new photos this year to avoid having to re-use the dated photos.

As SK only has 5 days of "free time" TVB has to accomodate this schedule by rescheduling their own artistes' schedule. Virginia Lok also revealed that later on there will be a second batch of artistes who will get their turn. She says TVB has a total of 150 artistes and the number is huge. She adds that people such as Tavia Yeung, Kevin Cheng, Charmaine Sheh and Bowie Lam who were not in Hong Kong when the first round of photoshoot took place will have theirs taken at a later time.

More shots from the Inside Pages

Source: Oriental Daily with translations by aZnangel @ AsianUniverse.net

Indian Wedding attire for Cast of Only You

Kevin Cheng, Yoyo Mung, Krystal Tin, Evergreen Mak were among the cast of Only You who attended a promotional event recently. The group appeared dressed in traditional Indian costumes for a wedding ceremony. The cast also partake in games and had a fun time. Krystal force fed her on-screen husband Evergreen with an unpeeled banana while Yoyo washed Kevin's feet in sweet and sour paste water.

Kevin was asked for his views regarding rumours of Charmaine Sheh leaving TVB to earn more money in China. Kevin send his blessings to Charmaine and adds, "She probably made careful considerations, and should have a per series contract with TVB, she should continue to shoot TVB series. She should work in both HK and Mainland, I hope I still have the opportunity to collaborate with her, may her wishes come true. Make more money!"

Kevin also revealed that he still has a long contract with TVB and as such he will not consider venturing into China. He clarified that he wants to handle jobs at both places - China and HK. Kevin says Hong Kong has a good broadcast station and it would be a pity if he lose it. Nevertheless, he adds that China has tremendous hidden potential.

Kevin also revealed that he will be filming new series Boxing King soon and is currently training for a 6-pack body.

Source: Oriental Daily with translations by aZnangel @ AsianUniverse.net

Charmaine Sheh subtly confirms departure from TVB, considering contract on per series basis

Of late the rumours about Charmaine Sheh leaving TVB for greener pastures in China has been spreading like wildfire. After recuperating from her arm injury for about two months, Charmaine attended the Jewels of Italy Show 2011 as an invited guest.

She took the opprtunity to clear the air about some rumours and concerns fans and viewers have for her. Charmaine revealed that her arm is healing well but she still needs to continue with some physiotheraphy. "I'm alright now. I need to continue arm exercises, but they are quite simple so I can do them at home. I can't film action scenes at the moment," Charmaine explained.

There are numerous rumours that claimed Charmaine had faked her arm injury to avoid filming TVB series Forensic Heroes 3. However the actress denied that. Charmaine hope that critics would stop rubbing salt on her wound as she had already missed out on shooting a "series that would have good ratings". She also adds that due to her injury, she also missed out on other stage events during the lunar new year period and lost a lot of income as a result.

Having been managed by TVB for the last 14 years, Charmaine regards TVB as her maternal home. Charmaine stopped short of fully confirming her departure from TVB but adds that no matter what, TVB will always be her "maternal home". She will maintain a good relationship with TVB as she had grown and matured with TVB for the last 14 years. Should Charmaine leave, she will definitely consider amending her contract with TVB into a "per series" contract.

Charmaine clarifies that money is not to sole factor in her consideration for contract renewal or departure. "It's not about the money," she says. Charmaine also confirms that when her series are aired, she will definitely be involved in the promotional activities.

Source: Oriental Daily, Mingpao with translations by aZnangel @ AsianUniverse.net

Maggie Cheung fills the void left by Charmaine Sheh

Recently, Charmaine Sheh slipped on ice and broke her arm in Hangzhou. As such she has to withdraw from TVB new series Forensic Heroes 3. As the filming for the series has begun, producer, Miu Siu Ching had to scramble to find a replacement.

Finally, the replacement for Charmaine was revealled and it turns out to be Maggie Cheung. Maggie tried out costumes and even had a new hairstyle for her new role. "Actually my hair could be shorter, but didn't want to go too far," explained Maggie.

Producer Miu is full of praise for Maggie's professionalism, "Maggie is really good, we are so rushed and she's still willing to help out, so professional!" However, Maggie was very humble and expressed her surprise at being asked to be part of the series. "I know they were in a huge rush. I'm also very familiar with Siu Ching and under this coincidental opportunity I accepted this series," Maggie explained. She also noted that [FH3] is her most rushed and most exciting series yet.

By taking part in [FH3], Maggie will once again be collaborating with two-time TV King, Wayne Lai. She shares that their earlier collaboration was in A Road and A Will and they also worked together on Chinese New Year movie, I love HK. Maggie joked that she hopes to stick to Wayne and share some of his prosperity.

Maggie also sent her best wishes to Charmaine and hoped that Charmaine will recover soon. Maggie also added that she does not consider herself as a replacement, merely someone who needs to fill the role. Coincidentally, the timing was right for her, so she accepted the job.

Source: Oriental Daily with translations by aZnangel @ AsianUniverse.net

Can't Buy Me Love is still the highest rated series for 2010

TVB's Anniversary Awards for 2010 will be help at 8.30pm on December 5th. The battle for TV King and TV Queen is reportedly down to the leads from 2 series, No Regrets and Can't Buy Me Love. [CBML] was aired earlier and received high ratings as well as praises from the viewers while [NR] also managed to garner some praises for having a wonderful story. At the same time, [NR] was heavily promoted during TVB's Anniversary Gala thus boosting its chances at the coming awards.

It was reported earlier that Charmaine Sheh may not be attending the awards show as she will be working in China. However, the actress may have a change of heart and might be attending the annual awards show. Reporters contacted Charmaine to verify this piece of news. As [CBML] is the highest rated series for 2010, Charmaine said that the Producer of [CBML], Miu Siu Ching should be the happiest.

Charmaine was once again asked about her hopes for the TV Queen award, which she says "I am feeling very normal, I personally don't have any big battle feeling, try my best!" As for whether she will return to HK for the award show, Charmaine explains that her manager is trying to schedule time-off for her from the Chinese film crew. Charmaine adds, "I still have to go back that night because I am part of the nominations and I want to participate too. However, I really don't have time to try out the jewelry and outfit, so will leave everything to my manager!"

Sheren Tang was filming an advertisement and was approached by reporters. The finale ratings for [NR] did not manage to break the ratings for [Jewel in the Palace]. Sheren explains that she is not disappointed with the ratings. She reasons that viewers can now re-watch the series online and perhaps that may influence the ratings.

Popular HK veteran actor, Chow Yun Fat was quote as saying that the battle for Best Actress this year will come down to Charmaine Sheh versus Sheren Tang. Upon hearing this, Sheren quickly expresses her thanks to the actor, "Really thank him for the support, sometimes when I see him, I would get his advice! I personally have confidence, but the other opponents are very strong too." Sheren also joked that her character, "Kau Ku Leung" is very complicated and tough to portray, thus she may win the "Most Improved Award" as well. She also praised Charmaine for doing well in [CBML].

Source: Oriental Daily with translations by aZnangel@ AsianUniverse.net

Felix Wong hailed as the "dark horse" in the TV King battle

The competition for 2010 TVB Anniversary Awards is heating up. The top favourites this year are the duo from Can't Buy Me Love, Moses Chan and Charmaine Sheh battling the duo (and also last year's winning pair) of Wayne Lai and Sheren Tang from No Regrets.

However, Felix Wong is now thrown into the race after being hailed as the dark horse by his co-star from Gun Metal Grey, Michael Miu. Even Moses Chan has praises for Felix and admits that the competition is fierce.

On Monday (October 18), TVB will hold its 43 Annual Lighting Ceremony. At this event the list of nominees for the upcoming Anniversary Awards will also be announced. Many fans and viewers anticipate that the leads from No Regrets, Wayne and Sheren will lead the nomination list and build the momentum leading up to the awards. TVB is heavily promoting No Regrets making the series and its cast a strong contender for the awards.

Nonetheless, Can't Buy Me Love also has its strengths. Although the series has ended its run, it is the highest rated series in 2010 to date. It also stars the winner of 2007's TV King, Moses Chan and 2006's TV Queen, Charmaine Sheh. The strong battle between Can't Buy Me Love and No Regrets reminded viewers and fans of last year's battle between Beyond the Realm of Conscience and Rosy Business.

Producer Lee Tim Sing, who is the producer for No Regrets, openly pledges his support for Wayne and Sheren, pointing out that this award winning duo have a strong chance of taking the awards in two consequtive years! "I saw Charmaine’s performance in Can't Buy Me Love, she has definitely improved a lot, however in terms of acting, it’s hard to compete with Sheren. I think there is a huge chance that this year’s TV King and Queen will be a ‘repeat’ of last year," says Producer Lee.

Source: Mingpao with translations by llwy12@ AsianFanatics.net

Cast of Cant Buy Me Love Attends Reunion

TVB series Can't Buy Me Love has ended its run with the final two episodes being broadcast on Sunday (October 3). The cast members including Charmaine Sheh, Moses Chan, Fala Chen, Lee Heung Kam attended the [CBML Big Reunion] on Sunday. Dressed in their period drama costumes, the cast drew more than 1000 people to join them as the finale was broadcasted.

Moses and Charmaine who were rumoured to be dating during the filming of the series, pledge their support for one another for the coverted TV King and TV Queen titles. Moses also promised to appear in swimming trunks should the ratings of the series hit 50 points.

Charmaine was asked if she has the confidence in Can't Buy Me Love for it to achieve the success of Jewel in the Palace and Beyond the Realm of Conscience in which she says she tries the very best. For this year's TVB Anniversary Awards, Can't Buy Me Love will face off against the (indirect) sequel to last year's best series, Rosy Business - No Regrets. Charmaine explains that she looks forward to Cheung Wah Biu's script and has worked with him before.

Reporters also asked Charmaine if there will be a sequel to Can't Buy Me Love or perhaps a modern version of the series, but Charmaine says she will be happy if there was one but also expresses concern that the modern one may not match up to the ancient series.

Lee Heung Kam disses rumours of her retiring soon and shares that she will continue to act as she loves acting. She is 78 and in the pink of health and will continue to film for as long as she can.

Source: Mingpao, Oriental Daily (image) with translations by aZnangel@ AsianUniverse.net

Can't Buy Me Love

Cast:
Charmaine Sheh as Princess Chew Yeung
Moses Chan as Kam Tor Luk
Raymond Wong as Kam Tor Sau
Louis Yuen as Kam Tor Fuk
Susanna Kwan as Ting Lor Hei
Linda Chung as Ng Sei Tai
Fala Chen as Szeto Ngan Ping
Kenneth Ma as Ting yau Wai
Selena Li
Sharon Chan
Tracy Ip
Susan Tse
Lee Heung Kam
Mary Hon
Lee Kwok Lun
Kara Hui
Matthew Ko
Edwin Siu
Yoyo Chen
Elaine Yiu

Total Episodes: 32 episodes
Aired Dates: August 23 to October 3, 2010
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 9.30pm
Channel: Astro Channel 921

Synopsis:
Princess Chew Yeung is the 3rd of 5 princess, daughter of Emperor Taizhong. She was arranged to marry a Tibetan prince against her wishes. The only way out for her was to look for another suitor as soon as possible. The proprietress of a gold store, Tong Lor Hei recommends her second son, Kam Tor Luk and third son, Kam Tor Sau as candidates. Madam Ting hopes that the marriage with the Princess will bring them out of their financial troubles and save their family business.

Tor Luk doesn't want his brother to marry the willful and bratty Princess, as such he "sacrifices" himself and assumes the responsibility of marrying Princess Chew Yeung.

After their marriage, Princess Chew Yeung remains as bratty as before. As she is a member of the royal family, she expects the Kams to treat her with respect including Tor Luk's mother and grandmother.

Princess Chew Yeung was granted a handmaiden by the Empress Dowager, Szeto Ngan Ping who doubles as a bodyguard. Szeto Ngan Ping is haughty and has no regard for anyone as she has the blessing from Princess Chew Yeung. She even fight back against Ting Yau wai, who is the Emperor-elect matchmaker.

The Kams have had enough of Princess Chew Yeung and Szeto Ngam Ping's antics. They decide to group together and fight against her. However, what surprises the Kams the most was that their vivacious house maid, Ng Sei Tak, decides to take the side of the unreasonable Princess.

After back and forth bickering between the 2 sides with no solution in sight, the matter finally caught the attention of the Emperor. Can the Emperor salvage the marriage of his favourite Princess? Marrying a princess is suppose to bring honour to the family but for the Kams, all that glitter is not always gold.

Official Site

Producer Nelson Cheung talks about his work

TVB has many producers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and Nelson Cheung is one of them. Nelson has been involved in the industry for over 30 years. Some of Nelson's recent productions include You're Hired and D.I.E.

Since young, Producer Nelson loves to watch comedies. The rapid development of the Hong Kong film industry has given Nelson the opportunity to get into productions and film work. He started his career at ATV in 1979 where he was a PA and subsequently promoted to director 2 years later. In 1985, Producer Nelson moved over to rival station TVB and was promoted to the role of Producer in 1989.

Nelson's productions One Step beyond, Love is Beautiful, Dicey Business as well as D.I.E and You're Hired moves his ahead of his peers and earned him a good reputation in the industry.

Producer Nelson is also adventurous and dares to create different yet interesting roles in his series. Back in 1991, he took a gamble and cast Dicky Cheung and Derek Wan for his comedy One Step Beyond. The gamble paid off when the pairing of Dicky and Derek left memorable impressions in viewers minds. More recently, he took another risk and cast TVB darling, Charmaine Sheh opposite Dayo Wong in You're Hired. This fresh pairing was such a tremendous success that left audiences asking for more.

Nelson gave credit to Dayo for the success of his partnership with Charmaine. He was full of praise for Dayo, "I really admire Dayo Wong. He is one talented performer and he is very hard working. Every time he does a series, he would do a lot of homework for it. From TV series to stand up comedy, he is the best. He is a very generous person, whatever new ideas he thinks of, he'll definitely share it with others. When filming series, he doesn't know that his acting is good, but he would look after other artistes, getting into character together."

Not forgetting Charmaine's effort and contribution, Nelson also gave her credit, "Charmaine, although she's one of the most popular actresses, but she really uses her heart to act. Not only does she fulfill the producer's requirements well, but many times she would give you many surprises along with it. So Dayo and Charmaine both give off good sparks. I also discovered that Charmaine really does have good comedy acting skills."

Nelson was also asked to comment on the rising crop of fadans and siusangs in TVB. He feels that Kenneth Ma's acting is solid while Tavia Yeung is contantly improving. "Tavia Yeung is like a military worker. Maybe it's because whatever role you give her, she will put all her effort into it for you, I have seen her improving all along."

Source: Oriental Daily, TVB.com with translations by aZnangel @AsianUniverse.net

Charmaine Sheh pledges loyalty to TVB

Charmaine Sheh, Moses Chan and Maggie Siu were busy filming the last few scenes of TVB new series Heaven and Earth. The scene which they filmed was Moses and Maggie's wedding scene. There were many "guests" who attended their wedding and Charmaine was one of them.

Charmaine revealed that she is currently filming 2 series at the same time and she has a very packed schedule. She doesn't even have time to go and get new lipsticks as she has exhausted all her supplies. Charmaine explains, "I'm recently working on two series, maybe its because I fall into deep sleep and my head wouldn't move for a 3-4 hours, making my neck stiff." Charmaine adds that she hasn't seen a doctor for her stiff neck as she is very busy.

Reporters asked Charmaine to share her view about the on-going dispute between TVB and ATV and here's what she has to say, "My manager deals with the contract terms and I sign the contract on my own will. The contract terms are quite reasonable. TVB is like a tree that attracts heavy winds. Although I don't know how long the wind will be blowing, but I do hope that the tree can grow bigger and bigger."

Note: Heaven and Earth is now known as When Heaven Burns.

Source: Oriental Daily with translations by aZnangel @ Asianuniverse.net

Filming of Heaven and Earth is ending soon

The filming for TVB drama series When Heaven Burns [previously: Heaven & Earth] is heading towards the home stretch. Charmaine Sheh, Moses Chan, Bowie Lam, Kenny Wong and Maggie Siu were seen filming a night scene on location a few nights ago.

The scene revolved around the band members; Kenny, Bowie and Moses, holding a roof top concert. The crew had to re-create an outdoor stage set for the scene as well as recruit an additional 500 extras to participate as the concert audience. It is reported that the cost for the stage set and the fee for the extras cost the production a 7-figure sum.

Charmaine expressed that the filming of Heaven & Earth is wrapping up and she feels a little heavy hearted. "Our whole group gets along very well. After this series completes, my schedule is packed having to shoot for Can't Buy Me Love (also known as Here comes the Princess). I am going to have to take advantage of the two day break on Lunar New Year. On the 3rd day of new year, I have a show to attend and will start on another new series in April. I'll probably be busy until September," she explains.

Although the concert scene was "staged" concert, Moses feels as though he was performing at an actual concert. "I knew we had to do a band performance, so I practice earlier. I have interest in singing, but I don't want to be a singer, singing theme songs is enough for me," adds Moses.

Source: Oriental Daily with translations by aZnangel @ Asianuniverse.net
Photo Credit: Yule.Tom.com

Cast of Beyond the Realm of Conscience continues to celebrate

The success of TVB drama, Beyond the Realm of Conscience is truly extraordinary, the cast and crew got together for yet another celebration. This round it is TVB executive, Norman Leung who is footing the bill. Cast members including Charmaine Sheh, Tavia Yeung, Moses Chan, Kevin Cheng, Selena Li, Michelle Yim, Susan Tse and Susanna Kwan were among those who attended the dinner. Due to the success of the series, Charmaine and Kevin revealed that they were both able to earn a 7-figure sum in a short period of time.

Charmaine recently returned from a trip to Malaysia, which she is ambassador for a skincare brand. "!'m already starting a fat year. During the Lunar New Year period, I have series to film, so probably earning extra money. I'll be busy shooting series in the new year. Having good scripts outweighs winning awards, the most important is to enjoy the filming process. As a reward, if possible, I want to get a new car. As for property, I have always wanted to, but I have no time to look for them.," says Charmaine.

Kevin, on the other hand shares that he will be shooting ads in the new year. He will also be travelling to the United States and Canada for work. Tavia expressed that she is currently busy with many jobs but she is also earning more. She explains, "I can get a new house for my dog. As for my own house, investment is my goal, let's see how that goes."

Selena Li who recently went on a 3-month break to complete her studies, reveals that she has to turn down jobs when she was in Canada. This caused her to lose some income. However, Selena acknowledge that being able to graduate is priceless and it made her mum very happy!

Source: Oriental Daily with translations by aZnangel @ Asianuniverse.net

Beyond the Realm of Conscience is best TVB series for 2009

The recently concluded drama series Beyond the Realm of Conscience is TVB's best series for 2009 in terms of viewership. It achieved an average rating of 46 points for it's final episode, peaking at 50 points. This result means Beyond equaled the records of both Korean drama, Jewel in the Palace and TVB's Best Series for 2008, Moonlight Resonance. However, Beyond managed to achieve a higher audience rate at 98% beating the other 2 series by a narrow margin of only 1%!

The producer, Mui Siu Ching, expressed that she is pleased with the result. "I am very happy, 98 of every 100 viewers watched . Although the rating is 50 points, same as , we won by 1% of viewers," she says. Producer Mui also praised Charmaine Sheh's acting skills in portraying Sam Ho, particularly in the last episode. She also lamented that it's a pity that the voting for TVB's Anniversary Awards has ended earlier, if not, then Charmaine may even get more votes!

Most viewers and netizens were a bit disappointed that Emperor Li Yi (Moses Chan) and Sam Ho did not end up together. However, TVB is happy to reveal that Moses and Charmaine will be re-collaborating in a new series The Princess Marriage, with filming scheduled to begin soon.

Another series with the cast of Beyond is also in the works but will be set in present day.

Source: Mingpao

Charmaine Sheh and Kevin Cheng are not awkward in each other's presence

During the filming of Beyond the Realm of Conscience, there were rumours of Charmaine Sheh and Kevin Cheng getting together. Then a few months later, rumours of them breaking up surfaced. But all these, to this day remains as merely rumours. Both artistes have always maintained that they are good friends and co-workers.

Recently, the cast of Beyond the Realm of Conscience gathered for a day of fun at the 5th Annual David Fu Tau Lam Charity Cup. Both Charmaine and Kevin were in the same tug-of-war team that managed to raise HKD 60,000 (of which HKD 10,000 came from Kevin's pockets). Although it was noted that these two friends did not have much interaction with one another, they did stand together for a group photo.

Charmaine again stressed that Kevin and her are good friends and she is not embarrassed to see him. Responding to reports that Kevin's facial expressions changed when he was question by the Malaysian media about their relationship, Charmaine asked the reporters if that incident was true. Reporters asked Charmaine to "teach" Kevin to level up his EQ, but Charmaine assured reporters that Kevin has great EQ level. She explains that the rumours surrounding their relationship as well as the constant news about artistes competing for TVB Anniversary Awards are actually not news to her. These so-called news are just negative ways of promoting something.

Kevin explained that his mood during his trip to Malaysia was good. He asked reporters to verify with Fala Chen to understand the situation better as Fala was with him for that trip.

Source: Takungpao with translations by tdrama*addict @ Asianfanatics.net | Image Credit: Tungstar

Beyond the Realm of Conscience goes 1-Up against Born Rich

TVB grand productions Beyond the Realm Of Conscience and Born Rich premiered on Monday 19 October. Both series did well and surpassed the expectations of viewers. Generally, netizens have good comments about both series.

Beyond the Realm Of Conscience achieved an average rating of 34 points (2.14 million viewers) and peaked at 36 points for its first episode. The lead cast of Beyond the Realm Of Conscience - Charmaine Sheh, Tavia Yeung and Moses Chan were happy with the ratings.

Meanwhile, the other grand production, Born Rich averaged at 32 points (2.05 millions viewers) and peaked at 34 points. Born Rich lost about 100,000 viewers compared to Beyond the Realm Of Conscience! However, Anita Yuen and Jaime Chik both expressed their confidance for Born Rich.

Although Beyond the Realm Of Conscience has "won" the first round, Charmaine Sheh explains that she has never thought of "competing" against Born Rich. She acknowledges that the cast of Beyond the Realm Of Conscience has given their all during filming and it is nice to receive good feedback from the audience. She also states that the two series are of different genres, and perhaps Born Rich will give viewers a nice surprise at the later stages of the drama.

The premiere of Beyond the Realm Of Conscience also sees 2 little girls portraying the role of little Sam Ho and Kam Ling. Charmaine who plays Sam Ho is full of praises for the little girls. She admits to tearing during the scene when little Sam Ho scatter the ashes of her mother into the well.

Both Charmaine and Tavia Yeung disagree with viewers who compared Beyond the Realm Of Conscience with Korean drama, Jewel in the Palace. Charmaine thinks that viewers should continue to watch Beyond the Realm Of Conscience and see the drama development first before judging the series.

The producer of Beyond the Realm Of Conscience, Mui Siu Ching reveals that the girl who played little Sam Ho was picked after three auditions. They decided to select her although she "no front teeth and has single eyelid" because they want to keep the image of Sam Ho - a kind hearted person who grows up to be a beautiful woman.

Source: MingPao with translations by R.E.D @ AsianVN.com

Beyond the Realm of Conscience

Cast:
Charmaine Sheh as Lau Sam Ho
Tavia Yeung as Yiu Kam Ling
Moses Chan as Emperor Li Yi (later Li Chen)
Kevin Cheng as Ko Hin Yeung
Michelle Yim as Chung Suet Ha
Susanna Kwan as Yuen Tsui Wan
Selena Li as Concubine Man Bo-Yin
Mary Hon as Empress
Krystal Tin
Susan Tse
Tracy Ip as Concubine
Mandy Cho as Concubine

Total Episodes: 33 episodes
Aired Dates: October 19 to November 29, 2009
Time Slot: Mondays to Fridays, 8.30pm
Channel: Astro Channel 901

Synopsis:
In the Tong Dynasty, the Emperor and the Imperial family are served by the Imperial Household Bureau. The Imperial Household Bureau is tasked to manage all household services for the Emperor and is made up of four sections. They are Jewels, Attire, Food and Furnishing.

Lau Sam Ho and Yiu Kam Ling were exposed to the Imperial Household bureau at a tender age. The two girls are hardworking and were raised within the disciplines of the palace. Yuen Tsui Wan, the Head of the Jewels Section, and Chung Suet Ha, Head of Attire Section find Sam Ho to be a very kind-hearted girl. They soon start a fight to bring Sam Ho into their own section.

Sam Ho always keeps her mother's last words close to her heart; "Do good deeds, Speak good words, Show goodwill". She lives her life based on that and displays kindness to everyone in the Palace. On the other hand, Kam Ling disagrees with Sam Ho. Kam Ling believes that to survive in the Palace, she has to scheme her way to the top. She finally succeeds to be the Emperor's concubine.

Kam Ling knows that Sam Ho is in love with chess master, Ko Hin Yeung. However she is still jealous of Sam Ho as she knows that Emperor Lee Yi is attracted to Sam Ho. To strengthen her position, Kam Ling accuses Sam Ho of murdering the Empress and condemns her to death. Luckily for Sam Ho, Kam Ling's plan does not fall into place.

Watch how Sam Ho goes up against the scheming Kam Ling, where benevolence triumph over evil.

Heaven and Earth Costume Fitting

TVB's latest series When heaven Burns [Heaven and Earth] held its costume fitting recently at TVB City in Tseung Kwan O. The cast for this much awaited series include Moses Chan, Charmaine Sheh, Bowie Lam, Kenny Wong and Maggie Siu. With the exception of Charmaine, the rest of the main cast worked together in last year's mega-production, The Gem of Life. Heaven and Earth will be produced by Chik Kei Yee.

The story of Heaven and Earth is about four friends who got lost in a snowy mountain. For survival, the three friends have no choice but to kill their injured friend and eat his flesh. Producer Chik explained that although the series has hints of cannibalism, it won't be explored in detail as he is worried that the series may not get approval from the Broadcasting Authority.

Moses, Bowie and Kenny are band members while Charmaine's role is a DJ. The deceased friend is Charmaine's former boyfriend. Moses revealed that he used to play the guitar when he was very young. Kenny also has the experience of playing the guitar when he was in school, while Bowie plays the drums.

Moses shared that he did some research on the web for his role. He learned a lot about cannibalism. Moses also revealed that his character is a strong and fit person who enjoys Thai boxing. "I have a fighting scene with a Thai boxer, I am training to be fit and I have successfully lost 10 pounds in weight already," explained Moses.

Charmaine made some sacrifices and cut her hair short for her role. She explained, "This is all for Ah Chik, when I had my hair cut yesterday, I felt like crying. That reminds me of the last time when I had to cut my hair for the series Always Ready."

Maggie's character is someone who gets cheated by Moses, financially and emotionally! Maggie shared that she is lucky in real life not to have met such a person. She also added that she remain single out of choice and not out of fear of being cheated on.

Note: Heaven and Earth is now known as When Heaven Burns.

Source: Takungpao, MingPao, Weiwenpo with translations by R.E.D @ AsianVN.com
Image Credit: xinhuanet, ent.mop.com