I don't like all the current batch of TVB artist.. the ones i like are all gone

[fluffinduffin]

I utterly agree with you guys. Although I don't dislike a particular new young actor okay.... maybe Samuel (sorry.. don't particularly know why??), the heavy promotion of TVB on new and youthful actors has eventually pushed me to other series. I mean I use to watch EVERYTHING (no kidding!) and because I'm in the UK and have to rent, that's TVB dedication, let me tell you!

But now, I'm having a lot of fun watching Taiwan/ Korean/ China series. However, because I don't understand mandarin, this is limited.

[kidd]

I don't get u. You are complaining about TVB promoting the young actors a lot, but you enjoyed Taiwanese series which modern series mostly stars young adults and most of them under the genre of 'Qing Chun Ou Xiang Jue' (Youth Idol Series).

[i_fotted]

I don't get u. You are complaining about TVB promoting the young actors a lot, but you enjoyed Taiwanese series which modern series mostly stars young adults and most of them under the genre of 'Qing Chun Ou Xiang Jue' (Youth Idol Series).

Maybe because they actually have talents? Just because you are young doesn't mean you are talentless. I see the point you are trying to make. You are saying people who grew up during the 80s prefer watching the 80s actors and have a bad perception of the current new batch of TVB actors. Thats true to a certain extent but the majority of the more experienced, older viewers have a better judgement of what is good acting and what is not, right? Afterall they are exposed to MANY more acting performance than you.

[kidd]

Afterall they are exposed to MANY more acting performance than you.

So, tell me. In which era do u think I grow up in that u are so sure these 'older viewers' are expose to MANY more acting performance than me.

Maybe because they actually have talents? Just because you are young doesn't mean you are talentless.

F4 can act? TAE is a great actor? There are TVB young actors who are as good as the Taiwanese young actors.

I see the point you are trying to make. You are saying people who grew up during the 80s prefer watching the 80s actors and have a bad perception of the current new batch of TVB actors. Thats true to a certain extent but the majority of the more experienced, older viewers have a better judgement of what is good acting and what is not, right?

No. It's a matter of taste. Acting style changes from generation to generation. In the black and white era, acting style were way way more dramatic. Later down the generations, acting style became more and more natural and not as stage performance like. But because older generations are used to older acting style, they will consider the newer generation's acting style inferior.

Ok, I may be too harsh on fluffinduffin, since the Taiwanese, Korean, Chinese acting style obviously suits her better. So, it's a matter of taste.

But, I just feel that the older generation viewers are too bias against the TVB young actors.

[flower43]

I hate ALL the new actors staring in the new TVB series!!! SOOOO ANNOYING!!! i hate ABSOLUTELY HATE Ron Ng he can't act!!!! i'm watching ummm wats it called it's this new series to do with a hotel. Newayz, he can't act his expressions are always the same!!! AHHH!!!
I'm a Korean Series fan but i once upon a time i was a TVB series fan but now...i dun even bother to watch any TVB series their soooo boring!!! and i just hate the new actors!!!
I'm sooooooooo GLAD and HAPPY that other pplz feel the same way!! cuz all my friends love Ron!!!
Newayz, bye!!!

[i_fotted]

So, tell me. In which era do u think I grow up in that u are so sure these 'older viewers' are expose to MANY more acting performance than me.

Sorry, didn't mean to offend you. I think I read one of your post somewhere and I figured out ur age. I wasn't trying to be condescending or anything. I imagine you are about 15ish?

F4 can act? TAE is a great actor? There are TVB young actors who are as good as the Taiwanese young actors.

I have no idea what fluffinduffin was refering to. I just thought maybe he enjoyed more of mainland/korean/taiwanese production because of the talent pool, which is arguely better since many of the better TVB actors have left to mainland/taiwanese respectively.

No. It's a matter of taste. Acting style changes from generation to generation. In the black and white era, acting style were way way more dramatic. Later down the generations, acting style became more and more natural and not as stage performance like. But because older generations are used to older acting style, they will consider the newer generation's acting style inferior.

Sure, everyone has different tastes in acting styles, but if you enjoy good "acting" , it has nothing to do with taste or style. It has to do with expressions, body movements, emotions, the ability to cry, camera presence, create a since of feeling and attachment towards the audience. Much of this is gained through experience but I gurantee you a graet actor has this in them. IF they have it in the 80s, you damm straight they will have it in 2005.

But, I just feel that the older generation viewers are too bias against the TVB young actors.

Obviously.
Have you seen a young Andy Lau or a young Chen Ye Ling or Liza Wang or Tony Leung in their early years of acting? Want to compare them to the current batch of actors that you praise? There is simply no comparison. Its not about acting style, or era, or taste, or perception. Its called "acting". Some are good at it, and some just arn't.

[LadyMei]

i_fotted and kidd,
Both of your arguments are agreeable to some extent. But I have to disagree with you (i_fotted) on perception. It IS about perception. Most (if not all) of the things about life IS about perception. We, as humans, first and foremost, analyze the world through our own "eyes" and how we perceive it depends on our "own" knowledge and experience. What is talent and what is good acting also differs between one to another. I hope I don't seem to take on any side here, but the example that kidd gave about the "more dramatic" acting of the earlier production is a good one.

So, to each his own. *LOL*

[CheungKafai]

I think why many of u guys miss the old actors is because those are the actors you grow up watching. So, there is a certain attachedment to it. Ask your parents and grandparents, and they will most probably list Adam Cheng and Siu Fong Fong as their favourite actors instead of actors like Jessica and Roger Kwok.

Haha Kidd... i think u made a valid pt here... jus like my mom faves are Miu Kui Wai, Barbara Yung. As for those of us who grow up in the 80s-90s, we wld have great attachements to the likes of Gallen, roger etc...

wow i'm actually quite surprised so many others share my sentiments... i guess those ppl who share my views are mostly in the age group of 18-25 ??

I agree that newcomers shld be given the chance to gain experiences & xposure, but i think some newcomers shld not be gettin lead roles so soon... the older actors like Gallen & Francis acted as ka-leh-fei for so long b4 landing the prime role

i'm watching RDOV now.. Ron expression is so limited i yawn each time his screen time is extended... but Ella is quite good; i stil think it's mostly e veterans like Kenix & David Chiang that save the show...

[ms_bigmouth]

I agree that the mixture of old and new actress in a show is better. But I also enjoyed the shows that stars only the younger actors. A lot of them isn't really that bad. Like those guys in 10 brothers. All 10 brothers plus Leila and Nancy, all can act.

I think why many of u guys miss the old actors is because those are the actors you grow up watching. So, there is a certain attachedment to it. Ask your parents and grandparents, and they will most probably list Adam Cheng and Siu Fong Fong as their favourite actors instead of actors like Jessica and Roger Kwok.

I agree that Bosco has the most potential amount the bunch of younger actors. His acting is not as good as Raymond and he is not as good looking as Sammul and Ron. But this guy got a certain charisma that grabs people's attention. It also seems that Bosco can do no wrong. I mean, his acting isn't exceptional. But no matter how his acting is, all he got are praises. When I watch 'Wong Fei Hung', I thought his acting was inconsistant, but everyone praised him, even the media. He also got a lot of praises for his performance in 'War of the In-laws'. I'm not dissing Bosco. I'm just amazed at this guy's power on the audience.

I agree with you, though in my opinion, (don't get offended if you like them) but i think singers-turned-actresses (i.e. Ella etc.) aren't really that good.
For the Bosco comment. Yep it's true

[i_fotted]

i_fotted and kidd,
Both of your arguments are agreeable to some extent. But I have to disagree with you (i_fotted) on perception. It IS about perception. Most (if not all) of the things about life IS about perception. We, as humans, first and foremost, analyze the world through our own "eyes" and how we perceive it depends on our "own" knowledge and experience. What is talent and what is good acting also differs between one to another. I hope I don't seem to take on any side here, but the example that kidd gave about the "more dramatic" acting of the earlier production is a good one.

So, to each his own. *LOL*

What do you mean everything in life is about perception? Acting has nothing to do with perceoption, just like any skill or talent. Lets just say basketball for example. If I'm better shooter, defender than you I'll beat you 99 out of 100 times. TALENT and SKILL has NOTHING to do with perception. Who taught you that because its totally wrong. I hope you don't go through life thinking everything is about perception.

[momoko]

What do you mean everything in life is about perception? Acting has nothing to do with perceoption, just like any skill or talent. Lets just say basketball for example. If I'm better shooter, defender than you I'll beat you 99 out of 100 times. TALENT and SKILL has NOTHING to do with perception. Who taught you that because its totally wrong. I hope you don't go through life thinking everything is about perception.

totally agree, acting has nothing to do with perception. this perception philosophy belongs more to those self developement topic, very surprised to read it here.

i think for acting, you can't run away if you truely are no good, unlike singing. just like ron ng, he is tall enough, handsome enough, but some many commented that he can't act.

[hiiragi]

So, tell me. In which era do u think I grow up in that u are so sure these 'older viewers' are expose to MANY more acting performance than me.


F4 can act? TAE is a great actor? There are TVB young actors who are as good as the Taiwanese young actors.


No. It's a matter of taste. Acting style changes from generation to generation. In the black and white era, acting style were way way more dramatic. Later down the generations, acting style became more and more natural and not as stage performance like. But because older generations are used to older acting style, they will consider the newer generation's acting style inferior.

Ok, I may be too harsh on fluffinduffin, since the Taiwanese, Korean, Chinese acting style obviously suits her better. So, it's a matter of taste.

But, I just feel that the older generation viewers are too bias against the TVB young actors.

there is a difference between 'acting style' and 'completely devoid of acting ability'

[kidd]

Sorry, didn't mean to offend you. I think I read one of your post somewhere and I figured out ur age. I wasn't trying to be condescending or anything. I imagine you are about 15ish?

You are way off the mark.

[momoko]

suddenly i want to commend TVB, because recently the series i watched are so light hearted and funny, they really bring a lot of joy to me, like war of in laws, fantasy hotel, gateau affairs. although the new batch of actors may not be as good, but i really appreciate TVB's storylines and the dialogues. For example, i used to dislike myolie, but because the storylines are good, i still get to enjoy watching and in the end accepted her. so to me, there is a certain level of confidence in tvb plots, i don't really have to be bothered who are the actors and so am not limited.

unlike korean dramas, many people watch because of a particular idol, it is that idol that makes you enjoy the show. but if that actor is not your idol, you will probably not like that show. of course, there are also many who simple love the storyline of bittersweet love stories, which is not my cup of tea.

[fluffinduffin]

Generally, I feel that TVB is giving WAY too many leads to newcomers. I'm not getting into the discussion about acting ability (yet) but even with natural talent, actors need time to get experience.

Just because they become idols to the screaming masses one year, do not make them an competent actor the next. How many times have you seen supremely good actors and actresses in 2nd and 3rd supporting roles (for years) before they are given the chance to lead a series?? It just doesn't seem to happen nowadays.

Here's another thing. TVB goes along the line of promoting its artists to death (Not literally!!). Once a newbie is considered the next best thing... he/she is in practically EVERY series (okay.... slight exagerration here to make a point.) At the moment I think it's Ron and Myolie.

And from my last post... all I said was that I enjoy Taiwan/ Korean and China series alot more these days!! I didn't mean to start a fight!! Whilst I watched exclusively TVB before, this new TVB practice has guided me and opened my eyes to a wider range of entertainment that I wouldn't have considered inthe old days! What's wrong with that?

[LadyMei]

What do you mean everything in life is about perception? Acting has nothing to do with perceoption, just like any skill or talent. Lets just say basketball for example. If I'm better shooter, defender than you I'll beat you 99 out of 100 times. TALENT and SKILL has NOTHING to do with perception. Who taught you that because its totally wrong. I hope you don't go through life thinking everything is about perception.

totally agree, acting has nothing to do with perception. this perception philosophy belongs more to those self developement topic, very surprised to read it here.

i think for acting, you can't run away if you truely are no good, unlike singing. just like ron ng, he is tall enough, handsome enough, but some many commented that he can't act.

My previous post was meant to be a harmless comment on both of your (i_fotted and kidd's) arguments. Like I said, I did not mean to take on any sides or to offend anybody. Sorry if I offended you in any way. Despite that though, I still stand firmly on what I said previously, perception still plays a large part of life. Probably talent and skill can be technically look at without perception, but literally it IS still perception that shapes the base for it. What is talent and what is skill are firstly defined and stated. And the process of defining and stating them would have involved perception in any aspect. A player who won 99 out of 100 times does not necessarily deem as having the "skill" by other people who would otherwise just think him as lucky. I mean, it could be possible, right? If this talk on perception belongs more in self-development topics, then count yourself developing right now. Either mentally, emotionally, socially, or whatever.

And please do not worry about me. I've been doing fine with the way I think and perceive in this world. Best wishes to you. Cheers!

[proudwanderer]

The major problem with TVB is that all of their stuff is produced "in-house" - so rather than go out scouting for talent when producing a new series, they give the leading roles to contracted artists - since they are employed and you need to give them work. That's why you find that they tend to promote their new artists because the more people know about them the better.

TVB does not care about producing quality serials - they only care about making money. The status of TV in Hong Kong and general cantonese speaking audience is such that they will watch any crap that TVB churns out. A very small percentage watch "the other channel". There really is absolutely no competition for TVB. China, Taiwan etc aren't really competition.

TVB do not need to care about the quality of the acting of their artists or the quality and plot of their serials - they are going to be watched by a large audience no matter what. If you look at the weekly ratings, TVB gets 20's for their serials easily whereas if ATV gets in the teens it's considered a hit. Even for serials not produced in HK if it is aired on ATV no one watches it, aired on TVB everyone watches it. Take the recent hit Korean ancient costume drama series for instance - if it was shown on ATV it will never have been such a big hit.

TVB has a management company and if you are not a contracted artist you will not get many chances despite your acting ability, but if you are contracted you will get a heap of opportunity. This is the sole reason why Gigi Lai won most popular actress because she is recently contracted (although I think her acting is quite good). If you are a singer, you will have to do promotions on TVB shows or somtimes appear in serials and you will get awards in the JSG annual awards. If you appear on ATV or say some bad comments about TVB - then no awards for you despite whether or not you are a great singer. For instance the band that Daniel Wu is in recently had some problem with TVB and is now being snubbed.

The entertainment industry in HK is such that TVB pretty much controls a lot of it - if you are a singer you pretty much need the support of TVB, if you want to be a succesful actor you will need to work for TVB - no one will know you if you work for ATV, particularly even moreso now since the movie industry is not producing as much movies as it used to.

Gaining a name via TVB means that you get advertising contracts or go mainland since that is where the money is made.

I am getting sidetracked talking about TVB's unethical business practices - but the HK entertainment industry is unethical and TVB is at the core.

Anyway, regarding TVB serials, I must admit that talent in the 80s and 90s were better than the current crop of artists - and it's not just to do with age as Tony Leung and Andy Lau were good actors at a very young age.

However at the same time, the production values have improved dramatically. The 80s series are so bad that it feels like watching "a stage show" like environment. Sets feel like sets (and bad ones too) ie doors shake, you can tell when you look thru the window it's a painting, stone statues move when you touch them, gun shots can be heard after the actor fakes being shot (and this happened in Policed Cadet 84).

Looking back over the years, there are only a few that are worth watching again - the Stephen Chow series with "Man Chee Leung" and the detective files series to name a few. Others are riddled with bad sets, bad production values, bad story lines, bad acting, bad scripting, bad editing and generally plot-holes galore.

The main problem with TVB serials is the fact that they are produced "in-house" and most of them are rush jobs - you can see clearly that they do not care about quality.

You look at award-winning series like CSI and Desperate Housewives for example and you can tell that the script is well thought out and editing done well. I am not a fan of TV drama (I am a sci-fi fan and Stargate is my fav series) but when I watch an episode of Desperate Housewives I am watching it as a production rather than enjoying the series and even I can tell it is well scriptted and edited and the sets look authentic. I watch an episode of a TVB serial and straight away I can spot the bad set designs, the script does not make sense at times and the acting is bad - expressions on actors faces do not match the lines they are delivering.

Since these are produced "in-house" the actors do not have to audition for roles, the scriptors do not have to go through a million drafts before getting green-lit. Granted that TVB does not have as much money as a "Fox" or "HBO" or "SCIFI" but you'd think they can at least do better scripting and editing - but they simply don't care - they just role their series off the assembly line with the same old plots and storylines with the occasional great one. There simply is no competition for TVB so they do not care and it's money that's important.

Korean series I can tell has better production values and better editing though I can't tell how good they are because I don't understand the dialogue.

Taiwan series is bad - they use them to promote their new young singers (the F4 series for example)

China series have good set design and generally better production values but I think they need better scripting as they look long and draggy and a lot of parts look as if they can be edited better.

[fluffinduffin]

Bravo Proudwanderer.

You have just put everything that I think of TVB in a very articulate argument. Well Done!! The influence of TVBs monopoly in the HK and cantonese speaking entertainment industry is quite unsettling . It is true to say that if your face has not been on TVB, you are still one of the masses and not yet a celebrity. Several artists in the past have been 'frozen' by TVB, whether due to contractual disagreement or other behaviour deemed inappropriate by the company. Andy Lau in the 80's, Dicky Cheung in the 90's, both of whom decided to take their talent and found success elsewhere (Andy guided his career into Movies, Dicky to Taiwan/ China Productions).

But in a way, you cannot blame TVB for this practice. It is afterall a business and I'm sure most broadcasting companies operate with similar policies. The difference with the BBC (I live in the UK) is that you HAVE to pay for its services whether you watch it or not and therefore you can (in theory) have a say in what is produced. TVB being a free service to the public, does not have this constraint. It produces what it wants and because everybody tunes ito TVB anyway, quality is not as relevant.

Okay, to get back on point. I personally thinks TVB has always made mediocre series. Saying that, once in a while, they somehow produce a real gem that becomes an instant classic. I don't know why or how one series could be that much better than the other but it obviously cannot be individually attributed to its cast, its production sets or its storyline.

Young actors are great. Youth based storylines are great. But it is all relative. While TVB heavily promotes its younger/ new artists to its celebrity obsessed public, although it may be gaining new audience (under 25s or even under 20s?), its definitely alienating those of us that are beyond this age group. For those of you that think over 25 is ancient and should retire permantly to bed with a book and hotwater bottle , I'm not too old to find Raymond Lam attractive as a lead and not too blind to see that both Myolie and Bosco have talent that would eventually make them good TVB artists. Key word : EVENTUALLY (i.e. with experience).

[i_fotted]

The major problem with TVB is that all of their stuff is produced "in-house" - so rather than go out scouting for talent when producing a new series, they give the leading roles to contracted artists - since they are employed and you need to give them work. That's why you find that they tend to promote their new artists because the more people know about them the better.

TVB does not care about producing quality serials - they only care about making money. The status of TV in Hong Kong and general cantonese speaking audience is such that they will watch any crap that TVB churns out. A very small percentage watch "the other channel". There really is absolutely no competition for TVB. China, Taiwan etc aren't really competition.

TVB do not need to care about the quality of the acting of their artists or the quality and plot of their serials - they are going to be watched by a large audience no matter what. If you look at the weekly ratings, TVB gets 20's for their serials easily whereas if ATV gets in the teens it's considered a hit. Even for serials not produced in HK if it is aired on ATV no one watches it, aired on TVB everyone watches it. Take the recent hit Korean ancient costume drama series for instance - if it was shown on ATV it will never have been such a big hit.

TVB has a management company and if you are not a contracted artist you will not get many chances despite your acting ability, but if you are contracted you will get a heap of opportunity. This is the sole reason why Gigi Lai won most popular actress because she is recently contracted (although I think her acting is quite good). If you are a singer, you will have to do promotions on TVB shows or somtimes appear in serials and you will get awards in the JSG annual awards. If you appear on ATV or say some bad comments about TVB - then no awards for you despite whether or not you are a great singer. For instance the band that Daniel Wu is in recently had some problem with TVB and is now being snubbed.

The entertainment industry in HK is such that TVB pretty much controls a lot of it - if you are a singer you pretty much need the support of TVB, if you want to be a succesful actor you will need to work for TVB - no one will know you if you work for ATV, particularly even moreso now since the movie industry is not producing as much movies as it used to.

Gaining a name via TVB means that you get advertising contracts or go mainland since that is where the money is made.

I am getting sidetracked talking about TVB's unethical business practices - but the HK entertainment industry is unethical and TVB is at the core.

Anyway, regarding TVB serials, I must admit that talent in the 80s and 90s were better than the current crop of artists - and it's not just to do with age as Tony Leung and Andy Lau were good actors at a very young age.

However at the same time, the production values have improved dramatically. The 80s series are so bad that it feels like watching "a stage show" like environment. Sets feel like sets (and bad ones too) ie doors shake, you can tell when you look thru the window it's a painting, stone statues move when you touch them, gun shots can be heard after the actor fakes being shot (and this happened in Policed Cadet 84).

Looking back over the years, there are only a few that are worth watching again - the Stephen Chow series with "Man Chee Leung" and the detective files series to name a few. Others are riddled with bad sets, bad production values, bad story lines, bad acting, bad scripting, bad editing and generally plot-holes galore.

The main problem with TVB serials is the fact that they are produced "in-house" and most of them are rush jobs - you can see clearly that they do not care about quality.

You look at award-winning series like CSI and Desperate Housewives for example and you can tell that the script is well thought out and editing done well. I am not a fan of TV drama (I am a sci-fi fan and Stargate is my fav series) but when I watch an episode of Desperate Housewives I am watching it as a production rather than enjoying the series and even I can tell it is well scriptted and edited and the sets look authentic. I watch an episode of a TVB serial and straight away I can spot the bad set designs, the script does not make sense at times and the acting is bad - expressions on actors faces do not match the lines they are delivering.

Since these are produced "in-house" the actors do not have to audition for roles, the scriptors do not have to go through a million drafts before getting green-lit. Granted that TVB does not have as much money as a "Fox" or "HBO" or "SCIFI" but you'd think they can at least do better scripting and editing - but they simply don't care - they just role their series off the assembly line with the same old plots and storylines with the occasional great one. There simply is no competition for TVB so they do not care and it's money that's important.

Korean series I can tell has better production values and better editing though I can't tell how good they are because I don't understand the dialogue.

Taiwan series is bad - they use them to promote their new young singers (the F4 series for example)

China series have good set design and generally better production values but I think they need better scripting as they look long and draggy and a lot of parts look as if they can be edited better.

Very nicely writen. I never looked at it from that point of view because I'm not from HK so I don't have a firm understanding of the way they do business. I guess that explains why viewers from outside HK, who has access to many more types of TV dramas/serials, shares a similar perception of modern day TVB series.

[ginnie]

I like cantonese series...

There is still generations of people who grew up watching HK series...so the support for tvb is still going strong. however, for younger generation, they have more choices these days. they don't need to grow up with tvb series because nowadays there are more choices to shop from. tvb need to worry about their future...but right now, they are still getting support from people who are just used to tvb...the support is not because they are good but because of familiarity.