Today marks the 25th year anniversary of TVB Classic “The Return of Condor Heroes (ROCH)” starring Idy Chan & Andy Lau. On this very day October 31, 25 years ago in 1983, ROCH was officially aired on TVB and even though I didn’t get to see it until a few year later, after almost 20 years, this TV series remains fresh in my heart. I’m posting some old photos of the beautiful pair Idy Chan & Andy Lau during that time. I’m feeling nostalgic…

Newsbits:

  • TVB will celebrate its 41st Anniversary next month. The Anniversary Awards Ceremony will be on November 15, 2008.
  • “Catch Me Now” is nominated in “Best Drama” category, Damian Lau is nominated in “Best Actor in a Leading Role” for his role as Ko Chit (Jack), Johnson Lee is nominated in “Best Actor in a Supporting Role” for his role as Tam Ben (BT), and Sharon Chan is nominated in “Best Actress in a Supporting Role” for her role as Kong Kiu. [Of course, no nominations for Idy, sad for 5 sec. haha]
  • Idy Chan as a cameo in Ann Hui’s “The Way We Are” is now available on DVD @YesAsia.

Just a few days ago, I received an email from this film producer/director/consultant asking for Idy Chan’s representatives. At first, I thought it was one of the million spams that supposed to go into my “Spam” folder everyday. Then I googled the name of this producer, it’s so surprising that s/he is credited in many television works in the States and Canada. So I quickly replied back that I’m simply just a fan. The person replied me back within minutes asking if I would happen to know the name of Idy’s manager/agent, and once again, I disappointed the filmaker’s arguably genuine request. Click Here to see the content of the email as the proof.

Certainly that Idy isn’t in high demand in HK showbiz anymore and especially with her brief comeback for TVB’s “Catch Me Now” and cameo in Ann Hui’s docudrama “The Way We Are”, she received heavy and unwarrantable criticism from media, audience, and even her own fans. But what surprised me, that there’s still random filmakers out there are still interest in her. Of course, I wouldn’t know for sure if the true intention of this filmaker looking for Idy, but I bet anyone would quickly guess that the email is asking for her to offer a role… right?

Anyways, if Damian Lau didn’t meet Idy when filming in Vancouver, and if Idy wasn’t there at that very moment, we could never get to see her on screen again, the world would be completely out of touch with her. And that’s how I feel now since she disappeared after CMN to live her quiet humble life.

[TheSun] Idy Chan 陳玉蓮 hadn’t acted for more than 10 years, recently she just finished up filming a TVB series “Catch Me Now 盜亦有道”. Originally, Idy thought it’s just a small “homework assignment”, but in the end she feels like returning to the old road and still has interest (in acting).

Back in the old days Idy’d film until the wee hours of the morning, however it didn’t occur to her that there’s no difference now “I didn’t realize that filming until 5-6am, and then starts again next day at 9am, so many days I didn’t get to go home and had to sleep in the car. Though I didn’t know that TVB has new regulation that cars can’t be parked over 24 hours, so I have to drive the car out and in. Then I tried to rest at artistes’ restroom but the air is no good, and causing me coughing non-stop all night.” Although it’s a long filming process, Idy still thinks that her situation is not that bad “Seeing the cast of “The Gem of Life 珠光寶氣” situation, must do all dress up and make up to film. (Will you ask for certain break time on next filming?) Actually it was clearly discussed but just didn’t work out, nothing could be done.”

Asking if Idy’d film again, she frankly said “Really don’t know! (No more interest?). No, it’s just I myself as a pious person has violated my own rules, must self reflecting, leading a pious life is tough, must not repeating bad habits, I see myself having so many problems.”

Embracing kids but not Damian Lau 劉松仁
Idy set out “Three No’s” from the start and refused holding hands with leading man Damian, but she tightly hugged her son in the series, Idy laughed “No problems at all with kids, it’s all about age discrimination. However Damian once said that all depends on the women’s wishes, can’t be forceful.”

2007.12.05 Damian Lau regards Idy Chan as saint

December 17, 2007 at 13:42 Comment Comments Off on 2007.12.05 Damian Lau regards Idy Chan as saint
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[AppleDaily@ActioNews] No holding hands no kisses [Translated by Kit]
Idy Chan 陳玉蓮 returned filming for TVB series “Catch Me Now 盜亦有道” after the 14-year absence on screen. Before filming she set rule of no sexy, no kiss and no love scenes for her. It has been almost 2 months past and the shooting is going to end. During the period and along the story develops, Damian Lau 劉松仁 and the director tried to make Idy break the rule but they didn’t get succeeded. In the end Damian can’t help but praised Idy as saint.

Idy Chan & Fala Chen 陳法拉 were shooting in Wu Kai Sha the other day. The plot was about these two good friends walking and chatting on the beach. It seemed they get along very well and they finished those 10 plus scenes in one shot. Behind the camera they studied the scripts together and filled the air with laughter.

Idy thinks 20 episodes are way too short and she didn’t feel tired from shooting all these times. But a pity that when she got herself fully into the work, it is going to end soon. However, she said she has not considered filming for another series or not.

Talking about the collaboration with Damian, Idy said she’d thought Damian as a serious guy but now she totally changed her views. She said, “I remember we had a dating scene to film and before the shooting Damian asked me if he could hold my hand. I smiled at him and then told him that it doesn’t necessary to hold hands during dating. Once the scene was done, he came to me and said, ‘It was already no holding hands on screen but can I hold your hand behind the scene just once?’ Then he laughed and walked off.”

And there was this wedding scene which the director and all the crew requested Idy to accept the kissing scene. But she said since she is playing a ‘silly woman’ so she can just pretend a bit shy and push Damian away, when he leans in for a kiss.” Finally the director agreed with her and said, “you won.” Damian also praised her a saint.

When asked her impression of Fala, Idy praises her as a smart and quick-learning girl. She memorizes the scripts very fast. On the other side, Fala said she did feel pressure when working with Idy in the first day but Idy taught me a lot how to speak the lines. “I’ve learnt a lot from her and Damian but it’s a pity that the filming is nearly finished.”

While mentioning Fala it made Idy think of Linda Chung 鍾嘉欣, she said, “I was dining in TVB canteen and suddenly Linda approached me. She told me she’s a fans of mine and asked if she could have lunch with me. She told me she couldn’t read Chinese so she sees them as pictures and it helps her memorize them fast.”

Idy has been returned to the showbiz over 2 months. People like crew workers or passers-by always requested taking photo with her which she never says no. She smiled, “Earlier in the costume function, the crew had discussed how to address me since they thought it is not respectful to call me Lin Mui. Actually I won’t mind that. Finally they came up with 3 titles – Lin Mui Jei Jei 蓮妹姐姐, Lin Jei Jei 蓮姐姐 and Gu Gu 姑姑. They just want to make it sound more warm.”

2008 TVB Sales Presentation Booklet

November 11, 2007 at 19:36 Comment Comments Off on 2008 TVB Sales Presentation Booklet
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[AppleDaily] Poster for “Thieves With Principles (lit.) 盜亦有道”

Cast: Damian Lau 劉松仁, Idy Chan 陳玉蓮, Joe Ma 馬德鐘, Fala Chan 陳法拉, Sharon Chan 陳敏之, Johnson Lee 李思捷, Evergreen Mak 麥長青, Sherming Yiu 姚樂怡, Lee Kwok Lun 李國麟, Law Lok Lam 羅樂林, Ai Wai 艾威, Lo Meng 羅莽 and more

Sources: Oriental / TheSun

[Translated by Kit] Idy Chan 陳玉蓮 returned to the showbiz and has been busy shooting for TVB series “Thieves With Principles (lit.) 盜亦有道” over a month. She said she was quite surprised by the late release of the scripts and that the situation was very bad indeed. Good thing is that Damian Lau 劉松仁 has taken good care of her and the two enjoyed the filming very much thus she didn’t have any regrets of coming back.

Idy and Damian shot outdoor at St. Stephen Bay a day before. It seemed that they hit it off quite well and often paid for each other’s coffee. Damian said jokingly, “Women are born to be treated well” so they were happy to be working together. When asked if Idy had gotten used of filming. She chuckled, “Till this moment, we always received the scripts on the set in the last minute. I haven’t thought the situation was this bad. We even don’t know what to shoot next so how can we act and link the scenes together? And it’s difficult for us to arrange the clothes in order to make the shots consistent. (Have you regretted of the return?) No. But just didn’t expect something like this.”

Vote for Lee Si Kei 李司棋 and Michelle Yim 米雪 in the TVB anniversary

Since the plot is not consistent there are at least 3 scenes needed re-shooting. Idy and Damian has often changed scripts to fit their roles. Had she spoken to the producer? Idy grinned, “I’d asked Damian if it was the working pattern nowadays and he just told me stop questioning. He did speak to the producer but now he would say nothing and just sits aside. Anyway, some movements & scripts are impossible to fulfill as required by the plot. But I don’t need to speak it out since Damian will do it for me so I feel comfortable.”

Idy will be showed up as a guest to present the award of “Most Favorite TV Female Character” in the coming TVB anniversary. She said she was not familiar to the current female’s artists so she will vote for Si Kei and Michelle.

[Thanks to Kit for the translation! Last-minute/on-the-fly scripts are probably a new trend in filming industry. Good to see that Damian is there to take care problems for Idy & they get along well. Haha, veterans like to work with veterans and happen to see more veteran faces these days in the news.

Ray Lui 呂良偉 appeared on Stephen Chan’s Be My Guest 志雲飯局 & expressed that he’s interested in working with veterans like Damian Lau, Ha Yu 夏雨, Lee Si Kei and Roger Kwok 郭晉安, read full news here. And it seems that Mrs. Micheal Miu 苗僑偉, Jamie Chik 戚美珍, would be officially returning to the showbiz anytime now, she’s working on some performance for The Return of Enjoy Yourself Tonight [EYT] 再會歡樂今宵, read more here.]

Sources: OL MingpaoWeekly / TaKungPao / WenWeiPo / TheSun / AppleDaily / Oriental / Singtao / CRI

Additional translation @ batgwa.com

The blessing ceremony for new TVB serial “Thieves With Principles (lit.) 盜亦有道” took place yesterday with the attendance of Idy Chan Yuk Lin, Damian Lau Chung Yan, Joe Ma Tak Chung, Fala Chen, Aimee Chan Yan Mei, and many others. Unexpected to Joe, he’s arranged to sit in same row level with veterans Damian & Idy, the status is aloof. Damian, Idy and Joe were leading the ceremony wishing for smooth filming. Idy hasn’t fully recovered her voice from losing it the first day of filming, at which required her to use loud voice to scold people.

Due to her lost voice she didn’t want to accept interviews, but many reporters requested just for short chat with use of low voice. Asked if she’s not used to filming after a long break? “Why so? I’ve already lost my voice in the first day. Director arranged 3 scenes of me scolding people in loud voice. But I can continue working now, only have to do voice dubbing for my part when I recover my voice.” Why not seeking Western medicine doctors for faster recovery? “Western medicines will be just temporary solution not as a permanent cure, I rather continue to take Chinese medicines.” Does Damian knows any methods to help Idy? Damian said “The most important thing is she needs to rest, but we must film everyday, so there’s no methods.” Will this affect the filming progress for the series? In spite of Idy’s illness, Damian expressed that it hasn’t affect the filming progress, just that he and Idy must do the voice dubbing afterwards, hope she will soon recover her health is most important.

[Hm.. wonder how Idy’s character will be like that she scolds people? Idy must use up all her energy on those scenes in order to raise up her voice. I hope she gets back her voice & feel better soon. Take care Idy! Is your Chinese medicine treatment includes warm ginger/lemon/kumquat or any citrus drink with honey, use the honey from your Jade bees? Or just ask “Gor Yee” Andy Lau for his secret recipe of a special drink he makes to have clear voice for his concerts. Haha!]

Sources: Oriental / TheSun / AppleDaily / Headline / Singtao
Yesterday “Thieves With Principles (lit.) 盜亦有道” cast & crew have outside scenes filming at Olympian City. Earlier Idy Chan Yuk Lin told that she wouldn’t act intimacy, scenes, Damian Lau Chung Yan laughing said “There’s way to make her act, if the script required, I believe we can discuss.”

Idy smiling responded to Damian’s leeway in making her playing intimacy “I don’t have professional principles, and I’m not a good actor, come out to act & testing the luck.” (Do you feel disappointed in Damian?) “Can’t say so. No need to feel disappointed. I’m in resistance on acting intimate scenes. Most of the time people making the rules, but also there’s others to drop them. Not necessary that one must coincide with 10 rules in order to be a good actor. Actually each actor has their own way, why has to go with rules by others, I have my own thoughts & ideas.”
Caption: Cheng Tse Sing plays Idy’s husband in the series, though having extramarital affair they end up getting divorced. Damian & Idy have different opinions but when working there’s talks & laughs, happy cooperation.

[I might not translate things correctly, but I feel that Idy seems to respond to the media with vague & confused statements. I hope there’s NO serious conflicts between them, Idy & Damian. Let’s hope for a really “happy cooperation” between them!!! Cheng Tse Sing may not look attractive & often plays “bad” persons on TV, yet he plays “good” guys in many RTHK radio dramas. He does have a very nice, warm voice as I listen to his RTHK program “音樂情人 Music Lover” for an hour M-F ]

Side Note: I happened to stump upon this blog entry with a photo of Idy [back in July] holding the small banner in protest against the demolition of Hong Hong historical landmark, Queen’s Pier. Read more information & battles between HK government & citizens here.

2007.10.10 Idy Chan’s rehearsal made into official shooting

October 10, 2007 at 9:14 Comment Comments Off on 2007.10.10 Idy Chan’s rehearsal made into official shooting
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陳玉蓮正式拍攝當排練
on.cc專訊】 【15:53】2007年10月10日 陳玉蓮繼續抱恙為《盜亦有道》拍外景,期間與拍檔劉松仁有說有笑。對於松哥稱讚她的演技未生疏,很快便進入狀態,蓮妹反讚松哥帶她入戲帶得好,正式拍攝時都當作是排練,令她心情輕鬆容易拍出好效果。
Caption: 陳玉蓮以採排的心情來拍戲,令她更易投入角色。Idy Chan Yuk Lin made herself in the mood to engage the role easily.

Idy Chan continues to shoot outdoor scenes for “Thieves With Principles (lit.) 盜亦有道”, at times she & Damian Lau Chung Yan merrily engaged with talks & laughs. Even though her acting is not yet becoming sharp, but Idy quickly entered the mood. Idy lets Damian leading her into the character. The official shooting is treated as rehearsal so Idy can easily engage into the role to bring out the good outcome.

劉松仁「三不拍」
on.cc專訊】 【15:53】2007年10月10日 劉松仁與14年沒有拍劇的陳玉蓮在商場拍攝新劇《盜亦有道》,他盛讚蓮妹演技未生疏,NG重拍的次數也不多,相信對方事前一定做足準備。對於蓮妹曾表示有「三不拍」,松哥也笑言自己有「三不拍」,就是冇錢、冇時間、冇好製作都不會接拍!
Caption: 劉松仁大讚陳玉蓮愈來愈入戲。Damian praised Idy for improvement in the play.

Damian praised Idy, who hadn’t acted for 14 years, on her performance, & there isn’t many outtakes [NGs]. He believes that Idy has well prepared. In response to Idy’s claim of “three NOs”, Damian said he has his own “three NOs” too, that is No Fee, No Time, & No good production, he won’t act!

[Looks like Damian & Idy are having good times in filming this series. They both look really young for their ages in these photos. I hope they will have more outdoor scenes for this series than the studio ones.]

[Oriental / TheSun] Yesterday Idy Chan Yuk Lin & Fala Chen had an outdoor scene for “Thieves With Principles (lit.) 盜亦有道” in Tsim Sha Tsui. Many passers-by were interested in seeing Idy, while many young men showed approval of Fala’s “nice dress”. Two generations of beauties surely guaranteed the market.

After 4 hours of shooting at a noisy location with Cheng Tse Sing the day early, Idy almost lost her voice & showed signs of having a cold. She thought producer would give her a couple days to rest, but the shooting quickly resumed yesterday. Idy said “The other day bumping into Liu Kai Chi, he advised me mentally prepared for laborious work, but for now I can deal with it. (Did this ever cross your mind things would be like this?) “There’s no original storyline, must read from the scripts, I never experienced this, quite strange, perhaps it’s the trend.”

Though Idy quickly adapts to acting again, probably with good relations with the crew & their encouragement. She even had a jump up to a foot high, & applauded by the staff that she’s not really old, making Idy didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. As for the new Fala, Idy commented “She’s quite initiative, hearing me asking questions on costumes, she gives me advices, very helpful hands.”

In the series, Idy & Fala will be playing a pair of good friends, but Fala on the first day of shooting showed a little anxious “She’s senior, I’m a little nervous. She’s really pretty & has good skin. I asked her about beauty tips at break time. She actually didn’t put on makeup for many years & only used water to wash her face.” Asked if Fala’s afraid that “senior” Idy would steal “the scene”, Fala said “No, she’s very natural in front of the camera, she’s really gentle.”

[I’m glad to see the media seem to cover the filming process of this series. I admire & envy people with good skin either by beauty secrets or genetically & I believe the latter plays the major part in having clear skin. Sadly I inherit bad genes. Good thing that Idy is playing Fala’s friend instead of the aunt or the mom! ha! It’d be totally major if I get to see Idy’s filming outdoor scenes when I vacation in Hong Kong next month, argh probably filming is done by then? Just a wishful thought!]

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