Flaming feat

THANKS to a good script and a strong cast - not to mention Typhoon Leo which kept everyone at home - ATV's series Flaming Brothers came to a sizzling hot conclusion last Sunday by beating rival TVB in the ratings, a feat that has not been achieved since 1979. This certainly cements the possibility of a sequel to the series, produced by Wong Jing. However, sources from the producer's office say the new series will probably not be a continuation but another story with the same cast. Speculation is already rife about possible storylines.

Big break SAMMO Hung's US television hit Martial Law is certainly providing a lot of exposure opportunities for Hong Kong action talent. Executive producer Stanley Tong Kwai-lai (Rumble In The Bronx ) has been inviting Hong Kong actors such as Michael Wong and Lui Sau-ling to guest star in the series in the hope of helping them get a foot into Hollywood. And the talents have appreciated the chance. In fact, Lui was so determined to make an impression that she insisted on carrying on filming even though she had injured herself and had to be wheeled to the set in a wheelchair.

Credit quarrel ANDY Lau Tak-wah may have lost this battle, but he is not giving up the fight. The courts recently rejected his application for a temporary injunction against a certain bank for using his picture on a credit card commercial without his approval but Lau says he will battle on. The heart-throb - who is worried that the commercials might mislead his fans into thinking he had a deal with the bank - will not be filing an appeal because it would take too long, but he wants to do more research and see where his rights lie and take other courses of action. Although he may not win in the end, he says it would at least clear up any doubts for other artists who may later find themselves in the same predicament.

Local hero FANS of Jackie Chan who fear he may desert Hong Kong now that he is in such demand in the US after Rush Hour can breathe a sigh of relief. Golden Harvest has announced he will be working on a local production, probably when he finishes work on Shanghai Noon in Hollywood. The new film will be called The Giant and will be a return to the typical Jackie Chan action fare instead of a romantic comedy such as this year's Gorgeous.