AS ONE OF THE MOST hardworking artists in Hong Kong, there is hardly any doubt that Andy Lau Tak-wah is a very busy man. Not only does he have to take care of his successful careers as a singer and actor, Lau is also the boss of an entertainment company with diverse interests in show business.
But despite the hectic demands on his time, Lau has not forgotten his early days as a struggling actor whose big breaks came from people who were generous to give him much-valued opportunities to prove his talent.
Over the past few years, Lau has worked quietly to give young talent and new film-makers a start in the competitive entertainment world either by financing their projects or putting his name on to their films to give them added influence.
Directors such as Fruit Chan and Mak Yan-yan, plus the young talents featured in the recent film Give Them A Chance, have all benefited from Lau's influence.
Lau believes that the industry is in continuous need of new talent, especially in these days when Hong Kong films are doing badly at the box office.
'We need new talent. If we want more people to go to cinemas and watch our movies, we need people to do the work,' he says.
But the actor-singer says ultimately the decision on which new film-maker to help or which project to back depends on his or its business viability.
