Public laments lack of new talent and the same old formula for films
Hong Kong show business is suffering from insufficient public support and a serious lack of new talent, with older stars continuing to rule the roost, according to the 'worrying' results of a survey.
Veteran heartthrob Chow Yun-fat was voted most appreciated actor, but Andy Lau Tak-wah proved overall favourite by scoring top marks across various age-groups, educational background and professions. Cannes Film Festival best actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai came second overall.
On the music side, Lau also won the hearts of office workers, housewives, people aged over 50, and those with a secondary education. Tertiary-educated people and the 15-29 age group preferred Taiwanese singing sensation Jay Chou Jie-lun. Professionals favoured Jacky Cheung Hok-yau.
The Hong Kong Entertainment Poll 2004, conducted by the University of Hong Kong, interviewed 1,013 people for the film and 1,019 for the music categories.
Respondents also gave a generally low score for the entertainment industry. The pop music industry scored 60.8 out of 100, while the movie industry scored 59.3.
While Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa decided to give a push to the local cultural and creative industries in his policy address last week, Robert Chung Ting-yiu, director of the university's public opinion programme, said the survey showed the industries lack support from the general public.