Lam sets sights on film world
Lam Ka-tung was a leading actor in several popular, local TV drama series, before making the switch to movies three years ago. Now he's performing alongside Tony Leung Ka-fai and Simon Yam Tat-wah in Johnnie To Kei-fung's new gangster film, Election, which is scheduled to open on October 20.
Lam plays a mainlander who joins a conflict-ridden local triad society that's about to select a new leader. He said To has given the cast a great deal of autonomy in developing their roles.
'Every [character] in the movie is greedy, looking for every opportunity to take the leader's seat,' said Lam, who has worked with To once before, and also stars in Teddy Chan's Wait 'Til You're Older.
The actor said he has a more ambitious role in Election's sequel, which is being filmed now.
Lam said he was in two minds about whether to accept Andy Lau Tak-wah's Focus Group's invitation to join the movie industry, three years ago. But he's glad he made the change.
'It's valuable experience to work for a TV station for a certain period,' he said. 'But after a certain stage, you need to make another step forward. It's the course of evolution of an actor.'
He said he had been prepared to work from the bottom in the movie industry, but landed roles in major film productions such as Infernal Affairs I and Infernal Affairs III, and A World Without Thieves.
Lam said he wanted to gain more movie-making experience and establish his name, and that he feels the same now as when he completed his television station's training programme. 'I know it takes time. I'm not worried. I really like this occupation and I will put all my effort into playing every role.'
