Actor Eric Tsang Chi-wai
Eric Tsang Chi-wai isn’t just the rolly polly funny guy, he’s also a philanthrapist, devout Buddhist and an award-winning producer who’s film, “High Noon,” is receiving rave reviews. He talks to June Ng about friendship, divorce, and the joy of letting go.
I played professional football when I was young. Then when I joined the movie industry, I found myself working with another kind of team. Working with a team has really inspired me to cherish my friendships.
Everyone should give back to society by sharing their skills with others. When I was young, I received a lot of advice from my mentors. Now, I feel a responsibility to give something back.
Movie empires don’t exist anymore. The big production houses don’t nourish new talent like they used to. It’s not like it used to be, when if they discovered a new star, their profits would skyrocket.
That said, TVB does try hard to build new stars. The management system means a successful star will bring in a lot of money for the company. Miss Hong Kong will keep going, and the winners will still get to act.
At the moment, we either have big budget blockbusters or low-budget independent projects. We need more medium-sized productions. Remember, these kinds of movies kept the industry afloat in the 80s.
Gossip magazines stop celebrities from doing normal things—we’re labeled “cheap” if we’re caught going to an inexpensive restaurant or store.