The writing is on the wall since the past
few months. Bleeding from a significant dip in their net profit, TVB resorted
to retrenchment drive (the casualties are mostly from their international
division), shutting down TVB8 channel and slashing the annual TVB award
ceremonies in this region. TVB also embarked on their e-commerce venture via
their “Big Big Channel” app, to boost their revenue. Some diehard supporters
kept their fingers crossed and prayed hard that the inevitable does not happen.
The wishful thinking was finally put to rest when TVB officially announced that
Malaysian and Singaporean could still vote on-line for 3 categories (Malaysia
and Singapore’s Fave Drama, Fave TV Actor and Actress in a Leading Role)….. BUT
the award presentation will be in HK. As a consolation, TVB will continue the
practice of having the artistes promote the event and fish for votes in
Singapore and Malaysia.
I believe many may not be aware that TVB
pulled the very same stunt in 2010. The local TVB award thingy actually started
in year 2004 and was known as “Astro Wah Loi Toi Drama awards”.
TVB then suddenly switched the venue from
Malaysia to HK in 2010. It was resurrected in 2011 and the name was altered to
“My AOD (Astro On Demand) Favourites Awards”.
TVB took over from Astro in 2013 and replaced it with “TVB Star Awards
Malaysia”, introducing the on-line voting concept. I have had the good fortune
of attending all the 12 shows here (none in 2009-2010). You can run through my blog to read about my
coverage over the years. Personally, I
have mixed emotions about the whole thing. It’s no secret that TVB’s popularity
had plunged in recent years and let’s
not kid ourselves, it’s just a matter of time before TVB comes to this painful
decision. Still, despite my constant
ramblings, deep down, I look forward to participating in the voting frenzy and
be part of the studio audience. Would TVB reverse its decision later on ? Not
likely, unless their revenue returns to the good old days, which is a pretty tall
order for now.
This time around, TVB roped-in seven celebs
for the meet & greet sessions in Ipoh & KL. Shaun is TVB’s new blue-eyed boy and filming one drama after another. His
acting is decent but the hot-headed emperor role (Succession War drama) is an
overkill for me. He got too carried away with the growling and menacing
expression. I don’t think he will walk
away with the TV King award this year…too soon..afterall, he is still a rookie
in TVB. I honestly can’t think of any
outstanding characters this year. If it’s me, my choice would be Kenneth Ma or
Selena Lee. TVB might just hand the award to Benjamin but frankly, his acting
skills is still a hit and miss. Sometimes good, sometimes mediocre. Selena actually acted well in “Succession
War” but the drama had appalling ratings in HK. Her chances are not high but I
still hope TVB accords Selena with some form of recognition. Or TVB might just
lose Selena soon. Her contract is almost up, if I’m not wrong.
I
don’t mind Alice Chan winning the TV female leading role, too. She has the
looks and is a very capable actress.
Rumours abounded that Mandy is a strong contender for the TV queen
honour this year….again, Mandy’s acting is solid but her drama characters are
hardly a breakthrough. Sadly, I guess
this year’s winners would have to rely on luck, rather than acting
abilities.
Alice was visibly delighted to be in Malaysia, especially seeing a bunch of placards-bearing fans turning up to support her in KL. This is the first time she took part in TVB's voting campaign here. Same goes for Shaun. Shaun was in the latest "Wellness On The Go - Season 5" but had not appeared in any public functions organized by TVB before. Benjamin performed his usual Lee Hom song-爱的就是你. It was a real eye-opener when Mandy gave a snazzy performance of Joey Yung's 另眼相看. To everyone's astonishment, Mandy can sing and dance very well. Selena sang Beyond's classic 喜歡你, in a private function before this and took selfie with fans. Selena mentioned that she was just in KL two months ago, for "All Things Girls" program and professed her love for durians. She also shared her experience shooting "Succession War" with Shaun. Shaun almost accidentally strangled Selena, which reminded her of BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) choke technique. Nancy seems pretty at ease. Somehow, I sensed that she is more relax about the whole award thingy this year. Nancy sang in Ipoh but not in KL. Nevertheless, Nancy still urged fans to vote despite it not being held in Malaysia anymore and shared that selected lucky voters might get a chance to attend the live show in HK. Alice chimed in and said the voting process is akin to taking medicine every 4 hours because fans can vote five times a day. Benjamin and Mandy acted a scene from "Threesome". Coincidently, Benjamin's gf, Bowie is also in Malaysia to shoot a segment of "Sidewalk Scientist". You can always count on Lai Lok Yee to entertain the crowd with his funny banters and always give the best fan service, without fail.
Alice was visibly delighted to be in Malaysia, especially seeing a bunch of placards-bearing fans turning up to support her in KL. This is the first time she took part in TVB's voting campaign here. Same goes for Shaun. Shaun was in the latest "Wellness On The Go - Season 5" but had not appeared in any public functions organized by TVB before. Benjamin performed his usual Lee Hom song-爱的就是你. It was a real eye-opener when Mandy gave a snazzy performance of Joey Yung's 另眼相看. To everyone's astonishment, Mandy can sing and dance very well. Selena sang Beyond's classic 喜歡你, in a private function before this and took selfie with fans. Selena mentioned that she was just in KL two months ago, for "All Things Girls" program and professed her love for durians. She also shared her experience shooting "Succession War" with Shaun. Shaun almost accidentally strangled Selena, which reminded her of BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) choke technique. Nancy seems pretty at ease. Somehow, I sensed that she is more relax about the whole award thingy this year. Nancy sang in Ipoh but not in KL. Nevertheless, Nancy still urged fans to vote despite it not being held in Malaysia anymore and shared that selected lucky voters might get a chance to attend the live show in HK. Alice chimed in and said the voting process is akin to taking medicine every 4 hours because fans can vote five times a day. Benjamin and Mandy acted a scene from "Threesome". Coincidently, Benjamin's gf, Bowie is also in Malaysia to shoot a segment of "Sidewalk Scientist". You can always count on Lai Lok Yee to entertain the crowd with his funny banters and always give the best fan service, without fail.
