On November 1st, Steven Ma ‘temporarily’ left his TVB home for Hengdian to shoot Director Tsui Siu Ming’s 50-episode historical drama, “Legend of Yuan Empire Founder” 《建元風雲》. This drama is tentatively scheduled to air at 8 pm on cctv1 in 2012.Character Similar to Zhuge Liang
Steven collaborated with Hu Jun and Charmaine Sheh et al in the tv series, "Legend of Yuan Empire Founder". Liu BingZhong, (劉秉忠), the character Steven portrays is similar to Zhuge Liang, whereby he assists Kublai Khan as portrayed by Hu Jun, to establish a new nation. His role has lots of room to flex his acting chop. In the series Steven undergoes numerous makeovers, one of which is that of a monk. Director Tsui Siu Ming even personally shaved Steven’s head for him, and praised Steven for having a beautifully shaped head. Tsui also said that though this is their first time collaboration, he is impressed with Steven's professionalism. The reason why he uses Steven for the role of Liu BingZhong is because this character cannot be too rugged, or be too soft, either. Mainland actors are usually too rugged or are pretty boys siu sangs; Steven’s masculinity and gentleness are well balanced.
Tsui Siu Ming: Thriving & Prosperous
Steven has only recently joined the production team, but Tsui Siu Ming has already noticed the latter’s skin becoming more ‘moisturized’ (radiant). “Working in TVB, his (Steven’s) ‘qi’ got sucked up by TVB. In mainland he breathes in the mainland air. (qi) If he comes to Hengdian often to shoot series, I guarantee he will “thrive and prosper”.『家肥屋潤 – well fed & well oiled』 When Siu Ming gor’s words were repeated to Steven, he initially misunderstood ‘round and smooth’ (圓潤) to imply he had gotten fatter and was instantly concerned. But he relaxes when he finds out that the words actually indicated his healthy aura and his smooth and radiant skin. Steven says that (before he came over) to ensure he would be in peak form for his performance here, he not only gave up eating his beloved noodles but also diligently went to the gym to workout, and that his mental and physical conditions are better than before.
Zero Reaction to TV King Nomination
So as to break into Mainland China, Steven has temporarily shelved his unresolved contractual issue with TVB. He expresses that he is definitely changing the type of contract with TVB, so even if nominated for tv king his heart will not be moved. Before Hong Kong, Steven had already unequivocally expressed his position to TVB. He once again emphasizes that he has no conflicts with TVB, just that he cannot collaborate with certain people there. If the issue can be resolved, he will be more than happy to collaborate with TVB in a different way.
As to TVB recently being bombarded by outsiders, like Mandy Chan’s incident while filming a tv travel special in Japan, whereby her boyfriend, Eric Suen, publicly lambasted tvb. Steven says forthrightly: “Some artists are scared to offend TVB so they kept quiet. Old Suen dares to speak out. Good for him! (真好嘢!) This incident illuminated the problematic handling of matters by someone in TVB.” Steven also says that if tvb continues to do nothing to fix the problem, when face with next year television war, he fears for tvb.
Steven’s role in Legend of Yuan Empire Founder is heavy. He is expected to stay in mainland for three months. Later he will go to Mongolia for on location filming. As to whether he will attend the anniversary gala to show support, he says candidly that the chance of his attendance is slim.
Picture Sources: mingpao, kuangaiTVB weibo, takungpao, singpao
Sources: takungpao; singpao
Translated by: Tamaya @ AsianFanatics
