Vincent Wong and Benjamin Yuen Sign with Shaw Brothers
Following the footsteps of many leading TVB actors such as Roger Kwok (郭晉安), Bosco Wong (黃宗澤), and Joe Ma (馬德鐘), Vincent Wong (王浩信) and Benjamin Yuen (袁偉豪) have signed with the station’s sister company Shaw Brothers. Both actors joined Shaw Brothers without fanfare this year, but their profiles have been added to the studio’s roster of artistes on their website.
Headlining many of TVB’s productions such as Al Cappuccino <反黑路人甲> and the upcoming Legal Mavericks 2 <踩過界II>, Vincent’s departure may mean viewers will see less of the dynamic actor in the station’s dramas. His new contract with Shaw Brothers will likely pave the way for more movie opportunities, but Vincent’s chances this year to nab the TV King Award may be thwarted by his departure as TVB is known to favor their currently managed artistes.
Though Vincent has already won TVB’s top acting award and may want to expand his film career, it was somewhat surprising that Benjamin Yuen also signed with Shaw Brothers. The newly-engaged actor has been given many meaty roles and filming opportunities after his successful role in A Fist within Four Walls <城寨英雄> and will be next seen in Line Walker 3 <使徒行者3>.
In addition to losing many of its actors, TVB’s leading ladies Rosina Lam (林夏薇) and Selena Lee (李施嬅) have also signed with Shaw Brothers. Since Virginia Lok (樂易玲) became executive director at Shaw Brothers, she has convinced many of her former managed artistes to sign with the film studio due to its more flexible contract.
Source: HK01
This article is written by Huynh for JayneStars.com.
Ummmm… so disappointed by this as TVB continues to lose great actors. I’m talking about Vincent not Ben.
I understand why Vincent would do that but I am so disappointed as he is one of my favourite actors 🙁 and no way he was going to win BA this year with the award basically set up for Raymond but I was hoping next year he would have a chance with DID.
Omg what a surprise… Or not. I did say why not just merge TVB with Shaw… Combine resources make better dramas. Guess these guys will be in Flying Tiger 4 hahaa
@bubbles23 Yea I never understood the dynamics of TVB and Shaw Brothers. Does TVB only handle the tv drama and SB handle film/movies? Didnt Shaw produce Flying Tiger too?
You are absolutely right. Just create one damn company so they have more resources to produce better entertainment.
VW does have potential to break out in film.
Feels like Shaw brother and Virginia is killing TVB by pulling all seniors and veterans away… TVB is slowly becoming a nest for new artist to bloom like an acting school which turns out to be terrible haha
@vodka TVB has always been promoting new actresses and placing them in lead roles. TVB needs new young actors, though.
I haven’t seen anything successful come out of Shaw Brothers…but I can understand why Vincent decided to join. Even if it gives a small chance for him to enter movies, he’ll do it rather than risk losing his TV position and starting as a nobody in film again. Still, what a waste of talent.
@coralie The next step after dramas is movies for actors. Vincent already won TVB King. He should try out movies, because even if he doesnt succeed, he can always go back to TVB and negotiate higher pay + better roles.
@luye agree. Vincent should explore movie. Benjamin not ready yet. Risky
I remember this to be a joint venture, which means they kind of share resources…guessing the only difference is the exposure to movies and the sharing of income. TVB has always been a “school”, they provide exposure to newbies thus ‘justify’ the Low pay. That’s why many who found fame will leave or will change nature of contract with TVB.
@conan2209 thanks for clarifying… I never understood the difference. Is viutv part of Shaw brothers as well? I’m seeing a lot of shows come out on that channel which gives me hope that I will see Vincent on television still
@tt23 I’m guessing Viu is a competitor. Unfortunately, while people are complaining and criticising TVB, they remain the strongest of them all
@conan2209 Viu is owned by a competitor company PCCW. Tvb is the only one that airs three original dramas everyday, so no wonder they still have a “monopoly” on HK entertainment. *Cries for hktv
Kenneth Ma did sign an extension with TVB so no worry we’ll see him for some years to come still!