Ruco Chan: Sudden #1 Brother at TVB
“If you were to ask me who will rise to become TVB’s first-line actor in the next 2 years, I will unwaveringly say one name: Ruco Chan,” thus began Director Patrick Kong’s (葉念琛) recent newspaper editorial.
Director Kong praised Ruco Chan’s (陳展鵬) solid acting foundation and how he had proved himself in The Other Truth <真相>. Aside from Ruco’s handsome exterior, Director Kong also noted that Ruco carried a maturity in his acting performances.
Regarding Director Kong’s praise towards his acting, Ruco said surprisingly, “Actually, I have not worked with Patrick Kong before. I thank him for his praise!”
After Ruco starred in last year’s The Other Truth , he was dubbed as “Office Lady Killer.” He successfully mesmerized women with his handsome looks and acting. When it appears as if Ruco Chan has suddenly become #1 Brother, he admitted that he possessed secret doubts about himself. He had even considered quitting the entertainment industry!
A 17 Year Struggle
The bittersweet chapters of Ruco Chan’s last 17 years of life were well known. After graduating from TVB acting class in 1994, he left 4 years later to join Polygram. His music dreams did not go far. He floated around in the film industry in minor roles before joining ATV in 2001.
Ruco struggled internally as to whether he should rejoin TVB in 2008. He did not like to backtrack his footsteps. “TVB was my bottom line. My return was my last chance. At ATV, I really was not much. If there were no new opportunities at TVB, perhaps I would need to switch industries. Except, I told myself that I cannot turn back. Before rejoining TVB, I was floating for more than a decade. Perhaps I gained the experience of what would have taken another person 30 years time. Looking at it this way, I have already gained!”
Ruco said, “Many people at TVB witnessed my maturation. I have a feeling of belonging here. Finally, I feel a sense of self-worth, that I did not waste my time over the last decade. I felt very stressed while filming The Other Truth and Ruse of Engagement <叛逃>. It felt as if I had to break the piggy bank to take out everything I had inside!”
Asked whether he had emptied his pockets, Ruco said, “No. I have worked for more than a decade. I still have a lot of experience left!”
Although only 35 years-old, Ruco came across as older than his true age due to his mature outlook. He was often partnered with elder actresses, such as Maggie Cheung (張可頤) in Forensic Heroes 3 <法證先鋒>. Asked whether he would date an older woman, he replied, “I do not know! I never tried it! But it is important to have a mature level of thinking and good communication. Especially working in the entertainment industry, it would be very difficult if your partner is immature.”
Relieved Audiences Did Not Scold Him
Marketed as the male lead in The Other Truth made Ruco feel very uncomfortable. He was not accustomed to see a super-sized poster of his head shot prominently displayed at promotional events.
Ruco said, “In the first three episodes of The Other Truth, my screen time was very significant. If the reaction was not good, it would be a big problem! I went to the online forums–not looking for any praise–I was checking to see if anyone was scolding me.” Ruco finally breathed a sign of relief when he saw that there were no negative comments even past the broadcast of episode 15 of the drama.
Finally, Ruco has secured his position as first-line male lead at TVB, appearing in new drama No Good Either Way <衝呀！瘦薪兵團>. Appearing in his official first comedy, Ruco had an enjoyable filming experience with costars, Louis Yuen (阮兆祥) and Kristal Tin (田蕊妮).
Ruco said, “Normally, I keep to myself and do not talk to many people. When I first returned to TVB, I lacked confidence in myself. I did not know a lot of things and had to learn. They helped me to open myself up. The filming atmosphere was very good and interactive, allowing me to immerse into character.”
With the upcoming television wars to erupt in Hong Kong, TVB was clamoring to deploy its “warriors” properly. There were plenty of opportunities for actors to ascend to the next level. Favored by TVB management, Ruco possessed the qualities of a future TV King, as per hearsay circulating in the industry!
Source: ihktv.com
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Jayne: Before Ruco rises to #1 Brother, I think Kenneth Ma will step in first. Based on the number of high profile projects Kenneth is involved in this year (Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles, Triumph in the Skies 2, and The Hippocratic Crush 2), Kenneth is a very cherished first-line lead at TVB.
Although Ruco’s popularity was fire hot after the airing of “The Other Truth,” TVB did not follow up in broadcasting another drama with him as lead actor. His guest starring role in “Forensic Heroes 3” did not have enough development. Now, one year later, a lot of momentum has slowed down already. I consider it to be poor handling on TVB’s side.
It was the same happening with Raymond Wong’s popularity shooting up after “Bottled Passion.” But TVB did not follow up with more Raymond Wong promotion.
Otherwise, I think Ruco and Raymond’s popularity levels can be even higher than right now.
But very impressed that Patrick Kong singled out Ruco in a one page editorial.
35? So young? But he does look.. mature for his age. Frankly he can act. But he must keep his glasses and avoid straight hair because seriously he looks like he is planning something malicious if he wears glasses and has straight hair. He has what I call the “fake gentleman” look but I like what I see in No Good Either Way. No need to wait 2 years. With TVB’s depleting or aging talent, 2012 could be his.
I kinda agree with you. I think it’s because he always played a villain in the past and he was really good at it…makes it hard to forget that image.
No, fake gentleman is Moses’ forte.
Ruco has a creepy smile and combined w/ beady eyes, makes him look like a serial killer. Even when he’s playing a good guy, he looks untrustworthy. He should just play villian roles like gallen Lo and. Nick cheung did.
And no man looks good w/ permed hair. It should be banned in the name of good taste.
Moses more like silly gentleman. What I mean is “Ngai Gwan Tzi”, those that looks like a gentleman and do little annoying things and then stab you at the back. He really has that look if without glasses.
I still say Moses fits your ngai gwun tzi definition to a tee. Just ask bernice.
So Moses is fake while Ruco looks plain evil.
If you ask my opinion ,I generously said that he is not qualified to be TVB’s #1 brother based on my pros and cons factors written below:-
pro: 1) good acting skills especially in acting villian role with potential of (frances ng’s and anthony wong’s calibre)
2)tall and good looking ( only with specs contra if without specs – wide cheek bone , deep forehead -look cunning with gangster’s appeal)
3) Only look good in modern series but not wuxia series
4) Dedicated, hardworkings and good vocals when explaining his dialogue’s line
cons: ( if compare to current and past 1# tvb brothers- moses mo, LF ,Alex man and Gallen Lo )
1) not enough calibre to generate star powers or appealing for tabloid to milk his news.
2) lacks of appealing looks , hard to get variety of product ambassador’s job to generate’s tvb’s revenue
3) Always nervous and lack of confidents when answering reporter’s questions .
4) Not fluent in speaking mandarin to generate china’s media reporting.
Conclusion, he is one true talented actor only can be shined in modern tvb series just like chow yuen fatt .Need time for him to nurtured on his repertoires and matured in to becoming a tvb’s superstar but not tvb no#1 brother
I think Ruco’s eyes are ok. The problem is with his smile. When he smile, he looks like a villain, even with his glasses on.
loooo,
I like your list of Ruco pros. I am also gleeful that you threw in Alex Man, one of my favorite actors. 🙂
Regarding your list of cons, I think they can be overcome. Being more confident with press, those are communication issues that can be improved upon. Image can be restyled.
What needs to change for Ruco to be #1 Brother is his own personality and ambition. In his interviews, he keeps saying “I don’t know everything, I need to learn and practice more. Money is not important to me. I enjoy acting, I don’t mind playing supporting roles.”
The impression Ruco gives me is that he is still not too comfortable being in the limelight. Actually the above article about how nervous he was after the airing of “The Other Truth,” looking for any bashing and not praise is very telling. He is still not confident enough about himself, he wishes to continue to practice and practice more.
He needs to believe in himself. He is good looking and if women want to see him as a sex symbol, so be it. He needs to be more flexible as to what he thinks he is versus what fans want.
To reach further financial success, #1 Brother, and become a big star, Ruco needs to change his mentality. He sounded too modest about his career at ATV, saying “I really wasn’t much at ATV?” I was shocked to see him say that because many of his fans have followed him for over 10 years, since he made an impression in “Love in a Miracle” and “My Date with a Vampire 3.” He should give himself more credit for his acting, looks, and star quality. He is more than what he says about himself.
To become a big star, he has to see that vision first. If he sees himself as an actor who is just on one lucky streak that can be gone the next, with no lasting fame, then he will not advocate himself for better opportunities. If he is always so humble, then TVB management will think he doesn’t need any awards.
Ruco is a good actor and I wish him greater recognition and commercial success. I think he has practiced enough already for 17 years, he is ready to be in more prominence. But until he wants that for himself, conveys that desire to key management etc. then it won’t happen.
A manager has many employees to manage. A proactive manager might approach an employee and give them a raise/ promotion. But many times, the employee has to drop hints of greater ambition, ask for a pay raise, etc.
I hope Ruco sees himself as big star material and not just happy with being a life-long veteran actor who will eventually be relegated to supporting role.
I think all the weakness can be countered:
1. TVB can create a gossip for him example If TVB can create one for Moses and Aimee, so can for Ruco.
2. TVB can recreate a new image for him to attract endorsements. If he’s popular after his gossips from above, endorsements will come by its own.
3. This will get better in time when he get used to it. MHKs were also nervous wrecks at first and becomes better later.
4. Can be learned. If Bosco can suddenly be as fluent as Myolie after 1 mainland series, so can Ruco.
Lol, Loooo
No one is born to be a star. It takes the artist to have ambition, be flexible to cater to mass appeal. It takes the company a bit of money, career planning, and time to develop a big star.
If TVB wants to make Ruco a big star, they would have done so after “The Other Truth.” Director Patrick Kong wrote a 1 page newspaper editorial on Ruco. He has won industry acclaim, women’s hearts etc.
But TVB has other priorities in mind. In certain sense, there is almost a bit of seniority at TVB. A certain caliber of artists will not become TV King because of “seniority.” For example, it was brought up the Kenneth Ma will likely not win the TV King award before Raymond Lam. It is not an issue of acting, but observed from a pattern of “seniority” in how they give out awards, which artists they send to mainland China etc.
It was easily seen last year that it was Myolie Wu’s turn to get the big push ahead of the current new fadan generation. There is a level of seniority there, that while Fala Chen was set up as a strong competitor in the HK tabloids, everyone knew that it was Myolie’s turn to get promoted.
In terms of Ruco’s rank with TVB right now, he is still playing second line-up dramas at TVB, not getting the meaty projects such as “Triumph in the Skies 2” or “Silver Spoon, Sterling Shackles,” which is where TVB is investing all their money in this year. Ruco’s current project with Raymond Wong is a light romantic comedy with low production budget, not the type of series where they will spend a lot of money promoting, especially in the prominent mainland China market.
By casting roles in the type of drama alone, it is apparent that TVB has not placed Ruco in the same rank as Kenneth Ma. If TVB had listened to the masses’ desire after the popularity of “The Other Truth,” they would have given Ruco some Anniversary Award last year, to propel him further. But there is some level of rank to overcome, even Michael Tse has not overcome this “rank list” to get the Best Actor Award yet.
So the elite TVB managers have in their minds how key artists should be promoted, where to invest their time/energy/resources to promote certain individuals each year. Ruco and Raymond Wong will still star as first leads, but not set up in such a way to achieve greater stardom. Even if they get great fan feedback and press reviews, TVB doesn’t see it as the right time yet.
I blv that to promote one person, they have to base on the market value as well. If the market value dun increase, it might be same to Ron’s case. Before, he was promoted but look, in the recent years, he is stepping back to be second lead or supporting, even for ppl in his peers.
So the market value and the popularity will be the factors to decide an artist to be promoted more or not. The priority of TVB also bases on such thing.
Fox,
“So the market value and the popularity will be the factors to decide an artist to be promoted more or not.”
Market value is developed by TVB in many cases, such as casting Ron in “Triumph in the Skies.” You have to gauge the market tolerance/ reception of a new artist. If the feedback is good, TVB should push for more. If the market feedback changes to be worse, a good company will do what it can in its capacity to change the market perception.
Sometimes market demand is something you can develop among consumers over time. It happens each time a new product enters the market, or in our discussion, a new artist is introduced.
I think TVB artist department lacks that long-term vision to create big stars. The artist managers are more administrative in booking/ planning artist promo events, then to develop unique images for the stars. The lack of image consultants to change their artist’s style sense (such as Kenneth Ma still wearing his t-shirts and comfy jeans) is a key indicator that the company invests little in developing its artists.
In Korea, this is a big no-no. The company might even pay for plastic surgery procedures, get the right clothing sponsors before a star is born. It is called long-term investment. This is something TVB is not doing well now.
But Jayne, you have to take into account the fact that Raymond Lam was a strong and credible lead actor years before Kenneth Ma was. The same goes for Myolie and Fala. So the issue here isn’t seniority, but who has managed to produce credible performances for a longer period of time.
@Jayne: I understand what you mean by “Market value is developed by TVB”. I think it’s similar to the question: Egg and Chicken, which have first.
TVB gives the chance, the artist grabs it. S/He can grab it or not or use 100% of the change, it’s up to each person. But after the chance, if the market value can increase, then it’s a sign for TVB to continue the investment.
Actually TVB also wanna form the image for the artists, but their images are not clear. Even it’s clear, the audiences sometimes put pressure on TVB to urge the artists to change image. Of course, I understand that TVB dun make the image strictly like in Korea or Japan, but note that TVB artists are mostly older than the ones in Korea and Japan. The veterans in Korea and Japan are actually quite similar to TVB artists, follow the image that they want to, not that the company wants.
TVB’s so called long term investment is Miss HK, pluck one out and push her into the limelight without proper training. In Korea and in Japan, they all started very young (also burn out very young). But Jayne, Japan and Korea creates idols for those few number of years, milk them until they dry and hopefully they can branch out and further their career into so called adulthood. TVB in a sense is training on the job. May take years but if you’re good enough or has investment value, you will get the chance, apart from *ahem* buying handbags for certain people.
“So the issue here isn’t seniority, but who has managed to produce credible performances for a longer period of time.”
Not quite true. I doubt TVB looks at credible performance as a yard stick. I think they look at viewers’ potential reaction, material, potential of that person and also producers recommending a certain person.
actually he does look young for his age b/c fortunately he has that boyish look still but i thought he would be at least 38-39 b/c my mom was watching this really really old series on cable or whatever n i was like OMG is that Ruco Chan? He looked so young in there n it was TVB before his ATV days so to see him after so many years getting some recognition now i thought he’s at least late 30’s so to see his age @ 35 sounds so young after seeing him onscreen ages ago ahhaaa…
ofcourse he will b #1 bro @ TVB. He has good look and talented. I like him ever since i watched ATV series Ghost buster couple of years ago.
He’ll become TVB #1 Brother in no time. I think Ruse will revive Ruco’s momentum.
@Jayne: Perhaps that’s why MM cannot film in China. He’s too valuable to TVB at the moment. After he wins “Best Actor,” TVB will let him go.
Also, there’s a lot of potential in Ray W. But, TVB will not promote to the fullest bc he’s not a contracted artist. He would have been on the same level as Ruco.
Ruco and Ma ming will be #1 brothers in TVB in no time. They’re already at TV King standard. Kick out the Raymond and Bosco away.
Which Raymond?
Must be LF. Good thing he has his singing and movie career to fall back on.
I think Lam.
Lam/Wong/Cho/Chiu – Among 4 TVB’s Raymond, guessing you are talking about Lam?
Hehe, if LF is kicked out, who will be in the 3Kingdoms with Ma Ming to save the rating from Bosco =))? LMAO~.
Ruco and Kenneth are indeed highly promoted this year. They are featured as leads in many series. I assume they will be running contenders for Best Actor this year.
Agree that Chan Chin Pang does not have beautiful eyes. I think he looks less evil if he wears eyeglasses. However, his acting is very well-rounded and first class vs. many of the top siu sangs in TVB. Other than his eyes, Chin Pang looks good ….. tall, slim, and good built. His voice is super good, and he is super articulate in his pronunciation of words. Very few actors can beat him.
I felt Ruco will have the chance to be on of the TVB King. Can see the improvement in his acting skill. I noticed that ruco and raymondv wong not being highly promoted as Kenneth Ma too..is it because they are from ATV. If it’s because their past makes them not highly promoted it’s really sad..
That could be a possibility that TVB is not promoting Ruco and Raymond as much because they are not from ATV. Notice how Him Law is being in series after series. I suspect TVB is promoting the younger generation and unfortunately I think Ruco will never get his chance of rising to the top. Don’t get me wrong, I adore him. However, he is still in the back pocket.
I don’t know if Chan Chin Pang will “rise to the top” though his acting is very good.
First, Chin Pang has a low-key personality, and, secondly, I don’t think TVB is highly promoting him. After all, Chan Chin Pang and Raymond Wong are older in age and both came from ATV.
They were ATV artists. Ruco Chan has the bigger chance to be promoted since he signed a long-term contract with TVB while Raymond Wong is still with another company. And Raymond Wong is married while Ruco Chan is single.
Him Law is promoted because he already have legion of screaming fans and have the looks and body. TVB also need 20 something artistes and Him is one.
If that is true, then tvb is despicable for its shallowness.
I am glad that after all his hard work, he has received the recognition and appreciation that he deserves.
2998??
I’m pretty sure that Ruco will be able to get #1 TV King in no time based on the effort he has put, he deserves it.
Although Raymond Wong has garnered good feedback and did get promoted for awhile after his success in Bottle Passion, but because he is not really a “biological son”, I think this will affect him. I hope to see him more too.
Yeah agree, in terms of acting skills Ruco is already among the very best in TVB. The title “TV king” has zero correlation to acting skills, however it will prolly increase his MV and career oppoturnities.
This guy has talent and is hardworking just a matter of time before he gets even more popular than the pretenders at TVB.
I also think TVB will not promote Raymond Wong as much cause he’s not managed by them which is sad. That’ why they aired Bottled Passion in a bad time slot. Also I doubt TVB’s brave enough to pull Raymond Wong away from his management company they have “black ties”.
I have a feeling that tvb is promoting Ruco, MM. they have strong acting skills and have good chemistry with their co-stars. for Raymond wong, i do feel that he is not being promoted as much.. but glad that he is still filming heavily with tvb.
by seeing the many interviews tvb recently has with Ruco, and his front position at the poster of 3 kingdom RPG, I have a feeling that the company see his popularity and treats him very well! I hope “Ruse” will be air soon, can’t wait!
raymond wong isn’t promoted as much as kenneth and ruco because he’s not a contracted artiste.
I think Kenneth can get his Best Actor tjid year or next year and Ruco the following year
I dun think MM can get to the top that soon. Still having a long road.
depends on HAL
Who noe if HAL is this year or not. I hope for this year but only Txb know.
How about Laughing Tse? ST is going to be aired on TVB. And Wayne’s upcoming Making King. Kent Tong, too with 1 one high rating series on hand.
Norika,
“by seeing the many interviews tvb recently has with Ruco, and his front position at the poster of 3 kingdom RPG”
I still feel that Ruco is favored only by select producers at TVB, namely Amy Wong. I was disappointed that Ruco was unable to star in “The Confidant,” which is the type of series that will gain mainland China notice and set up to be one of the Anniversary series this year.
While Ruco is valued for his acting, TVB has not truly positioned him to be in a greater prominent position. The recent interviews are to promote “No Good Either Way” and not namely to promote Ruco himself.
How TVB handled Ruco’s success after “The Other Truth” aired last August is very telling. TVB was delighted they have a new popular star, but did not know what to do. They did not capitalize on the emergence of a new star, to air his new dramas to continue that audience awareness.
Ruco did not film any dramas for a 6 month period after “The Other Truth” aired. He sang at a lot of promo events for quick money. It’s very poor planning on TVB side. TVB had a quality star brimming and they did not know what to do.
To make a big star takes planning and some investment. It might take some custom tailored roles to get them to where they are capable of. Producer Amy Wong has done that for Ruco, but I do not really see other TVB producers casting him or Ms. Lok putting him in the limelight.
Frankly, I think TVB is still focusing on its “elite” list of actors: Raymond Lam, Kevin Cheng, and Bosco Wong to capitalize on their mainland China market appeal. China has become a very lucrative market for everyone involved.
Kenneth Ma realizes that he has been held behind at TVB, carrying the torch in many heavyweight dramas at TVB, but he wants to go to mainland too. Kenneth has been very promoted by TVB this year…judging by the dramas he will be in this year.
If anything, Kenneth is primed to be the next #1 Brother in drama responsibilities, while everyone else goes to mainland/ films/ music.
Jayne,
“Ruco did not film any dramas for a 6 month period after “The Other Truth” aired.”
I also think Ruco was not as popular among many other producers. At this moment perhaps just a few like Amy, Choi suk, maybe Marco. I didn’t felt as bad about Ruco wasn’t in “the Confidant”, coz I think he chose to be the lead in “NoGood” instead. I think Ruco is targeted more for hk & overseas market rather than China. And after this year, his popularity in Malaysia & Singapore will rise, as he go there to promote TVB frequently.
Ruco shall be fine coz his action drama Ruse & his love drama “coastline” will be aired soon, both are his strength and the ratings would be at least okay. For China market it is KC,Myolie, Bosco, Charmaine’s world now.
Norika,
“Ruco shall be fine coz his action drama Ruse & his love drama “coastline” will be aired soon”
Perhaps I’m not as positive about Ruco’s status at TVB because I see him still cast in second-line dramas. I have a feeling that “Ruse of Engagement” may have some darker themes which will not be the type of drama that has star-making potential. The “Coastline” series looks to be similiar fluffy romance type of series, with no “big ambitions.” The acting is what is most promising about “Coastline” but actors such as Ruco and Raymond Wong can only do so much with little script material.
TVB is investing its resources in “Silver Spoon, Silver Shackles” and “Triumph in the Skies 2.” Provided these series have decent story development and acting, these are the type of dramas that have greater longevity. These are the first-line drama line ups that get remembered by fans for years to come. These are the type of projects that TVB will put its most prominent artists in to create bigger careers for them. That’s why I say that Bosco Wong and Kenneth Ma are still the artists primed for bigger things to come. I do not see that Ruco is placed in the same rank as Kenneth and Bosco yet, although his acting skills may be of equal caliber.
Torn by threat of CTI and other channels, TVB is trying to balance its current Ace cards (Bosco, Kevin, Raymond Lam, etc.) while trying to get former big stars (Francis Ng, Lawrence Ng) to add greater public draw. Thus, TVB is not ready yet to give Ruco the big push.
There are only so many limited big-time opportunities each year. So it is TVB’s problem. It’s a problem for rising stars to be cultivated for bigger careers.
In this type of market condition, TVB is more about retaining viewership and turn around pressing profit targets. It is not the type of market condition in which it will focus resources on developing long-term biggers stars. Unfortunately, not the type of market condition in which it will place a lot of investment resources to invest in artists such as Ruco to prime them for bigger stardom.
In this type of market condition, it is easier for TVB to churn out dramas based on past formulas of success: get some big name former stars (Lawrence Ng etc.) to make the audiences tune in. Crank out big name sequels to induce excited viewership & PR. “Healing Hands” was a big success, so they crank out another doctor franchise to draw viewership.
Now is not the time for TVB to wish to invest in developing bigger stars, which take a lot of time and a bit of risk. They do not want risk now, they want something safer, which is resorting to old formulas of success.
“The Other Truth” really demonstrated promise for Ruco to reach for bigger stardom, but no Anniversary Award, no filming for 6 months. A lot of momentum was lost.
Jayne,
Ruco was not a contracted artist when he filmed TOT. Perhaps that’s why TVB was hesitant to promote him. Although he is a contracted artist now, there ate other siu sangs TVB want to groom first.
Ruco has TOT at the wrong year where the competitors are strong. If he had TOT in the year where Moses in 2007, or Kevin in 2006, Ruco may have bigger chance.
Jayne,
I really hate that tvb didn’t give Ruco anything in last year award. But Ruco is still out there strong and popularity has not gone week. Tvb management is terrible, last year, TOT was such a success, but all I can see is public praise, tbb didn’t seem to care! But i still believe in miracle, I think Ruse and coastline could be one too. But me too, I wish Ruco will be in more grand production in the future
Norika,
“I really hate that tvb didn’t give Ruco anything in last year award. But Ruco is still out there strong and popularity has not gone week. Tvb management is terrible, last year, TOT was such a success, but all I can see is public praise, tbb didn’t seem to care! But i still believe in miracle, I think Ruse and coastline could be one too. But me too, I wish Ruco will be in more grand production in the future”
I hope for greater success for Ruco too. He signed a 8 year contract with TVB, which makes me think that TVB will bide their time in slowly increasing his prominence. It might be 4 years later, midway through his contract, but I don’t think it will be in the next 2 years, because TVB’s strategy now is to avoid risk and capitalize on what they believe to be current recipes of success.
It’s kind of a very poor market response strategy. It’s like Kraft Foods have 10 cereal brands in their mix. So 5 brands are established and have market demand. Enter cereal #10 which hasn’t been around as long, has great reviews and everyone who has tried it says good things about it. But cereal #10 doesn’t have as much consumption as the top 5 brands. But the company doesn’t do anything to push #10 to be in greater position.
I see Ruco as the cereal #10 example right now. The fans like him, he gets industry people to acknowledge his acting. He has credibility, but the company decides to keeps him in his place as cereal #10, without additional push for greater things.
The success of “The Other Truth” is already a miracle. I don’t know how many miracle ratings successes Ruco will have if TVB managers decide him to hold him in current status and not push for more.
Jayne:
Fully agree with you. Very few producers like to cast Chan Chin Pang (don’t know the reasons), and all his drama series are “peanut” productions. He is not included in any big productions at all.
In that case, Chin Pang will never get any recognitions or awards in the next 2 years.
Some artistes got to film dramas after dramas, but Chin Pang only filmed two small ones after ‘TOT”, and his next drama series was not aired until a year later. Look at Linda Chung, she had 4 drama series aired in less than 6 months, and her 5th one will be airing next month.
Sandcherry, always remember Wayne Lai got his biggest break that gave him a chance as lead in huge productions thanks to a small production called Safe Guards. In fact it is the smaller productions that almost always yield better quality and becomes classic. I’d rather Ruco go towards that route.
Sandcherry,
“In that case, Chin Pang will never get any recognitions or awards in the next 2 years.”
Ruco may still win Malaysia’s Astro Awards character awards this year.
Ruco is not considered to one of TVB’s top artists yet, but at least he is still leading series. He’s doing a great job, but timing, management favoritism are not in his favor.
I think only Amy Wong is brave enough to cast Ruco in recent leading roles. Amy seems to have valued Ruco since he joined TVB. Other producers have their favorites and like to cast actors who have been with the company longer, probably to ensure audience pull and ratings guarantee.
TVB is putting a lot of resources behind Him Law this year. He will most likely win the Most Improved Award at this rate!
For the poster of 3K, I only wanna complain about the position of my dear Kaki Leung!
Kaki is indeed quite cute in “No good either way”
I want her to stand next to her onscreen husband and have enough screentime.
@Fox~your wish may not be true because your dear Kaki Leung dun have look ,dun have good acting skill and haven’t get recognition from audience. If she want to stand beside LF, wait until her acting mature or have fans base like the top 5 fa dan.
There are enough famous stars at the front: Kenneth, Raymond, Ruco, Tavia, Sharon. These are all bigger names than Kaki.
@a-pop: To me Kaki has the look, decent acting and at least an audience aka me.
@a-pop & lol: But Kaki acts Wong Yuet Ying, Chukot Leung’s wife, should stand next to her “husband” like Sharon (as Siu Kiu) stands next to her husband (Ruco). It’s couple pair :P.
@Fox – but Kaki is not a fadan 😛
@fox~will u watch for a tvb series for Kaki Leung inside without LF inside?
You think why I watched Twilight investigation at first place, a-pop? To see Linda’s chac obsessed to LF? Lol.
I’m sorry Fox but Kaki’s looks and acting is still not fa dan worthy. I literally could not stand her acting in E.U. a few years ago. She has improved somewhat but there’s just something about her that doesn’t leave a good impression with me.
@Gar: I dun like her in E.U but like her after that. E.U was one of her very first series and I dun find many ppl that can do good and impressive in their very first series among the fadans. Do you know how much I hate Myolie’s acting in Eternal Happiness and love her in Golden Faith onward? If she can improve, one day she’ll be acceptable. Experiences gain through time.
Look is a matter of eyes’ beholders. Kaki might be not pretty or beautiful but she is cute and rather natural. I don’t mention of no PS or injection or something like that, I mean that she looks herself naturally.
@Fox: I do agree with you that Myolie did a splendid job in Golden Faith and that you’re right that not many actors/actresses can act well on their first attempt so I’m hoping that I’ll see a big improvement in Kaki’s performance in Return to 3 Kingdoms.
Yes, you’re right, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder but I just find her a little too plain looking. I think it’s her mouth when she speaks that makes her seem a bit unnatural.
@Gar: Since she dun have many screentime, I doubt that she can shine. I’ll support her by watching her parts :).
I like and support new actresses who are having improvements. They are new, their acting might be bad, but at least they are trying very hard to improve themselves.
i prefer oscar. somethng abt hm strike my fancy
Hi 5.
I also like Oscar and he’s been in TVB for a long time
Elin,
“i prefer oscar. somethng abt hm strike my fancy”
I think what you may mean is that Oscar is a character actor, instead of being an idol. He is not relying on looks alone to solely achieve where he is at. He often plays unlikable characters, much along the early career path of Wayne Lai.
Oscar has talent; he plays diverse roles. In other words, I see him as a true actor gaining a valuable acting experience. I see him as a young Wayne Lai that has used his life experience to extend his onscreen skills.
Actors such as Oscar will have a long career in the entertainment industry. But commercial success is another matter though.
I like Oscar too. But he still look like a teenage boy, which can hinders him from acting mature roles. =_= Maybe it’s best that he plays as supporting roles… important supporting roles.
I agree. But Oscar’s acting can pull off the mature role type. Hope that when he gets older, he’ll have more and more meaty roles.
Haha… like Oscar too!
He can play all kinds of roles.
Love him in comedy ,such a natural!!!!
I second this! I like Oscar Leung’s acting! He has lots of potential for comedies. Also Oscar’s not young already in his 30s although he still looks like a kid. Seriously he should be promoted to male lead, he has the cute boyish look too!
Lots of people predict that Oscar will be Wayne Lai when he’s older. His boyish look is in his way now that’s why it’s hard for him to be lead.
Raymond and Bosco are both kicked out.
I also forgot the Lam. This is fiona’s influence lol
Guessing you are saying about Lam? Aiyoh, maybe you should start to call him LF like me because it’s easier to know which Raymond. TVB has 4 Raymond, you know…
But I forgot that LF and Bosco are kicked out =.=, sorry. Then MM is the winner no doubt.
I’m used to call him Raymond. Raymond is kicked out for real or not depends on HAL
Why HAL? This one is aired this year or not is still a mystery :P. And it’s just a series. If TVB kicks out him, he still has his singing and movie career as backup, bad that =.- :P. And still have EEG and Hua Yi which are interested in him.
One reason for me to like HAL is that it dun have any Txb’s current saviors :P. Then I can enjoy the series without having to consider who is the real savior.
Wait, in the end who’s lead in Ruse of Engagement, Ruco or Ron?
Supposedly, both are co-leads. But, I feel Ruco has a slight edge over Ron.
I’m confused because sometimes Ruco’s name is first but sometimes it’s Ron’s name
I wonder why the mind of TVB can change very fast like this. Just 4-5 years ago, filming in China means frozen, now filming in China is a priority.
4-5 years ago mainland don’t pay this high and don’t give publicity to TVB artistes who went there.
Now mainland pays high and pick popular HK artistes who can generate publicity automatically. TVB also realizes they can make money while promoting their artistes to mainland industry.
Not really. 4-5 years ago the Txb artists were already paid pretty high, for example Sonija was paid 60k/eps.
Ruco is gaining lots of fans. Between the 2 , Ruco can act better. So I’m sure he’s lead.
Ron is same boring self!
Good for Ruco, he’s a good actor. I like his role so much in the other truth- charming Keith
Definitely TVB is promoting Ma Ming, Ruco & Him. But among all 3, Ma Ming will be the first as TV king.
Only 6 months to go for the TVB awards 🙂
jayne wat u say is so true…
Ruco’s smile does look evil and cunning in his early TVB series. Even in FH3, as a guest star, I was waiting for him to be a villain but he was a good guy.
But since the broadcast of No Good Either Way, I can see his smile can also be charming and a bit of confident/arrogant. His characters are always confident but in real life Ruco should give himself more credit for his accomplishments and hard work. Ruco can definitely lead a series. TVB should offer him more different and interesting roles for him.
TVB need to give Ruco more good guy roles to make audience get used to him in good guy roles. He may look mature than his age and look cunning and evil when smiling but he is one of TVB’s best actor.
I find guys with a bit of evil look -more interesting.
People like Anthony Wong,Lawrence Ng even Moses Chan all play villians roles before. Look at them now.
Sometimes the goody goody look is very boring!!!!
Moses is terrible at evil roles. Don’t put him on same acting level with Ruco euuwww.
““If you were to ask me who will rise to become TVB’s first-line actor in the next 2 years, I will unwaveringly say one name: Ruco Chan,” thus began Director Patrick Kong’s (葉念琛) recent newspaper editorial.”
Will Patrick Kong cast Ruco in his future movies then?
“He was often partnered with elder actresses, such as Maggie Cheung (張可頤) in Forensic Heroes 3 “
In ‘No Good Either Way’ he paired with Crystal Tin who always got partnered with elder actors. 2 actors who has mature appearance paired up together. 😀
” I went to the online forums–not looking for any praise–I was checking to see if anyone was scolding me.” Ruco finally breathed a sign of relief when he saw that there were no negative comments even past the broadcast of episode 15 of the drama.”
He must be really really anxious.
“Although Ruco’s popularity was fire hot after the airing of “The Other Truth,” TVB did not follow up in broadcasting another drama with him as lead actor. His guest starring role in “Forensic Heroes 3″ did not have enough development. Now, one year later, a lot of momentum has slowed down already. I consider it to be poor handling on TVB’s side.
It was the same happening with Raymond Wong’s popularity shooting up after “Bottled Passion.” But TVB did not follow up with more Raymond Wong promotion”
Maybe they don’t have anymore leading series to air at the time.
“But very impressed that Patrick Kong singled out Ruco in a one page editorial. “
Can you give me the link to the editorial. I want to read this whole article.
Kidd,
You can read Patrick Kong’s newspaper editorial on Ruco’s Weibo page. It is an image scan, in a post dated June 8th. Patrick sounds like a fan!
Patrick’s movies are quite pessimistic on love. Somehow I don’t see Ruco as a good fit in his type of movies. A good TV actor does not necessarily translate well to the big screen.
Thanks Jayne. Based on the image scan, I was able to find the original blog post. 😀
http://blogcity.me/blog/reply_blog_express.asp?f=DW4JZ5CAGU120803&id=420533&catID=&keyword=&searchtype=
At thanks for letting me discover Patrick Kong’s blog. His blog posts are interesting to me. 😀
Kidd,
I read Patrick’s full editorial on his blog page, which had larger font and was easier to read.
In his blog, Patrick wrote, “看陳演戲，已經不是劇中角色，也有他對自己人生歷程的沉澱。演技如酒，愈老愈醇，看TVB新紮小生們，試問誰有像陳一番苦盡甘來的經歷？”
For non-Chinese readers, Patrick wrote, “Looking at Ruco’s acting, he is not only acting in character, but also incorporating his life perspective. Acting is like wine, which improves with age. Looking at TVB’s younger actors, who has undergo the bittersweet life experience as Ruco Chan?”
Patrick seems to have noticed Ruco for a long time, appreciating his acting approach.
Aside from Ruco, I would say that Oscar Leung has suffered enough in life to apply those emotions onscreen well.
Since Patrick is a Ruco fan we might see Ruco leading in his movie soon!
Jayne also sound like a big Ruco fan LOL. I think Jayne likes Ruco, Him and Kenneth the most based on this site 😛
Ruco will be a great #1 brother at TVB because he has NO negative news and NO negative comments. Look around and we never see anyone critic Ruco don’t we? All are applause.
lol except for Ron’s jealous fans that is…
It seems his fans are jumping ship into the Him bandwagon 😀
When he joins the fame club, he’ll have some.
you guys are so funny when raymond is still in tvb ruco and mm dont even have a chance to become big brother
In my honest opinion, Ruco Chan deserves all the recognition and praises he is getting now, from tv audiences, media, directors, producers and TVB. If you ask me, I feel that Ruco’s acting is solid and consistent compared to some of his peers who are so-called no.1 brother in TVB. He has been taking on different roles all these years since his return to TVB. Despite all the minor roles and villaneous roles, he acted well, so well that the producers in TVB always cast him in their series. At that time, he was 3rd,4th line artistes.. Why would producers comtinuosly cast him in series after series, they have seen his capability and he was even praised by the producers for his good acting back then. I remember long ago producer Amy Wong has already spotted him, but no matter how good an actor he was, the management are the ones to decide whether he should get promoted or at least given a heavier role. If Amy Wong had not trusted him to take the lead, of had she not insisted to let him try, Ruco will remain as 3rd line artistes in TVB. In fact I’m very grateful to Amy Wong for giving him such a golden opportunity to showcase his acting talents. He totally deserves to be promoted to first line. Now he gets the promotion, his fanbase has certainly enlarged. He is not only getting the support from his fans, but he is also getting the support from the audience including general tv viewers, who may not be his fans, this is an important factor that determines his popularity and survival in the tv industry, it’s all about the survival of the fittest!
Greenapple:
Absolutely agree with you. We all hope that Chan Chin Pang will get more 1st lead roles in bigger productions with his well-rounded acting skills.
Since Ruco has signed a long contract with TVB, he’s surely being promoted. It shows now with him no longer has to act as supporting since he signed the contract.
Very well said, however in TVB world the survival of the unfittest” seems to make more sense 😀
I dont find him good looking but I must admit that his acting is good. Anytime better than Moses for example.
“I dont find him good looking but I must admit that his acting is good. Anytime better than Moses for example”…………Agree +1
Yes, totally agree. I would choose Ruco, Raymond Wong and Kenneth over Moses any day.
Moses Chan is good in acting serious roles (such as Angus in “When Heaven Burns” or Ivan in “Master of Play”, but not good in comedic roles, such as the one in “Can’t Buy Me Love”.
I agree with all of you. Same here I will also choose Ruco or Ma ming over Moses any day.
Agree to all the comment cos we love Ruco over stupid Moses anyway hong kong got t call ,we from indonesia n malaysia so we just support thats all ….
Watching ‘Ben Xiao Hai’ now. Ruco was good as the autistic man. Both the Ruco and Li Zhong Han were very good.
I have been wanting to see this series after TOT. Too bad it’s a ATV production i.e difficult to find a good source 🙁
Wish someone could upload the cantonese version on youtube.
Seen some short clips on youtube, looks pretty convincing and trumps any so-called first line artists in TVB save the veterans.
Just watch the mandarin dubbed clips in youtube. I don’t like the dubbing for Ruco’s character. Ruco’s own speech in the Canto version was way better. I only watch the first few episodes, so, I don’t know how his speech will be in future episodes. But, in the beginning episodes, his speech is very unclear, so much so that it’s intelligible. Only Li Zhong Han’s character can kinda understand him. The dubbed mandarin speech is too clear and I find that he’s not able to convey Ruco’s character’s impediment well. Beside being autistic, Ruco’s character also has speech impediment.
From the ATV’s website.
自闭，有言语障碍，不喜欢与人沟通，有时连高妈妈也不知他的所思所想，极度坚持，偶然发起脾气来破坏力会很惊人
Kidd, Exoidus,
I watched the early episodes of “Ben Xiao Hai” and liked the story as well. It is quite inspiring that the characters, all imperfect and suffering from their own disabilities in life, are able to complement and make each other stronger in life.
While Ruco was good playing the autistic character, I did spot some inconsistencies. He appeared too sharp for the role. And he warmed up to the other personalities quite easily (by episode 4), which seems a bit contradictory to his allegedly closeted personality in episode 1. Perhaps it is the fault of the scriptwriters in portraying the transformation as too quick.
@ Jayne
Autistic intelligence is hard to understand. Some autistic individuals are able to attain Master’s degree (I’ve read article written by such an individual). They also display uneven intelligence, good at some area and bad at others. So, I think Ruco being sharp in certain area is ok.
Kidd,
I can look past Ruco’s sharp appearance, but his change in social behavior seems quick in the first few episodes, making me wonder why he spent the first 20 years of his life this way.
Which episode are you up to?
@ Jayne
I don’t know exactly what episodes because the disk is one continuous story without pause. I guess it should be episode 3 look at that the track. The last scene I watch is Ruco and Li Zhong Han playing with egg rice. Ruco has just went missing and found by Li Zhong Han earlier.
It is a fallacy to think autism=super intelligence in some areas such as maths, art, music, etc. Most autistic child can’t even communicate, trapped in their own world. Those who can are called savants and they can communicate, with some love and affection to lead the way. There are those with even milder autism that Bill Gates is said to suffer from, Asperger syndrome? Most really successful people have this, where they can communicate, they can enjoy life but still have that odd sort of habit.
TV series never quite distinguish any of it. HOnestly speaking TV makes autism sound so glamorous when it is very devastating.
I didn’t mean to say that uneven intelligence mean genius in certain areas. I just mean that their intelligence are not low in every aspect. Jayne said Ruco is too sharp, but, from the few episodes I see, the only thing he is shown to be really good at is remembering direction. He didn’t display great talent in art, music or maths.
There is nothing glamourous about Ruco’s autistic character. In fact, audience is shown much difficulty his mother has in taking care of him. He made the other mentally challenge character looks normal.