(Combined)
Ruby Lin talks about Alec and Vicki:
"It's really hard to make good friends in the Entertainment Circle, but because I've becomed so familiar with Alec and Vicki, they've become my closest friend in the circle."
"I think you can learn some things from every person. Alec, well, we are way too good friends that I don't think of him as a male, and he doesn't think of me as a female. Everyone's just buddies, and friends. He really is a friend that you can tell everything to. Probably because everyone's so close now, we've become really compatible!"
"As for Zhao Wei, her personality is really casual, very open, and lively. She's like a lost "Little Swallow." Sometimes I'm not too sure whether it's because when you act as someone, you become that person? But her way of doing things is really similar to that of Little Swallow."
12/28/2000-Perhaps it's the 'in' thing this year, but the beautiful "Yu neu" has decided to become 'ugly.'
In the New Years movie, Man Hua Fang Yuan, Ruby Lin's character will be incrediably ugly, with a large drawn mouth, in both the old fashion and modern image. But knowing that it was a New Years movie, there was naught Ruby could do. "After all, it is a Hong Kong New Years movie, it's got to be funny, right? I'll just have to follow the tradition!"
As for good friend Zhao Wei, well she's not much better off. In fact, Zhao Wei says her image in her new movie, Sao Lin Soccer Team is 'completely unreconizable!' Not only will she appear bald in the movie, but Zhao Wei will also be missing a few teeth..The image is even uglier than that of Karen Moor's image in Food Shen.
Stephan Zhou has been rumored to have yelled at his new female lead that he had chosen out of thousands after much effort, however, he has naught but compliments for lead actress Zhao Wei. He says that when the movie is finished, everyone will be incrediably suprised by Vicki's performance, and this all comes from Vicki's willingness to become 'ugly' in order to make the movie a better film. Therefore, he really admires and achnowleged that Vicki was very serious about her job.
Translated by Jacqueline
12/25/2000- Qiong Yao talks about her three actor/actress from HZGG to QSSYMM
Ruby: Ruby Lin Sin Lou is a very talented actress. Qiong Yao says that Ruby gives everyone a comfortable feeling. Her acting is very natural and has improved.
Vicki: Zhao Wei's extraordinary acting skills left a lasting impression among the audience in Huan Zhu Ge Ge. However, she did not become overly contented because of it, instead, she hopes to act other challenging roles that varies. Qiong Yao says, Zhao Wei wanted to have a complete change upon her acting skills, therefore she accepted the chance to act in QSSYMM. After seeing the clips, Qiong Yao says that Vicki could not only portray her role well as Little Swallow in HZGG, but could also emotionally express herself excellently when portraying her role in QSSYMM.
Alec: As an actor, Qiong Yao really has confidence in Sue Yu Pen. She says it isn't easy to be a good actor that matured from a singer's background. Alec has definately put in a lot of hard work, as he protrayed his role well in the show QSSYMM. She says that Alec is able to let go of himself totally and portray his role well.
Qiong Yau says that her actors must have a deep understading of Chinese culture. She doesn't like to employ actors who are English cultured influenced, as she says they can't understand their role she has writen, and to produce that kind of deep emotions which are highly required in all her shows.
Translated by Jacqueline
12/25/2000-The media is very concerned about the upcoming part of HZGG3, which is still in the mist of production by Qiong Yau. She is planning to have the whole original cast of HZGG back in the continuing serial. This show has brought fame to the cast, especially the main characters of the story, portrayed by Vicki, Alec, Ruby and Zhou Jie. Part 2 has received both good and bad comments about the show, and the production crew has taken that into consideration of filming the part 3, and are optimist about the results that part three would bring as the writer Qiong Yau, promises that the part 3 would be more successful than that of her part 2. But things would have to wait for her return from the States. The grand finale would be an astounding one, so watch out viewers!
It was rumoured that both Vicki and Ruby has declined to starr in the third part (HZGG III), but it has now been made clear that it was only a rumour, no truth in it. Vicki is now currently busy with her new show QSSYMM, which has recently finished filming.
12/1/2000-To fans that are waiting breathlessly for the new TV serie, QSSYMM starring their favorite stars, Alec Sue, VIcki Zhao, Ruby Lin and Leo Gu, you are in for a disappointment. The TV serie had been planned to be released in Hong Kong by the end of the new year this year, but it seems unlikely now. According to souce, the new serie will not be released in Twaiwan and CHina probably until March or April of next year for there are still unfinished work to be done upon it. As for Hong Kong, it seemed unlikely to be released there until after the new year also..Can only say, Sorry fans!
Fans in Malaysia, look here! Your favorite stars are coming to Malaysia!
That's right, on January 28th to Febuary 7th, the year 2001 (1/28-2/7/2001) your favorite stars from HZGG and QSSYMM is heading your way! Not only is Vicki Zhao Wei and Ruby Lin Sin Lou these two 'ge ge's coming, but your beloved Qu Ah Ge, Alec Sue Yu Pen was coming too!
They are going to be attending a charity show...hoping to raise money with the support of their mass fans in Malaysia, then will also head over to Singapore for another show too! This time, Leo Gu, the other lead in QSSYMM was not coming, however, famous singer and actor Jimmy Lin was coming with them. Hopefully, the two beautiful stars, and two handsome guys will bring to everyone a fabulous unforgetable show! Fans, look out for the advertisements and show times!
11/17/2000-After Yupen has returned to Twaiwan from filming QSSYMM, he was surrounded by anxious fans asking after him and Zhao Wei's relationship, when rumors spreaded that while filming QSSYMM, they once again, 'found' their feelings for one another again.
YuPen laughingly answered, "No! No 'old feelings!' We are just normal friends!" Then he added, "I am not a bit like her boyfriend, he's so nice to her. If Zhao Wei wanted her boyfriend for something, she would just be like, 'Yo, get over here!' If it was me, I would just ignore her for I wouldn't just to go over there!"
After hearing YuPen's words, was the female fans was satisfied and content once more? That the old rumored pair now can really only be 'just good friends?' sigh...
Translated by Jacqueline
From Sinchew daily 11/9/00
Vicki, Alec, Ruby and Jimmy Lin will be going to Malaysia (ha, my neighbouring country!) on Jan 28-Feb 7 for 2 charity shows. They actually planned for the main characters for QSSYMM to appear, which Leo Ku starred in, but unfortunately, he was unable to make it. It so happen by chance that Jimmy would also be attending this charity show, which reporters took much interest in as Jimmy and Ruby were rumoured to be a couple, thus, they hope to achieve juicy news reports from this trip.
The main focus is still on the two princesses, and one of Vicki's period dramas (not HZGG) topped the week's TV ratings. The local productions' ratings were way behind Vicki's, a foreign one. It has astonished Mr Wu, one of the famous local film producer
Translated by Jacqueline
11/9/2000
HZGG has brought fame to Vicki & Ruby. This show was aired by one of HK 's station. But this time, rival station named TVB, beat to the contract in screening the new show QSSYMM which has just completed filming not too long ago. It has offered many ways to promote the new show and of course, not to mention, high benefits to Qiong Yau and the rest.
Translated by Ilona
QSSYMM the show,obvisely can't get away from the word love(Qing=love). In the show, the main love is Yee Ping(vicki) and Yu Ping(Ruby), the pair of sisters with different mothers and Shu Shing(Leo) and Tiu Fai(Alec), multi-triangle love.
In my original book, there was no Tiu Fai this person, but for the show, I added him. 15 years ago, my show "YYMM" had a similar character called Shui Chui but Tiu Fai is very different from him. when I mold a new character, it is very difficult. tiu Fai in the show is deeply in love with Yu Ping but Yu Ping is obsessively in love with Shu Shing. In most of this show, Tiu Fai is usually in a mood of lost love. but Tiu Fai was never angry, his main goal became to make Yu Ping happy. But really, he is a happy friend. In the show, Tiu Fai is at loss without his glasses(out of the show, he's still a near sighted person). In the show, his glasses are always broken and his friend Shu Shing would fix it for him. Even though they are rivals in love, even fighting over Yee Ping and Yu Ping, they are always helping each other.
Shu Shing and Tiu Fai is not only friends, they are also friends with Lok family's Er Ho. Er Ho just left university and is working with Shu Shing and Tiu Fai. 3 are so close, many called them "3 Swordsmen". But unforunately, both Tiu Fai and Shu Shing fall in love with Er Ho's sister. Er Ho then became in love with Yee Ping's friend. QSSYMM talks about how even though their love realtionship is messed up, their friendship is still great.
Here I must talk about Tiu Fai, this person
Tiu Fai in the whold show, is the only person without judgment on others. He is always happy, naive in a way and always getting injured. From day til night, big injuries, small injuries, injured inside, outside, always getting hurt. Sometimes getting hurt because of news reportin, some times from saving some one, sometimes to make Yu Ping happy.(Even as himself, falling from the horse, getting pieces of glass into his eye, being the number one most injured actor in the show)
Alec Su acting as Tiu Fai, I don't even know if he's acting osmetimes, falling from the horse on pirpose, or really falling from the horse. One day, Alec Su called me asking "Auntie, did you see the finished product? How was I?"
My answer was "You fell out of the horse, almost making me faint, get unconious for 5 hours, then lie to me, making me so angry. But in QSSYMm you were great,making me herat unbalanced, what should I do?"
Alec Su after listening quickly said "Auntie are you making fun of me or getting angry at me?"
Translated by Ilona
QSSYMM: Great Actors, Great Settings
Qong Yao's new work, QSSYMM, is planning to be showing in Mao Sein Television (TVB), with the actors from China and HK, Leo Ku, Alec Su, Vicki Zhao, Ruby Lin. this show is actually filmed in ShangHai, resulting, great settings and great actors, believed this show will stir up another great hit.
Translated by Ilona
Ruby Lin Still Deciding Whether to Act Gege Again
Media says HZGG 3 is planning to be filmed, but Zhao Wei already backed out. We Asked Ruby Lin whether she would film it. She says,"I am busy with QSSYMM, I have to see my schedule, most of all, I have to see how the script is like before I decide."
10/15/2000-Qiong Yao: Planning Huan Zhu Ge Ge III!
Qiong Yao who has repeatedly told reporters that she will NOT be writing a HZGG III is now actually thinking of it. Qiong Yao admits that she wants HZGG's original casts to once again film her HZGG: The Complete Ending. Of course, Zhao Wei will have to take on the role of the "Little Little Swallow!"
Now that she has finished her new serie, QSSYMM, Qiong Yao hopes to refilm another 'Qing' serie. She wants to write the script first, then apply for permission in Mainland China before getting in touch with her old HZGG casts for the filming of the 2nd generation of HZGG. Of course, that means, Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, Zhou Jie, Zhang Tia Lin and etc. As for Sue Yu Pen, Qiong Yao says, "It depends on whether he has enough heart for success."
Right now, Zhao Wei is hurrily recording the songs for QSSYMM, and has planned to spent the rest of the year concentrating on movies. If she does film a TV serie though next year though, it wil undoubtedly be Qiong Yao's Huan Zhu Ending, acting as the little little swallow.
10/8/2000-Ruby Lin told the reporters while she was in Hong Kong that whenever she speeded or something, the policemen will always forgive her, and give in to her apologies and pleading. Grinning, she said, "Last time in Shang Hai, Zhao Wei and I was hurrying to have dinner, we were stopped by a police because we were speeding. But when the policeman saw it was me and Zhao Wei, he only remembered to ask for our autograph, and forgot all about the ticket!"
***Ah..the privilige of the rich and famous! ^_^***
Translated by Teng Han Ying.
QSSYMM: Romance+Comedy+War, Prince and Princesses collaborated again in QSSYMM
Ren Ming Ribao (People Daily News) and Beijing Young People Weekly Magazine 30/09/2000 Text: Han Lu and Li Ang
Since the filming of QSSYMM started on 24th April this year, the production team has been shutting the door to the media. One of the crewmembers informed us that the secrecy is necessary to prevent unfounded news from spreading, creating trouble and disturbance. It is reported that this blockbuster serial has already spent about RMB $20 million. Qiong Yao even came to Shanghai personally in June to give instructions regarding the production process. Because of the change of shooting locations, we had to trail the production team all over before successfully interviewing the director and some of the main cast.
Director Li Ping will not rate QSSYMM...
When asked for comments, director Li Ping remarked, "I feel that this serial is not bad, but if you want me to give marks to this serial, I really can't. Previously, when I completed HZGG, I only gave it 80 marks, but later, it became such a hit. You know something? These two serials, HZGG and Cang Tian You Lei (loosely translated as Tears of Heaven) were previously rejected by many TV stations!" Director Li roared in laughter as he remembered the past. "Similarly, I will not rate QSSYMM highly this time round. However, I must emphasise that the story is really not bad. The plot is closely linked, and the characters are all uniquely sculptured. Zhao Wei and Ruby Lin are half-sisters in this serial, with very different characters. Both of them later fell in love with the same man, and so on... The entire cast is good, and they are able to bring out their roles very well."
"This serial has the combination of love, action, comedy and war scenes. It is quite different from Qiong Yao's previous novels, which focussed mainly on the love story of the lead actor and actress only. This serial encompasses love, friendship and kinship. Massive scenes of about two to three hundred extras are also frequent in this serial. The main shooting location is in Shanghai but we shifted to Nanjing for the war scenes as there are no mountains in Shanghai."
Impossible not to shed tears in Qiong Yao's dramas...
Director Li said that he is unable to make any comparisons between the four main artistes, Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, Alec Su and Leo Ku. He commented, "The four of them are professionals. There was one time when we filmed continuously for 100 hours, yet there was no word of grumble from them. I feel that they really performed very well. I am only afraid that the audience already has a fixed image of Zhao Wei and Ruby as Little Swallow and Princess Ziwei, and may not be able to accept their roles in this serial. Alec Su plays the role of a reporter who places other people before himself. His character Du Fei is involved in a few hilarious scenes, but basically, his character is a very caring one."
Regarding their acting skills, director Li declared, "All of them are very good. Their tears can flow down very naturally, and sometimes, I have to tell them that they do not need to cry; just teary eyes will do. Of course, there will be occasions when teardrops have to be used, but basically, shedding tears is a very easy task for them. Well, if you want to act in Qiong Yao's dramas, shedding tears is a very basic requirement...The four of them also never showed airs around me."
Always brushed past Zhao Wei...
During our trailing process, we never managed to catch up with Zhao Wei. Fortunately, our fellow colleagues were able to get an exclusive interview with her when she attended the program "Special Weekend." According to the production team, Zhao Wei has lesser scenes in Nanjing. However, once they reached Nanjing, Zhao Wei brought Alec, Ruby and Leo to tour Confucius Temple and sample the local food. She even declared that Nanjing is a very good city, with so much delicacies around.
Alec Su: "I really fell off the horse!"
Previously there were reports alleging that the "Alec Su fell off the horse and injured himself" news was just a gimmick of Alec for the purpose of recording his new album. Alec Su dismissed this rumour saying, "I really fell off the horse! You can confirm with the director." The director Li clarified the incident, "That day, Alec really fell from the horse. We witnessed the accident and knew that the fall was pretty bad. But Alec remained conscious throughout. Later, he jokingly claimed that he should have fainted there and then, so that he could have some days off! Immediately after the accident, we sent him to the hospital where the doctors diagnosed that it was a fracture. Alec then came back and continued the filming. But as he has hurt his hand, we switched to shooting all the non-action scenes."
Ruby Lin: Still the delicate girl...
We managed to find Ruby on our first stop of interview, when the production team camped at the foot of a mountain. That day, she slept in the cool air-conditioned coach as the rest of the cast continued filming under the scorching sun. It is evident that the production team cared a lot for her.
Leo Ku: "They never ostracised me!"
Although Leo Ku looks like a frail scholar, he is definitely brave when it comes to acting. There was one scene when the director arranged for an extra standing near Leo to fall down when in an action scene. However, during the fall, the gun slipped off the extra's hand and hit Leo's leg heavily. Despite the evident pain, Leo continued the filming. Later, as we approached him for an interview, we could see that the leg has swelled to about the size of a big bun. Leo sat on the chair, exhausted, and commented, "I have spent most of the time this year in this serial, but I find it very worthwhile as Auntie Qiong Yao has given me this opportunity to play such an important role. When Auntie Qiong Yao visited us at the filming set, she gave me the thumps up, saying that she was very satisfied with my performance."
Leo Ku then set the record straight regarding the rumours that alleged that Zhao Wei, Ruby and Alec neglected and left him out during the filming. "The four of us get along very well, especially Alec Su, who is my good friend now. In the serial, I have more scenes with the two ladies, and our chemistry has improved as the acting continues. When we learnt of this rumour, the four of us had a good laugh about it. Sometimes, when we have filming breaks, we would mix together; they even learned Cantonese from me. Those rumours are really ridiculous!"
Translated by Jacqueline.
The filming of the show QSSYMM ended on the 16 September. On that very night, the actors and actress drank to thier hearts content, as the next day, they would be seperated from each other, heading towards their own path.
Ruby and Alec headed back for Taiwan the next day to handle preperations for their albums' and portfolios' publicity work. While Vicki has to rush back to Beijing to record her album, and Leo has to head back to Hong Kong. The show QSSYMM is to be an Chinese New Year movie, but Qiong Yau hopes that it could be released during the winter holidays, so that more can catch the show.
The filming span from Summer to Autum, and weather climates have been changing a lot. Its either the actors are in the big hot sun, till they feel giddy or it rains cats and dogs, and the place gets all muddy, causing filming to be postpone.
And these actors suffered skin problems, red dots sprout everywhere on their faces. Alec says to suffer during filming is common, but to endure and give off one's best is a must.
Ruby and Alec finished their filming at 5 am, and could finally catch a good long sleep till the sun set, before attending the gathering session at night. But Vicki and Leo were less lucky, finishing their filming at evening. Though the time these four celebraties spent together a not long, but a strong and lasting friendship emerged.
The film companies have high hopes on this show, but to have it air on November is pretty impossible as it would be rather rushing. It is not worth rushing to air the show after so much hard work has been put in, they find that's not worth it.
Translated by Jacqueline.
A report from China, reporting about the dispute between China and Taiwan. Thus, since Qiong Yau has finished filming her QSSYMM, she decided not to film in China for the time being. She will reconsider her actions before making firm decisions. She is the first Taiwan film company who signs contract with China to have her shows to be filmed there.
There were some misunderstandings, and miscomunication, which led to the dispute. Example was that, Qiong Yau needed a lot of "extra" actors, and China filming company got her 20 actors, but Qiong Yau requried 200 at least! China company blamed Qiong Yau for not stating it clear, but Qiong Yau retorts back saying that she didn't expect things to turn out this way, and it is tough to quote the exact number of people needed! She says that you need to look at the situation in order to decide the number of "extras" needed.
Though there were unhappiness, filming went quite smoothly. Within 5 months, 45 episodes were filmed. Qiong Yau finds the pace going smooth and steady. She finds that even though there was a delay of filming for 10 days, due to the fall Alec had, filming still met its expected requirements, delighting Qiong Yau greatly.
The show revloves round Vicki, Alec, Ruby and Leo greatly, thus they get very little amount of sleep each day. Leo receives about 3 hrs each day, causing his eyes to redden and swell. Qiong Yau's commented " They are the main characters. I can't afford to have my main characters to look so tired and worn out. They must look in their tip top condition."But seeing them in this condition, her heart aches.
The last week before filming ends, something fell and injured Leo's leg, causing it to swell badly that he couldn't even wear his shoes! The pain was unbearable for him, and he screamed out loud. This caused the crew to worry for him if he had fractured his bone, and he was rushed to the hospital. The good news was that the injured area only swelled, no bone was fractured. It would take sometime of the swell to subside, thus Leo could only bear with the pain and carry on filming.
Translated by Jacqueline.
To get the settings for the show QSSYMM, the crew went to Nanjing to film the war scene of the 30s. Actual filming in Nanjing started on 7th of September. This is the period of end Spring to starting of Summer. Reporters flooded the area, flash lights flashed non-stop under the sun. Cameras clicked non-stop.
Qiong Yau says a thanks to all reporters for helping in the publicity, but she says that "exposing" the character of the show does not really help at this point of time, but it will definitely come in handy later. The publicity done now, is to let fans know that their idols are safe and sound.
So what's the difference between the QSSYMM of the 15 yrs ago and now? The setting of the past is more realistic because it is in the 1936, as compared to now, which is constructed. Due to different weather conditions, many clothes and other materials are needed to suit the weather. The costumes cost a bomb. Alec's costumes cost a little fortune. Actress like Vicki and Ruby suffered to fit the traditional costume - Qi Pao. Ruby has to put on 3 kg to have the perfect hour-glass figure, while through the filming process, she has lost a great deal of weight! Both ancient beauties each have their own beauty.
The looks of each character is the hard work of Qiong Yau herself. She is a perfectionist, requiring the looks of her characters to be perfect, thus she dresses her characters up herself. She places high stress on it. Alec's has 6 sets of spectacles, which were meant to be the one of the props / accessories.
Leo Ku, who is required to be a gentleman of good martial arts and knowledge, was, at first, not very good with his kicks and punches. After much traning, this bright and hardworking actor picked up fast, now he is able to throw his punches and high kicks without even to flinch.
Vicki and Ruby are half sisters in the show. Vicki adopts the name as Yi Ping in the show, and was being forced to go to work at the tender age of 19. She endured all kinds of hardship, which led to the growth of hatrate towards her father, who plans to take revenge on him, ever since she went to beg him to take she and her mother in, and was badly beaten. Ruby, on the other hand, lived a life of luxury, being a schooled, well-learned girl, being well brought up, good, obedient girl. The only difference in filming HZGG and QSSYMM is that, her on-screen lover was Zhou Jie in the former show, while now, is Alec in the latter show.
Qiong Yau, hopes that everyone will continue to support this show just like the earlier show she has filmed. A word of thanks to all her supporters out there.