JUNE 12, 2004
HONOURABLE GUEST ANGIE CHAI AND KEN CHU
AT SINA ENTERTAINMENT NET INTERVIEW
Source: http://www.sina.com.cn
Reported from Sina Entertainment: Honourable Guests Angie Chai, the famous producer from Taiwan, and idol actor Ken Chu joined us here at Sina Chat room, sharing with us their filming experience and details behind the scene in making of idol series “City of Sky”.
Host: Good afternoon everyone. We are glad to have two honourable gusts with us today. One is the famous producer from Taiwan Ms. Angie Chai. The other one is the handsome idol Ken Chu. We are glad that they can join us today meeting web friends at this chat room. First of all, Angie, can you please refresh us with a little update lately?
Angie: Hello everyone online at Sina Here is Angie, how are you?
Ken: Hello everyone, here is Ken. How are you?
Host: Who is your partner on this project?
Angie: This production is a joint venture with CCTV, filming in Beijing, Tokyo and Xi Shuang Ban Na. The theme focuses on a photographer played by Ken Chu. The story flows through his job venture and romance to regain a primitive self-esteem. We have incorporated the environmental protection valves and beliefs into the story. Hopefully the importance of environmental protection can reach out through this story.
Host: A lot of people concerned about Ken’s appointment as the Ambassador for Environmental Protection Campaign. Many artists have taken part in this but not that many of them being appointed as Ambassador.
Angie: None had been chosen from foreigners. He is the only one.
Ken: I’m glad that I have the honour to be appointed this time. I hope I am able to make my contribution back to the audience, such as some proper knowledge, values and beliefs. I think everyone is in relation to environmental protection. Especially living in this modern society, information is overwhelmed. A lot of people no longer pay attention to the environment. No matter how good is your life, how much information you gather, without a good environment, everything is in vain. Nowadays, with such an enormous consumption, will our next generation be able to see these later? I will be so upset if they can’t be seen. So I’m willing to take the lead on this issue.
Online question: Have Ken get a chance to watch the new US showcase movie “The Day after Tomorrow”?
Ken: No..not yet. What is it about?
Angie: The movie talks about people’s ignorance on environmental changes, resulted a disaster in the United States. Earth entered into Ice stage. When climate altered due to lost of forest and severe pollution, it becomes a vital issue. The leading actor assisted everyone to survive through this disaster.
Host: Wow…That sounds great. Ken do you want to go right the way?
Ken: Of course!
Angie: It’s a great movie. There is a scene, which convey a special insight. In the final scene, all people were trapped in a library. It was very cold. Everyone was so afraid that they would be frozen to death. They started burning books in the library. There was a script saying that books are very important, even those read in our daily life. They relied on these books as resources to rescuer the wounded in this disaster. These books became their survival tools. There was a very interesting part. A librarian had an ancient first print Bible, which he insisted couldn’t be burned. This movie is amazing and is very meaningful.
Host: When human civilization came to an end, people lost track of this history, at least a small trace can be preserved. Ken, what kind of movie do you like?
Ken: I did not watch that many commercial movies in recent years. A while ago, I explored something that is less commercial, such as pieces from Hei Ze Ming and Stanley Cooper. When you are in this field for certain periods of time, you lost the interest. So I would like to look for some in-depth productions.
Host: Have you ever recommend any good movies to your fans?
Ken: No. I found “The American Space Odyssy” is not bad, because he (the director) handled it in a special way…like at the first scene men were still in their primitive life. The next screen turned right to a space ship. That is very interesting. However, I got to warn you, you might fall asleep watching it.
Host: How long is the movie?
Ken: Pretty long but full of insights.
Host: I think people online will spread this news, everyone will go to watch this movie.
Angie: Not necessary, that depends..
Host: Some friends online said that Ms. Chai is beautiful. Your comment or description about “The day after tomorrow” is really professional.
Feedback from web: Ken looks so handsome even when you’re drinking water. Your shirt is looks great, too.
Ken: This one I bought while traveling by myself. It’s not a brand name piece.
Angie: Around…RMB$50.
Host: Where did you buy it?
Ken: From Thailand.
Host: I though you made it.
Ken: No..I’m not that handy.
Online question: How long have you filmed this series?
Ken: About 2 to 3 weeks, timing varies from project to project. However, this is my first time filming TV series in Mainland China. Besides, I take up a relative heavy part of it, so I’m under pressure. Nevertheless, this is good to me. In the past, when I’m off screen, I rather went to sleep or take a walk. Different from what I used to be, now, when I’m off screen, I would rather get along with my colleagues, talking to them, getting to know their ways of handling things, seeking comments, etc.
Host: That is Ken’s viewpoint. How about you, Angie?
Angie: In regards of production, this is a difficult task. Our company used to make our own production. Now this time, we have various actors and actresses coming all over the places, like Singapore, Taiwan and Mainland China. We even have a director who came back from Japan. Given the diversity in cultures and backgrounds, gathering them, working for a mutual understanding, all these take time. Since this will be a local (Mainland) production, it will focus on Mainland. We provide assistance in arts, music, packaging strategies, etc. All of us will have a lot of inputs. Ken gives me a surprise. When he was at home, he did not pay too much attention. But this time in Mainland, he became mature. He well managed many things, from which he gained respects from the crew. Local crewmembers get along with him pleasantly. Sometimes I said he is working too hard but he said no. He respects every colleague and willing to establish a cheerful working environment. I tease him that he is my vice producer. With him, I got no worries. Whether this movie will be good or not, being a producer, I’m glad to see an artist’s improvement.
Host: I think a lot of people like F4. They found they become more mature and more charming. However, they all have their own supporters. There are too many people online in this chat room. I am unable to raise all your questions at once. I will try my best to summarize your ideas in a question.
Online question: Angie and Ken, can you please tell use how you define success?
Ken: From my viewpoint, success is not a matter of how many people adore you, how many people admire you. It is how you see yourself, a way of self-evaluation. Have you been proud of yourself? I’m such a person, who strictly follows my principles and values. Put it in other words, say, I have to accomplish a task. I have tried my best while uphold my principles. When it is done, that rewarded me with the biggest sense of accomplishment.
Angie: I used to work on variety shows, because of Meator Garden, I started my own company. Actually, I don’t enjoy being a boss. I prefer teamwork. I would rather do some creative work. After the success of Meator Garden, I was so confused for one or two years. What was that for, giving up my time, my health and my family life. I am not that materialistic, nor seeking for high reputation. In a way, I am already well known in Taiwan. What am I pursuing for? Until one day, I received a letter from a six-year-old parent. The child suffered learning disorder but he started remember names, started to sing songs after watching Meator Garden. The parent was so thankful for our production which open-up a channel for them to communicate with the son. After I read this appreciation card, the first impression that touches me is, through TV as a channel, we are conveying some messages. We communicate with strangers through television. It is irrelevant to market rating of my product. The key is what I want to convey to my audience and other strangers. Even though one day, there is only one audience. I believe he or she is able to get my message and turn out to change his or her life, even the world. This will be my joy. My success is not how it appears, it’s the satisfaction deep down in my heart. That is what I called success.
Host: Friends online reminded that one has to face more trouble and worries after success. Is that the case?
Angie: This depends on how you perceive it. In fact it was tough to both F4 and myself. Popularity came instantly to them right after their first movie. They did not know how to confront with their job and the environment. I believe they suffered a lot at that time. It’s just like it was the first time one became the top of the class in an exam. You have to bear the stress and start worry whether you can keep your priority. However, when I talked to Ken lately, we gradually noted that from an academic point of view, it is fun on the process, but don’t aimed at ranking. That is the primitive intention for learning. I wanted to renew my perception. I think through these recent talks with Ken, I can see his growth and improvement coming deep down, such as some of his viewpoints. He slowly learned to release his stress and be relaxed, turning it into motives for improvement.
Host: That sounds a bit too serious. Actually, there are many ways to release stress, such as having good food. Those online raised so many questions about this, let’s summarized it. One asked Ken, have you cooked any dishes these few days in Beijing and invited your colleagues to have a trial?
Ken: Well…this time they have arranged a place with a kitchen for me. So I brought some utensils. When I’m free from filming, I cook myself. However, I realized that there are actually numerous varieties available in Beijing. I have just finished my part in Beijing and planned to find a good place for a good treat.
Angie: I love “Water boiled fish”.
Host: Angie likes spicy food?
Angie: Yes, so is Ken. I will bring him to have a trail.
Ken: Every time I come here, I don’t get a chance to go out. Sometimes I don’t even know what those shops look like, or the streets. Then they came back telling me how delicious “Water boiled fish” tasted. I start wondering what is “Water boiled fish”. They tried to describe it but I wish they can bring me next time. However, everyone just blamed that it’s too much trouble to take me around.
Host: Yeah…because people are not coming for the fish but staring at you. You may have to take the fish with you or hide in a corner.
Host: Angie, how do you feel about Ken’s cooking?
Angie: He used to work in a barbecue restaurant. He told me a lot of different cooking techniques. He did cook something for us in these few days and it taste so delicious.
Host: Well…we better stopped from here, else we will became more and more hungry.
Online question: Ken, you mentioned that if you had a time machine, you would like to go back to 10 years ago without hesitation.
Ken: Yes, I still do. You see, each person has only one life. If there is a time machine which can brings you back to its starting point. That must be very interesting.
Host: In that case, you can’t be Xi Men.
Ken: It doesn’t mater.
Host: If you haven’t been Xi Men, a lot of fans won’t get to know you.
Ken: Not necessary. If I don’t play Xi Men, I have other choices.
Angie: Sometimes different ways lead to the same destiny. If he was to be a chef, most likely that he will still be an artist. You can never tell.
Ken: Probably, if I were a chef, perhaps my fans will be my customers.
Angie: Yeah…Even though being a chef, you still become so popular, may still be approached just like it is now. (When Ken heard that while drinking his water, he almost throw out)
Host: Yes, he may be the host of a cookery program, may be the owner of a food processing company?
Angie: That is the most amazing part of life. It doesn’t have a second chance, so we have to sincerely hold on to every minute, every second.
Online: Ken, with your passion on music, will you spend all your earnings on it?
Ken: No, because no matter what you do, don’t be rigid. I like music. I like making music. However, you won’t accomplish anything if you are too rigid. It is not objective to spend all your earnings in the same way from which it came. When you lost your objective judgment, the end-product may not be easily accepted by the others.
Host: You two will be the best person who know well with the other three. There is a question. We have talked about dreams, music, cooking. How about the other three? What are their choices?
Angie: Each person has to go through different stages. For Vic, a good sleep and a good rest may be his prime priority a month ago. This is hard to answer. I do notice one thing in common among them. They all strive to do their best despite their own preferences.
Host: They keep asking if you don’t do this, if you don’t do that. Actually, I think they only concern one question, that is, if you were not an artist, will you be her boy friend.
Ken: That relies on fate. You can’t say that, if I’m an artist, it would be impossible to be your boy friend. You still have to see if you have a chance to meet, right?
Angie: That is extreme tempting !!
Host: Definitely.
Online question: Ken, one day when you leave this field, will you take up photography?
Host: Will you be a photographer?
Ken: It hard to say. I don’t think it’s possible at present, or in future. Perhaps I may tend to seek work opportunities on production behind the scene.
Angie: He mentioned he would be my producer. He would like to be the director of my movies.
Ken: Yes…target on her.
Host: Any plans?
Ken: Yes..Let’s film a romance about a metropolitan girl, struggling in between fantasy and reality. Angie seems to be the best fit for this role.
Host: Would it be a tragedy or a comedy?
Ken: It all depends on the plot.
Angie: I think it’s difficult to define what is tragedy, what is comedy through difference stage of life. We usually say that the prince and the princess lived happily ever after. But, may be they end-up with quarrels and fights after wedding. Then would it be a tragedy or a comedy? The best part of life is it endowed both of them. You got to pass through all of them, sorrow and joy. Tragedy or comedy is not my concern. It is a matter of creativity whether Ken’s design will guide it as a tragedy or comedy.
Ken: Incompleteness is another beauty.
Ken: I have just set in my mind that I will let her meet seven men.
Angie: So that is the benefit rewarded to an agent?
Host: That sounds great. When will it start?
Ken: That rest on Angie’s hand whether she is willing to do so.
Angie: Hey…I’m a picky person. (All burst into laugh ~~)
Online question: I find Ken has a scent of gipsy. How do you define family?
Ken: Indeed I am all by myself for these years. Coming back to Taiwan from Singapore, I maintained a mild but sturdy relationship with my family. For years when I arrive home the moment I open the doors, I wish there is someone waiting for me with welcome arms. She will listen to me, sharing what has happened in a day. Now, I only have my pets. Hopefully, I can find that person to walk with me soon.
Host: Perhaps you have been asked million times. What type of person would you expect?
Ken: For that, I can’t predetermine it. It’s fate. It is not the case that I want that person and that person will be with me. Even the two get together, it may not fit for one and the other. You got to meet, to explore your feeling. You won’t realize it until that special feeling awake or when she turns you up.
Host: You never come across like, when you arrived home feeling so lonely, then you fell asleep and that dream face appeared in your mind?
Ken: No. If I fell asleep, my cats will come to me. They will jump up to me and be my companion.
Host: There is a joke saying that women from a country conquer the world by cosmetic surgery.
Angie: Why a country? Why don’t you name it. Everyone knows it’s Korean actresses. They did not deny.
Ken: I found its part of their culture.
Angie: In respect to artists, taking cosmetic surgery can also be considered as one type of professional conduct.
Ken: True.
Angie: You make yourself to be more beautiful, looks better in front of the camera. That doesn’t contradict to anything or break any rules.
Ken: I think cosmetic surgery is to give yourself a better look, to enhance your self-confidence. It is much better than sit still doing nothing and getting fat. It is much better than being lazy, right?
Angie: You can perceive cosmetic surgery as a maintenance process, just like trimming your eyebrow.
Host: When I interview the other artists, a lot of people object to cosmetic surgery. I don’t know what will be your opinion. You may voice out you comments.
Ken: Basically, I have no bias over either side as we won’t go for it. If it is a must for you, go ahead, as long as that makes you happy.
Angie: Artist talked a lot about this. Personally, I think you should start with proper studies, evaluate the risk. Most importantly, you should ask yourself what is your main purpose for doing it. For an artist, he or she has to face the camera. It is not solely to please the audience, but to refresh and improve his or her beauty. Then this will not be a big case. If that just makes you looks better, gives you more confidence while brings you no harm. Go for it. You should face it with a proper attitude.
Ken: How come we end up on this subject?
Angie: Yeah…We are not going to take it anyway.
Host: I wonder if Ken is able to let us know how his dream girl looks like. Many fans might go for cosmetic surgery to shape herself into that image. It meant to be a joke whereas it carried on once we started.
Angie: I don’t think so. You see he is a kind of person that prefers natural. He definitely won’t encourage his girl friend to take cosmetic surgery.
Ken: Appearance is not the key. It’s here that counts (pointing to his heart)
Online question: What have you send for Vic’s birthday?
Ken: Nothing this year as we all have everything. Just send him my blessings, “Happy birthday”.
Host: How about a birthday cake?
Ken: I’m here and he is over there. How?
Host: How about this way, through telephone, you told him to take a piece of cake. Throw it right onto his face and treat it as gift from you.
Ken: I don’t think Vic will treat me this way.
Host: We talked a lot. Let’s go back to “City of Sky”. When will promotion start? Will it be a nationwide promotional campaign?
Angie: Nationwide…you mean a broad media conference? It may not be a nationwide event. I presume it will have a formal media conference before it launches.
Host: I think there are a lot of chances for you both running around different cities in between filming and promotional events.
Ken: Let’s see…
Host: One keep on asking what type of promotion scheduled across the nation. In regards to this series, lots of questions concerned about the actors. How do you feel about Lee Bin Bin? That included other actresses.
Ken: Sorry…may I be excused to washroom? (a bit embarrassed)
Host: Oo..Now? Of course, if it is that urgent.
Ken: Indeed, it’s quite urgent. Pardon me !! (He rushed out then)
Host: One of our guests has gone to the washroom and soon he will be back. Because of your kind compliment, telling him how appealing he looks drinking water. Hence he drink non-stop. Now he can’t help to be away to the washroom.
Host: Angie, is the crew heading to Xi Shuang Ban Na soon?
Angie: We are still setting the schedule. I think it will take off to Xi Shuang Ban Na shortly afterwards. We know a lot of fans support Ken. Safety is our main concern. We worried that fans will follow our crew. Basically, we don’t want to be disturbed during filming. If there will be a face-to-face event, we welcome fans to come over. Please do understand that it’s hard for us to hold responsible for their safety if they follow us.
Host: It is a game of hide-and-seek between the idol and fans.
Angie: Actually, Ken wants his fans to support him in a proper way, with the right attitude. Sometimes there are a lot of fans waiting at our company, even until midnight. I asked them why don’t you go home? Do your family worried about you? After all, it is a safety measure. There are so many ways to show your support. Sometimes we also worried about fans. We are going to Xi Shuang Ban Na. Though that is a safe place, one should be conscious about safety traveling aboard.
Online questions: I like “Xiao Yao”. I believe that the story of Xi Men and Xiao Yao has not ended. Will they continue to finish it?
Angie: Possible…Let’s see your request. If you really want to see them, we can tailor-made this story. (Ken come back to his seat.)
Ken: Incompleteness is also a beauty. A perfect ending may not be the best. (He gripped his bottle and started drinking his water again.)
Host: Every fan has his or her own idea. They may bring it up, just like now, they raise them online. The others will rush to see it themselves. It is a way to express their love. Numerous ways but you should find out the best. The one that can protect your idol and cause brings no chaos.
Angie: That remains a safety issue.
Host: Ken, do you have a solid means to communicate with your fans?
Ken: We are right in one of it. I am here. What I convey is real and solid. This is the best communication channel, right now. You raise your question directly, I replied directly.
Online questions: Angie, if there is a good script, will F4 still be your first choice? Or you will look for someone new?
Angie: When we explore mainland market, we met so many potential new faces who will have good outlook. I am looking forward to run into some new faces with good potentials so as to make a new idol drama.
Online question: Ken, what type of sport do you like?
Ken: Yoga and diving.
Host: Yoga and diving, Any special techniques for them? When did you start?
Ken: I got my diving license the year before. When I am free, I like to go diving in southern Taiwan. Yoga is recommended by a friend. It helps a lot. Because of my career, I got so sick two years ago. Imagine you got burnt out shortly over two years. It was extremely exhausted, resulted a total collapse. Not until such time I realize how important to take care of my health.
Online question: European cup will be on soon. Do you like football?
Ken: I was a goalkeeper when I was at primary school in Singapore. Our class even got the champion. Eventually, when I came back, I seldom have the same chance.
Online question: I’m aware that it’s so tough to be an artist. We do understand that it is a tiring job. Speaking of Yoga, do you just sit there doing nothing? That will easily put you to sleep.
Ken: In fact, don’t think of anything at all is very difficult. Yoga is a kind of sport similar to gymnastic, stretching and stimulate metabolism. It’s a comfort.
Host: More and more people take up this, especially for artist.
Online question: How do you master the role in “City of Sky”? Have the director give you any guidelines? In what way you and your role are in common?
Ken: A lot. He is rigid with his principles. He doesn’t care about others acceptance on his insistence. He embraces his girl in his heart even she has vanished and has lost contact completely. He even changes his life. That looks very much like me. I’m also keen on holding my love and principles.
Online question: From my viewpoint, freedom to an artist is so limited. They don’t have much privacy. When you run into this situation, how do you adapt it?
Angie: Freedom is from your heart. When you accepted your identity as an artist, not altered by outer factors, you’ve got your freedom. Then I will feel relaxed. On the other hand, there are room for improvement, given by his fans and supporters. If you were an artist, you walk by the street. I will be happy to see you. May be I will come to say “hi “and leave you in peace. Others may ask you, “Hey Ken, sign me an autograph, let’s take a photo”. Under such circumstance, you may be embarrassed. You may feel you have lost your freedom. If everyone respects each other, there will be more freedom.
Ken: It happed once while I was in the change-room of a gym. Someone came up to me for my autograph. I was in my underwear and was so embarrassed. Should I sign or shouldn’t I? None the less I did sign first.
Angie: When I was in Japan filming “Mars”, I went for a spa. You know those have to be naked. Japanese fans are with good manner. They came to say “Hi! Angie”. Then I took a smile and turn around right the way. Even that embarrassed me.
Host: Right…that is pretty embarrassing, even it is just a greeting.
Angie: Exactly, I turned away quickly…Ha…
Host: They said you should a
pretty please!!! and please sign up too! thanks! make me your neofriend: takenorange! thanks
