1991: The Era of Hong Kong Dramas

Casting was the job of the assistant director, and Lin Yu-fen was in charge of it.

She was prepared and took out two stacks of actor information from under the table.

One stack was of TVB's own artists, and the other stack was of artists with whom they had a collaborative relationship; they were neatly stacked in the middle of the table.

"Here's the artist database. When we select actors, we prioritize those already employed by the station. If they're not available at the station, we look elsewhere, since it's cheaper!"

This is a well-worn topic, and everyone else knows it like the back of their hand. This was mainly said to Huo Sheng.

"Then let's first determine the actor for Ting Hai. If he plays the role well, the play will be half done."

When Wai Ka-fai brought up this topic, he suddenly sighed, "I had already planned in my mind to cast Alex Man in this role, but the artist department told me that Mr. Shaw would not allow him to take on any more roles."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

When filming "The Big Family" in August this year, producer Lee Tim-shing compressed the 40-episode storyline into a 25-day production period, with actors working more than 18 hours a day, forcing them to sleep on the set floor.

After working late into the night, dealing with incoherent lines and double-shot shots, Alex Man finally lost his temper. He wore a white T-shirt with the words "Praying for a break from the script" written in red paint and paraded around TVB City, making it known throughout Hong Kong.

Finally, Li Tiansheng adjusted the schedule, and the matter was considered closed.

Although the whole affair ended with TVB's compromise, in reality, they were no longer able to cast Alex Man in any more productions.

In short, it's been banned.

Therefore, the role of Ting Hai is very difficult to choose.

Liu Yufen asked, "Producer Wai, what kind of character do you think Ting Hai should be? Let's look for more together."

"First, you need to be physically strong so you can create a sense of pressure when acting opposite someone."

Wai Ka-fai held up three fingers, "Secondly, you have to look fierce, to make people feel scared;

Third, the acting skills must be superb. Ding Hai is inherently insecure and obsessive, so we need to portray that kind of madness. Ordinary actors definitely won't do; we need to look to actors known for their acting prowess.

"Isn't that just a vicious, ruthless villain?"

Lin Yufen flipped through the documents and asked, "How about Simon Yam?"

"He's not suitable."

Wei Jiahui shook his head.

"And Xu Jinjiang? He's quite imposing."

Yuan Yingming asked.

"Hmm, Xu Jinjiang is tall and muscular, which is somewhat in line with that description, but not quite enough..."

Wai Ka-fai was stuck there, unsure where that mysterious sense of difference came from, and turned to ask, "Ah Sheng, you created Ding Hai, tell me your opinion."

Huo Sheng sat quietly to the side, listening to their roundabout way of speaking. Only when prompted did he pretend to think before slowly saying, "I agree with your opinion on physique and eyes. As for looks, I think it's best to find someone with a decent appearance!"

"upright?"

Yuan Yingming was a little puzzled, "Ding Hai is so rotten he's practically dripping with grease, how come he's considered upright?"

"Think about it, is Ting Hai the kind of person who looks like a bad guy?"

Huo Sheng said unhurriedly, "On the contrary, he even deceived himself, thinking that he was loyal, sentimental, and that he was right in everything he said and did."

Would someone like that be considered a bad person?

Wai Ka-fai seemed thoughtful, made a note in his notebook, and asked, "Anything else?"

"If we really cast Elvis Tsui to play this role, the audience will think he's bad as soon as he appears on screen and won't follow Ting Hai's logic. Then all our subsequent scenes will be wasted."

The audience won't feel a huge sense of contrast when he does those absurd things.

"Hmm, that makes sense!"

"And it's not just about finding someone with a respectable appearance; they also need to be able to portray that kind of naive yet stubborn, crazy yet self-righteous spirit."

"Does he/she have to look innocent yet be ruthless, keeping the audience guessing?"

"Yes, that's right!"

Huo Sheng gently tapped the table. Wei Jiahui, as expected of the top producer, understood immediately.

"Then let's find someone with a respectable appearance, a strong physique, and experienced acting skills."

Wai Ka-fai made his decision, and the four of them started rummaging through things again.

"How is Kent Cheng?"

"He's a bit overweight, lacks strength, and doesn't have the vigor and fighting spirit of a fighter."

"Where's Ray Lui?"

"Please, we're not looking for business elites!"

"That works!"

Lin Yufen pulled out a document: "Tony Leung Ka-fai can definitely capture Ding Hai's madness in the film!"

"Hey, you know what, Tony Leung Ka-fai is really good."

Yuan Yingming echoed.

"Tony Leung Ka-fai is no good."

Wai Ka-fai waved his hand, "He has about ten film contracts this year, how could he have time to act in a TV series?"

"Oh, what about Anthony Wong?"

"It's alright, let's invite them to give it a try!"

"Choose a few more, and select carefully during the audition."

"Can."

The group then began rummaging through the items again.

"Hmm."

Wai Ka-fai turned to a page and stopped, hesitatingly asking, "What do you think of Adam Cheng?"

"Adam Cheng?"

Yuan Yingming paused, hesitatingly saying, "Although Qiu Guan is 180cm tall and his acting skills are not a problem, but..."

"But isn't it a bit too subversive?"

Lin Yufen chimed in, "I simply can't imagine Xiang Shuai acting like a madman, saying he'll repay any kindness he's ever done!"

Wai Ka-fai shook his head: "I think Adam Cheng is absolutely fine playing Ting Hai, the key is whether he would agree to play such a neurotic character."

How will you know if you don't try?

Lin Yufen suggested, "After Adam Cheng's divorce scandal two years ago, his acting opportunities were halved. Now he might want to change course and make a comeback."

"Then I'll go and ask him myself."

Wai Ka-fai sighed, "I anticipated that Ting Hai would be hard to find, but I didn't expect it to be this difficult!"

"Ugh!"

The four were helpless.

"Let's put the Ding Xie thing aside for now. Next up is the male lead, Fang Zhanbo. Does anyone have any recommendations?" Lin Yufen asked.

Hong Kong is a society that values ​​personal connections. When people work in the same industry, it's inevitable that they'll form friendships. Under equal conditions, it's common practice to look out for those with connections. If a friend in the production team wants to act, everyone is happy to oblige, as long as it's suitable.

Huo Sheng had already made a promise, so he naturally wouldn't evade the fare. He frankly said, "I have a recommended candidate."

"Oh?"

Wai Ka-fai smiled and said, "You mean Ching-wan, right?"

"Yes," Huo Sheng said seriously, "Fang Zhanbo is a very complex character. He is decadent and numb in the early stages, but becomes stoic and decisive in the later stages. He is very similar to the common people in Liu Qingyun. Even if I don't know Liu Qingyun, I would think he is a suitable candidate."

Wai Ka-fai nodded. "I agree. Ching Wan meets the requirements in both appearance and acting skills, so I'm quite reassured."

Since the producer and main creators have said so, the other two naturally won't object.

Lin Yufen made a note on the paper and smiled, "Then I'll notify Liu Qingyun to come for the audition."

However, the audition for the lead role couldn't be done with just one person, so Lin Yufen discussed it with the two of them and quickly decided on Lin Baoyi and Guo Jinan as backup candidates.

As for who will play Fong Chin-bo in the end, and what the criteria are, there is absolutely no openness or fairness involved, but that's how it is.