Since acting in hit drama, Scarlet Heart <步步驚心>, Kevin Cheng’s popularity in China skyrockets and commands an extremely high filming fee. Kevin’s immerse popularity also comes with much criticisms.
Recently, the TVB actor was blasted by Hong Kong director Lee Lik Chi for not being good enough to command a high remuneration in China. Kevin did not refute Director Lee’s statement but said that he had declined his drama after reading his script.
Asked if the TV King title had increased his market value, Kevin admitted, “Yes, I have to thank the viewers for the recognition”. Kevin declined to comment if he was worth 300,000 yuan per episode now. However, reports revealed that his salary had skyrocketed to 500,000 yuan per episode already!
The 43-year-old actor revealed his bigger ambition, that is to become a producer. Kevin has opened his production studio in China and plans to produce his own dramas.
“Now that I am studying the script that I realise that script writing is a very complicated matter. I have changed the script over and over again. The script has evolved into many versions and I am currently selecting it”.
Asked if the investment came from his own pocket or if he merely lend his reputation, Kevin said, “I invested real money in it. I have confidence in my production studio. Based on the current situation, the risk is almost zero. I hope to have a win-win situation, that is to win on word-of-mouth and to win on ratings”.
Kevin also shared that the main bulk of the production fees came from the actors’ remuneration. “I have no choice but to play on my friendship card. I request them to accept a friendship rate. I have to return the favour to them in future”. Kevin’s new drama will comprise a set of Chinese and Hong Kong actors.
Besides juggling with the roles of actor and producer, Kevin has plans to launch his music album too. He is now recording the songs and is expected to launch the album before the end of this year.
Does he have time for dating then?
“I also wish but I have not met any suitable woman now. I hope to have one or two children after I get married too”.
Source: ihktv
This article is written for Asianpopnews.com. Reproduction or reposting this article on other websites is strictly prohibited.