Raising the bar

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Source: StarTwo
Credits: SETO KIT YAN @ Star-ecentral

Hong Kong actress Anne Heung is always on the lookout for challenges, where roles are concerned.

Pretty Hong Kong actress Anne Heung Hoi Lan enjoys portraying villains.
“I think the most difficult roles are those depicting good people because they usually don’t have too many outstanding characteristics. “If, in the show, you are the nicest person, or the most victimised or the most self-sacrificing, or if you’re the one who helps just about anybody else, then there is nothing special. “But if you are playing a villain, it is much easier. For instance, you can use your eyes or certain gestures for expression. Or perhaps, the character can have some prominent characteristics you can convey,” Heung said.

The 168cm-tall actress was in town recently to promote the TVB titles to be shown on Ntv7. Seen recently in TVB serial Fathers and Sons (Ba Ba Bai Ngai), which has just ended its run in Hong Kong, Heung is now busy filming another series. “I’m now shooting a new drama called Gin Juk Yau Ching Tin(which loosely translates as Construction of Love). In this show, there are actors like Alex Fong Chung Sun, Ng Wing Mei and Yeung Yee. It’s quite a lot of fun. “I play a real estate developer. I’m supposed to appear very strong and imposing. But my character is one who values friendship. “When it comes to work matters, it’s non-negotiable. My character takes charge, so it’s her way or the highway. Hence, I feel it’s quite fascinating, because I have never tried a role like this before.” Her notable TVB drama performances include The Legend of Lady Yang (Yeung Gwai Fei), Love Is Beautiful (Mou Tau Doong Goong) and The Charm Beneath (Yin Zi Sui Fan). Having acted in so many dramas, Heung is still striving to be better. “Actually, I don’t let myself be satisfied. If I did, then I wouldn’t leave myself any room for improvement. “The serials I especially like are Love is Beautiful, The Legend of Lady Yang and The Charm Beneath. “I am quite happy with all these dramas because the roles I played have been very memorable. Since my debut, audiences still remember me for those roles. They say to me, ‘Oh, you are that Yeung Gwai Fei!’ or ‘You are that baddie in Mo Tau Doong Goong.’” Unlike other actresses, such as Charmaine Sheh, who have gone on to win awards, Heung, is more concerned about the recognition she gets from the audience. “As actors, we hope to play unusual characters. Getting accolades is greatly encouraging. But, if you ask me whether it is the most important, then I’ll say it is not. “Getting interesting roles that we can act out well really helps. Then, we can get into character easily and enjoy the whole process.” While others may use gossip for self-promotion or to promote their shows, Heung is decidedly low-key. “Personally, I stay away from the media, as much as I can.” While many actors seek to make the transition from TV to the silver screen, Heung is looking to try her hand at theatre. “Apart from movies, I’d like to try theatre because it is quite a challenge. For TV, we shoot scenes separately, and if things don’t go right, then we can always reshoot. “But when it comes to stage shows, you have to deliver the whole play from start to finish in one session to a live audience. There’s also the sensation of performing live. “And while working with your co-stars, there are a lot of details to look into. You have to be spontaneous and learn to ad lib. This, I find very exciting.” Since 1999, the former Miss Hong Kong has acted in over 25 TVB serials and hosted more than 10 TV shows. Having collaborated with so many actors, she muses about her chemistry with them. “Actually, there’s a different kind of chemistry with different people. “In the most recent Fathers and Sons with Bobby Au-Yeung, I didn’t have that many scenes, but because I’m quite familiar with Bobby, it felt quite romantic from the start. “In Best Bet (Ying Cai Jip Fook), I started out with Tse Tin Wah, then ended up being with Lai Yiu Cheung. “I had a very good connection with Cheung Chai (Lai), as he is a very good actor. So, in the end, when the characters of Tin Wah and Cheung Chai were about to be beheaded, I cried even before the director got the cameras rolling. So, I guess every collaboration results in a different sort of chemistry.” In Fathers and Sons, Heung plays a woman who does not want to get married. Heung, however, does not have similar inclinations. “I’m actually quite traditional and family-oriented. I think one must get married and bear children.

“As for finding Mr Right, I will leave that to fate,” she said.

[cheer4]

it's true that anne does stay away from the media for the most part. I think she's gorgeous but her acting is only alright. maybe it has improved in recent years...but i haven't really seen her in much

[Anonymous]

used to hate her after watching DIF4.. but after so many other series.. not to hate her tat much now..lool