Gallen Harbour

Read this article in Vietnamese

Source: Express News Weekly (p 40, 41), 06/18/2007
Special thanks to myoliewu.org for the scanned article

The “headhunt” battle between ATV and TVB came to an end regarding Gallen Lo, when TVB resorted to a 10-million silver bullet.

Since Lo’s departure back in 2003, TVB has immediately and heavily promoted many of its male newcomers. Meanwhile Gallen, with the reputation of TVB’s “Yat-Gor” (first brother) and 3 “My Favorite Actor” awards under his belt, relaxed and entered the rank of multi-millionaires of the entertainment business with Mainland TV deals averaging at 100000 yuan per episode. Soon enough money began losing its attractive grip “My son often asks his mother “Where’s Daddy?”. My wife would try to explain that Daddy is away for work, but my son is not old enough to be able to comprehend (the importance of working). So if the script is good, then I’d be willing to go back to Hong Kong. This way I could both work and care for my family.”

ATV headhunt has been rumored to start when ATV’s new CEO, Ho Ting Kwan, entered his office a few months back. Gallen Lo was on the rumored list of targets. “We have contacts“, admitted Gallen “but all will depend on the script before anything could be settled.” ATV even delayed and rescheduled shooting times for a few projects, seemingly awaited Gallen’s decision. It was at this point that TVB resorted to a “silver bullet” offense, an offer of 10 million for 3 TV series. According to a source closed to the parties “This is a very sincere and generous offer from TVB as they actually consider to match Gallen’s current earning in Mainland. They talked and in less than a week, a contract was successfully signed.“

So as the son is back to his dear home, TVB quickly arranges for the first series of the three, a 20-episode light romantic comedy “When Dogs Love Cats”, to be filmed. It is expected for shooting to officially start this coming August. Joining Gallen in this series will be Myolie Wu and Lui Fong. Reportedly, “When Dogs Love Cats” will be followed by a 60-episode drama on family, tragedy and triumph where the plot “refers” to the classic “At the Threshold of an Era” (TVB, 1999-2000). Once again, the (HK) audience can enjoy Lo Ka’s acting.

::: Mimosa :::

Mimosa’s thought: While I’m very glad to know I maybe able to see Gallen in TVB’s series again, I also see what awaits Gallen in HK: paparazzi, rumors, and much less (if any) opportunity for valuable historical drama such as Great Navigation (Zheng He). But of course one has to balance work and family… This article seems to focus solely on the money aspect. I personally think Gallen’s decisions (both to leave and to rejoin TVB) are influenced by many more relevant factors - career objective being one, and family being another. He left in 2003 with clear goal in mind and now come back home having it proudly achieved. Historical drama? Checked! Popularity? Checked (even with an award to further solidify it). Money? Of course, checked! It’s time for family, naturally…