TVB Adds New Contract Clause Restraining Artistes’ Behavior

The clause, which will make its artistes liable for scandal-related financial losses, comes on the back of tightened Chinese media regulations.

Concerned about the image of its artistes, TVB is drafting a clause imposing limits on its artistes’ behavior, which will soon to be added to new contracts. The Hong Kong station’s move is said to be attributed to Chinese authorities’ heightened scrutiny of artiste conduct in recent years – as can be seen from film companies and online mainstream platforms being approached to include a contract clause designed to curb artistes’ misdemeanor.

Rising Trend of TVB-Mainland Collaborations

According to reports, the relevant authorities had to make a promise to ensure that performing artistes shall not be involved in behaviors such as prostitution, gambling, drug use, engaging in divisive speech and encouraging Hong Kong independence. The artistes would have to bear the responsibility for financial losses should their scandals negatively impact the distribution and premier of works. Due to many recent TVB dramas being either Mainland collaborations or having confirmed airing slots in China, it therefore needed to abide by Chinese regulations.

The report also highlighted how many TVB artistes had continuously landed into trouble due to their personal scandals. These included Jacqueline Wong’s (黃心穎) affair with Andy Hui (許志安), which caused the station to lose $100 million Hong Kong dollars. Aside from being dropped from advertising contracts, Jacqueline’s variety program and drama Forensic Heroes <法證先鋒IV > had to be re-shot.

Ashley Chu (朱智賢) and married actor Jackson Lai (黎振燁), who were found cheating together on each other’s partners, were similarly frozen by the station, causing monetary losses of an unspecified amount.

Angering Chinese viewers due to her pro-democracy stance, Best Actress Ali Lee (李佳芯) was dropped from four dramas, public appearances and endorsements.

Nancy Wu to Be Among First Batch of Artistes Afflicted

As TVB wished to put a stop to similar cases, it plans to add a new clause to restrain its artistes’ behavior so as to prevent the company from bearing the brunt of related financial losses. After having consulted with lawyers, the station will draft a new contract with a clause stating that artistes who cause the company to suffer unnecessary financial losses due to their personal behavior and speech, including political views, will have to bear responsibility and also be financially liable.

The report also mentioned that two-time Best Actress Nancy Wu (胡定欣), who is slated to renew her contract with TVB, would be among the first batch of artistes who will be impacted by the new contractual clause. When contacted, Nancy replied that she was not sure about the matter and declined to comment.

Source: HK01