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Contributed By: Tud Translated By: C Monster TV Week Issue No. 1456 May 11-19 Maggie Siu Mei Kay : Who Says I Don't Have Aspirations? Maggie Siu: Awards are Most Important Lower Caption: Maggie always wanted to receive recognition in her work in films. It wouldn't matter to her if it was an award in the female supporting character category first rather than in the best actress category. For many small screen actors, making 'gu-jong' (ancient costumes) serials is hard grueling work. So much so that many refuse to even make them completely. However, there are no absolutes in life. There are always a few who do come to love making 'gu-jong.' One such person, who has just finished a role in 'Bao Ching Tien - Ka Fu Pak' (Justice Bao - Fake Tiger Amulet), is Maggie Siu. Why does Maggie love making 'gu-jong' serials? Many Good Points to 'Gu-Jong' She sighed and replied, "Making 'gu-jong' serials is simple and convenient. The process is slower, but it helps build more depth and feelings between characters. Since there's no rush, I have more time to prepare. Making modern serials is totally different. Things happen so fast that sometimes I don't even have time to go to the restroom or have a chance to discuss with other actors about certain scenes together. You change clothing so often in modern serials. For example you have a day with 10 scenes, you might have to change a few times per scene. The distance from the dressing room to the set is far. Each time you change, it could take five to ten minutes. That can get very tiring. If it's during the winter, it's easy to get sick running out from the soundstage into the bitter cold. In comparison, changing costumes in 'gu-jong' serials are a lot less. Also, you're not very active making modern serials, whereas in 'gu-jong' with the fighting sequences, you get to exercise and become healthier." "Another thing in 'gu-jong' is that you only have to wear a hairnet and you're done. While in modern, you might have to perm or dye your hair. Money is not a problem, but it does damage your hair. It's easier to get into character in ancient series, because after the makeup is on you actually turn into a completely different person. Whereas in modern series, many times you don't even know if you're playing yourself, which is the natural inclination. But if you're sometimes 'Maggie Siu' and sometimes the character in the show, it doesn't connect and can make it harder to push your acting to next level." Such observations have never been heard of by other actors in the business, who generally have said the opposite of what Maggie just commented. For such a unique spin on this, could it be for the fact that Maggie is such a strong and determined individual? However, Maggie disagrees. "Since I've been making 'gu-jong' dramas, many don't think I look the part. Some even said that I don't have the charisma for them. I have heard it all but I don't believe. It's not like I've quit doing. I just want people to approve (of my efforts). Then I will be very satisfied. As long as I get the chance to experiment, even if I'm normally sloppy (in my gestures), once the camera starts rolling, a transformation occurs and my pacing starts to slow down. Until the day comes when a lot of people tell me, 'You really don't look it. Please don't do anymore," then will I consider giving up. It looks like Maggie is determined to keep at it until she wins everyone's approval. Hope she will take this opportunity in "Justice Bao" to win them over. Endeavor for Awards is Her Goal Since signing on to a managing agent, she has been relatively carefree. Everything is planned out by the company. She needs to only concentrate on the work. With less worries, she has become more open and happy and even added some weight. However, that's only a few of the pluses! By signing on to a managing company, she hopes to have better opportunities and plans for the future. As a free agent, Maggie's contract with TVB is due to familial ties (gratitude). Does she have plans to take on the bigger screen in films? Maggie said, "Before, I only wanted to do TV. After the filming of "1992 Black Rose Against Black Rose" was completed and I went back to TV, I found out that there are certain limitations in the small screen. After reaching a certain point, you get stuck playing familiar characters without much change. In movies, the roles are more varied with a chance to learn more. That is one of the major differences between the two media. Also in TV, there is a designated broadcasting time. If it is earlier than 7:30 you won't see it. Whereas in theaters, there are 12:30, 2:30, 9:30, a lot of choices. As for the money, not to reveal my income, I'm not asking for much, just enough to keep up with today's cost of living. I don't want to end up like some older actors who don't even have the money to see a doctor when they're sick." "Then are other reasons besides the money in wanting to be in films?" reporter asked. Maggie honestly replied, "Actually, for what have I been struggling so long? Money I've got. Sometimes a lot. Sometimes a little. Sometimes not at all! The only thing that won't eventually disappear is a medal or a recognition of achievement. The award itself isn't all that important but is necessary since it serves as a report card and a source of praise. In short, my endeavor to get an award is an important goal. Maybe I might be eighty by the time I even get one. However, to be able to act in some good roles along the way -- because I really do love acting and enjoy the entire process -- and be like some actors who get a life-time achievement award for all their efforts, that won't be so bad! At least it's a worthy tribute. However, I wouldn't want one after I die. That would be totally worthless since I wouldn't even know about it then." "Maybe it's because I don't get them too often. When I get one, it always gives a me a great sense of satisfaction. Besides the Golden Stature Award for Best Actress, the Best Supporting Actress would be fine. Even one in the most popular television actor category or a recognition award for 10 years of service, that's fine too. But, I've got those kind of awards already, so I won't necessary be as joyful. I would like to reach a point where I'm totally speechless. Now that is a feeling I want to try." Endeavor for a Best Supporting Actress Award "Do you have any other goals in life?" asked the reporter, "I don't believe you're the only one who wants awards." Maggie without much reflection replied, "I agree. Before I lost a lot of experimental opportunities. Now I hope to strive for more chances to act. To achieve my goal would require the general public's belief and approval and not the decision of ten judges." "Is the public's approval more important then the award?" "Of course. If I can have the public's approval plus the award, that would be even better. Also, it must be a strong competition where I beat out the other strong actors and win. That would make me even more ecstatic. Even if I don't win, just to be nominated with them, I would be happy. If I were to lose, I want to lose with glory and approbation." Wonder if Maggie desires to make a make a 'gu-jong' film that might get her an award? Maggie laughed and said, "Never thought of it. Too difficult. It's impossible. I just want to take things one step at a time. First goal is the Best Supporting Actress." Actually, Maggie's original first goal was for the Best Newcomer. She may be new to the movie industry, but she has been in films before, so that became out of the question. This doesn't mean that she doesn't have ambition. Just that she wants to take things steadily, plant her feet firmly on the ground, and not to think she can fly up to the heavens in one single bound!

Special thank you to Tud for the magazine and C Monster for the translation!