Local Artiste

I'm either treading on thin ice or striking a few chords here.

I chanced upon this news bulletin on TV about a launch of a Jack Neo's new movie, casting Fann Wong. The usual interview, blah blah blah.....and as reporters are...they asked about Christopher Lee.

To qualify myself before I'm being bombarded by Fann's fans, I'm neither a fan nor foe of Fann or Chris.

I was taken aback by Fann's manager. That she/he intercepted the question before Fann can react. Fann hasn't even say anything yet. The manager said something like "Bu Hui Da" (Not replying). And the news clip ended abruptly on TV.

Frankly, I wasn't interested in what Fann has got to say about Christopher's offence. What pissed me was Fann's Manager, acting like an overly protected parent.

A parent may be able to send their daughter to the best schools, and with the child's ability, top the O levels, championing the name for their schools, perhaps even ultimately finding a good job and good money. The parent may even shortlist the companies their daughter should work for, perhaps even write the resume for them. But it is the daughter herself who is going for the job interview, meeting the interviewer, face to face, answering questions by herself.

Fann will probably be always protected by her manager, unable to react to impromptu situations. She will probably never get the chance to learn in this shielded environment. She may excel in her career as an actress, but hardly make it as an international celebrity.

And so coincidentally, I was watching "Zao An Ni Hao" this morning and she was with 3 actors, promoting Channel 8's new drama - Lucky Star or something like that. There, she was able to tell the audience, annouce to public to respect her privacy, blah blah blah and stop asking about her and Chris. I mean, can't you do that when you were first interviewed during Jack Neo's cut? Probably Fann wanted. Her manager didn't.

Not only should they be good at what they do - acting, they should be "brought up" knowing how to deal with the media!! And I believe, this will bring any local artiste a good leap forward the international platform.

Being a celebrity, wake up your idea lor, the media is never gonna separate private life with reel life. Because the media believes you - the celebrity - has a public responsibility!! For the precise reasons you were endorsed by product companies, you have a responsibility towards the public on what you endorse, on what you represent, of who you are.

The only sickening thing is - when the media distorts the truth.

For the truth - stand out, stand up and speak for yourself!!

Final thought - Manager Buey Steady.