Actor Chilam Cheung discusses intense acting methods and industry pressures

Hong Kong actor Chilam Cheung recently appeared on the talk show ‘Casting’ hosted by Yip Nim-sum, where he shared insights into the rigorous nature of the entertainment industry. Cheung discussed his decision to play a villain in the new series ‘City of Splendor’, noting that he employed extreme psychological pressure on co-star Go Hoi-ning to elicit a more authentic, emotional performance. While some viewers criticized his comments regarding female co-stars being pressured into semi-nude scenes as lacking empathy, Cheung defended high-pressure environments as necessary catalysts for professional growth.

Reflecting on his own career, Cheung recalled being harshly criticized by a director for having a “TVB-style” acting approach when he first transitioned to film, a critique that pushed him to refine his craft. He also recounted a near-fatal car accident in 1994 caused by extreme exhaustion after working seven consecutive days with only one hour of sleep.

Additionally, Cheung highlighted the hardships faced by previous generations of actresses, such as Charmaine Sheh, who faced severe criticism from directors early in her career. These anecdotes have sparked widespread online discussion regarding the high-pressure culture and professional standards within the Hong Kong film and television industry.