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Beijing to lift curbs on Hong Kong actors working on television shows after plan to ease restrictions on film industry was announced earlier

  • Jackie Chan-led delegation to capital was told TV sector and online productions would be put on par with the movie industry
  • Mainland TV dramas currently cannot have more than five people from Hong Kong and Macau in the main crew

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From left, Eric Tsang, Jackie Chan and Wilfred Wong speak to the press in Beijing. Photo: Simon Song

Beijing will lift restrictions on Hong Kong actors taking part in mainland Chinese TV productions, following an announcement earlier this week that it will relax curbs on the city’s film industry, according to a local delegation.

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The 25-member group, which wrapped up a three-day visit to the capital on Thursday, was led by superstar Jackie Chan, with members including actors Eric Tsang Chi-wai and Wong Cho-lam as well as Wilfred Wong Ying-wai, chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.

“We were told the TV sector and online productions will be put on a par with the movie industry,” Tsang said on Thursday. “That will greatly boost employment opportunities and attract young people to join the industry.”

The delegation arrived in the capital on Tuesday, the day the Hong Kong government announced that Beijing would lift five significant requirements for co-production of cross-border movies – including restrictions on the percentage of Hong Kong artistes involved.
A tourist poses with the statue of Bruce Lee at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Sam Tsang
A tourist poses with the statue of Bruce Lee at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Sam Tsang
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Tsang spoke after the delegation visited the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Communist Party’s Publicity Department and the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office.

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