For the past few weeks we have been filming action sequences, mostly at the studio set at Hengdian. There is a lot of time between scenes because my co-star Jet Li and I have been able to complete nearly all of the shots in only a few takes. I attribute this to the fact that we have both been in the movie business for many years and are very familiar with the process. Also, because we've both studied martial arts and action, our working relationship is very natural and efficient. So we film our sequence and then wait for the next shot to be set up.

As a result, I have had time to visit with some friends on the set and also, thanks to the fact that the production office set up a wireless Internet connection, I've been able to spend time looking through my website. First I want to talk about a visit from someone very special.

A Success Story

Those of you who are familiar with my films know who the actor and stuntman Mars is and you probably know that we've worked together for many years. He came to visit me and brought along another old friend of mine, his brother Venus. Venus is filming a movie at Hengdian Studios, right around the corner from where we are. It's his story that I want to share with you. 

Mars’ brother Venus Keung Kwok-Man was always getting himself into trouble when he was a young man, and his life was heading in a bad direction when I hired him to join the JC Stunt team. Once he became involved with JC Stunt team, his whole life turned around. He eventually moved on to being part of the camera crew and from there he worked his way up to becoming an award-winning cinematographer, working most recently with director Tsui Hark on Seven Swords. Why am I telling you about Venus? Because his story is about success; about turning your life around and making a new start. I think that a lot of people can do the same thing if they are given a chance. That is why I support as many new artists as possible, because giving them one break can change their lives. I am not taking credit for what Venus did with his life. He had a choice and he chose to improve himself and to make something of his opportunity. I am very proud to tell you about Venus. Here are some photos we took to share with you:

Venus Keung Kwok-Man and me.

With my old friend, the incomparable Mars.

A great success story!

Mars

Thank You to My Fans

I spent a lot of time catching up on all the new things at my official website, particularly the Kids Corner. I want to tell you that I was very impressed by all of the stories and drawings that you've sent in since the last time I looked at it. Wow! So many beautiful Buddy Bears, so many great stories and pictures. My webmaster showed me all of the projects that you are doing to raise money for my charity. Since the last time I looked at this page, I see that Kitty from the Netherlands has done another fundraising project and I want to thank her for her ongoing efforts for the poor children. I also want to thank the woman who donated in the name of her late son, all of you who held bake sales or made drawings, and each one of you who has sent in money, no matter what the amount. I never thought there would be so many creative ways to raise money for the charity, but I see that people have come up with great ideas. Thank you all!

One more thing and then I'll stop talking ha ha. My webmaster Katharine told me that some of you had sent in questions for me. One of the questions was about why I don't use a disguise when I go out in public so that I won't be recognized and can move around freely. Honestly, I have tried this in the past and have failed. I have disguised myself only to have people shout out "Hi Jackie!" the minute they see me. Sometimes they see me from the back and still recognize me. I think it's because of the way I walk or because of the way I carry myself. For whatever reason, it hasn't worked very well for me.

Here I am with Fibe and Katharine looking at all the new things on the website. Remember I told you how dusty it was on the set?

Actually, I set this photo up; we didn't need to wear bandanas all the time. (I even put one of my stuntmen, Guan Hua and Ah Hui in the background. Ha ha!) Although the area where we were filming was very dusty, it was fine out in the area where we sat.

Text and photos ©2007 The JC Group. All Rights Reserved.

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