Goodbye to Phoe...

Last call for Phoenix on Pier 7 (for now...)

All good things end, albeit temporarily. Its been a blast to have the lovely Phoenix Chou with us for this stretch of time, since she leapt into the breach to play Deva for Michael Biehn and myself in 'The Blood Bond', through to her departure for the sunny shores of LA.

I actually first got to know Phoe as we trained together at Pier 7 under the redoubtable Mak Sifu. It was appropriate that she fitted in a last session with him, and me!, before flying up, up and away...

I was introduced to Phoe three years ago, on her birthday, at Racks Pool Hall in Central. She was in town to prepare for another film, but seemed to have time on her hands and a genuine interest to kung her fu with me. I think the producer she was working for resented me taking her under my wing, and I was always guilty that I may have cost her that role, or, at least, that relationship (the film has yet to be made).  I always felt guilty about that, and hoped that I could one day find her another gig in Hong Kong to make up for it.

Wong Jing met her for a possible role in 'Naked Weapon 2', but that film, too, has yet to come to pass.

The stars alligned when our original leading lady had to bow out of 'Blood Bond', just a couple of weeks short of pre-production, and I made the decision (with the full support of Michael and my partners) to offer the role to Phoe. She was in the air shortly after she got the news, and it feels like she barely touched the ground since.

I think audiences are going to be blown away by her beauty and her bodacious budo in her starring debut, which is why we at B&E swiftly signed her to a three picture deal. Her starring vehicle, 'Lady Transporter' working title), is in development now, and, in the meantime, we'll be giving her  great bad girl role in the upcoming 'Beach Spike!' (working title), a babe-packed martial arts/sports movie that we'll be shooting as soon as the sun comes out again...

For those not in the know, we train most weekdays in Hung Gar kung fu at midday on Pier 7 at Hong Kong Docks. Its a great opportunity for all you actors and models to learn some fast and furious martial arts moves. (Call Mak Sifu at 9183 3379 to arrange group or private lessons.)

Phoe is learning specifically for the movies, and so she's learning the basics of a range of forms.

She knows the whole of Lau Gar Kuen and Lau Gar Kwun (pole), half of the Tiger and Crane (Fu Hok Seurng Ying) as well as various movies with the broadsword and gim (straight sword), and Sifu also taught her some Chinese Opera twirls with the pole.

She departs for LA with my strict admonition that she continue her training there.

Bless you, Phoe! Thanks for going on the journey with us, and we'll see you soon!