Herman Yau
Encyclopedia
Herman Yau Lai-To born 1961 in Hong Kong
is a film director
, actor
, cinematographer
, scriptwriter
and film producer
.
from 1981 to 1984 where he spent much of his early days hanging out with music lovers and making independent film
s.
Upon leaving school, Yau devoted most of his time working in the film industry
, and writing for a number of magazine and newspapers as a columnist
and freelance writer. Yau has also participated in a number of productions including music videos for Chang Kuan, Jie Cheng-jiang, Anthony Wong, Jacky Cheung
, Andy Hui
and the American jazz player Eric Marienthal
. He has also produced TV commercials and promos for the Hong Kong Film Awards
.
From 1997 to 1998, Yau participated in the filming of a TV series produced by Radio Television Hong Kong
. In 2003, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Independent Committee Against Corruption
, the ICAC produced a television drama series and invited Yau to direct one of the episodes.
Yau is also one of the founders of the cultural newspaper, Chinese Youth Weekly, and two movie magazines (these three periodicals have stopped releasing). Yau has also published two books of his own.
, Master Q 2001, From the Queen to the Chief Executive and the Troublesome Night
series.
Yau's films have also been shown in the Hong Kong International Film Festival
and film festivals in Europe
and the United States
. The Untold Story and Ebola Syndrome were praised as "cult classic
s" (Yau himself considers Ebola Syndrome as his most achieved work). From the Queen to the Chief Executive was awarded the Golden Torch Award by the International Catholic Organization for Cinema and Audiovisual.
In 1997, together with a group of people coming from different fields who share the same belief in writing and the power of words, Herman founded Step Forward which specializes in publication.
In 1999, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
invited Herman as their first "Artist-in-Residence". For seven years, from 1996 to 2002, the Hong Kong Art Centre invited Herman to be a member of the jury for the "Hong Kong Independent Short Film and Video Awards".
In 2002 and 2003, Herman was invited as a consultant for the "Master Degree Programme in Multimedia and Entertainment Technology" and Art Consultant for the Hong Kong Art Development Board.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
is a film director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
, actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, cinematographer
Cinematographer
A cinematographer is one photographing with a motion picture camera . The title is generally equivalent to director of photography , used to designate a chief over the camera and lighting crews working on a film, responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions related to the image...
, scriptwriter
Screenwriter
Screenwriters or scriptwriters or scenario writers are people who write/create the short or feature-length screenplays from which mass media such as films, television programs, Comics or video games are based.-Profession:...
and film producer
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
.
Background
A Chiuchow by origin, Yau studied film at The Department of Communications, Hong Kong Baptist CollegeHong Kong Baptist University
Hong Kong Baptist University is a publicly-funded tertiary institution with a Christian education heritage. It is the sole surviving institution of 13 major Christian universities that once operated on the Chinese mainland,...
from 1981 to 1984 where he spent much of his early days hanging out with music lovers and making independent film
Independent film
An independent film, or indie film, is a professional film production resulting in a feature film that is produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studio system. In addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies, independent films are also produced...
s.
Upon leaving school, Yau devoted most of his time working in the film industry
Cinema of Hong Kong
The cinema of Hong Kong is one of the three major threads in the history of Chinese language cinema, alongside the cinema of China, and the cinema of Taiwan...
, and writing for a number of magazine and newspapers as a columnist
Columnist
A columnist is a journalist who writes for publication in a series, creating an article that usually offers commentary and opinions. Columns appear in newspapers, magazines and other publications, including blogs....
and freelance writer. Yau has also participated in a number of productions including music videos for Chang Kuan, Jie Cheng-jiang, Anthony Wong, Jacky Cheung
Jacky Cheung
Jacky Cheung is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter and actor. The Chinese language media refers to him, Aaron Kwok, Andy Lau and Leon Lai as the Cantopop Four Heavenly Kings , with more than 60 million records sold as of 2000....
, Andy Hui
Andy Hui
Andy Hui Chi-On is a Hong Kong singer and film actor. Hui was the First Runner-up in the 5th Annual New Talent Singing Awards in 1986. Hui has appeared in about 25 films....
and the American jazz player Eric Marienthal
Eric Marienthal
Eric Marienthal is a Los Angeles-based contemporary saxophonist best known for his work in the jazz, jazz fusion, smooth jazz, and pop genres....
. He has also produced TV commercials and promos for the Hong Kong Film Awards
Hong Kong Film Awards
The Hong Kong Film Awards , founded in 1982, are the most prestigious film awards in Hong Kong and among the most respected in mainland China and Taiwan. Award ceremonies are held annually, typically in April. The Awards recognize achievement in all aspects of filmmaking, such as directing,...
.
From 1997 to 1998, Yau participated in the filming of a TV series produced by Radio Television Hong Kong
Radio Television Hong Kong
Radio Television Hong Kong is a public broadcasting organisation in Hong Kong that is operated as an independent department in the government under the Broadcasting Authority. RTHK operates seven radio channels, and produces television programmes that are then broadcast through local television...
. In 2003, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Independent Committee Against Corruption
Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)
The Independent Commission Against Corruption of Hong Kong was established by Governor Murray MacLehose on 15 February 1974, when Hong Kong was under British rule. Its main aim was to clean up endemic corruption in the many departments of the Hong Kong Government through law enforcement,...
, the ICAC produced a television drama series and invited Yau to direct one of the episodes.
Yau is also one of the founders of the cultural newspaper, Chinese Youth Weekly, and two movie magazines (these three periodicals have stopped releasing). Yau has also published two books of his own.
Career
Yau has produced and directed over 70 movies, which include The Untold Story, The Untold Story III, War of the Underworld, Walk In, Ebola SyndromeEbola Syndrome
Ebola Syndrome is a 1996 Hong Kong exploitation film starring Anthony Wong and directed by Herman Yau.-Plot synopsis:Ah Kai is a wanted convict from China who escapes to South Africa after killing his former boss and his boss's wife...
, Master Q 2001, From the Queen to the Chief Executive and the Troublesome Night
Troublesome Night
Troublesome Night is a 1997 Hong Kong horror comedy film produced by Nam Yin and directed by Steve Cheng, Victor Tam and Herman Yau. It is the first of 19 films in the Troublesome Night film series.-Plot:...
series.
Yau's films have also been shown in the Hong Kong International Film Festival
Hong Kong International Film Festival
The Hong Kong International Film Festival is a platform for filmmakers, film professionals and filmgoers from all over the world to launch and experience new film work. There are seminars, conferences, exhibitions, and parties celebrating the festival community...
and film festivals in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The Untold Story and Ebola Syndrome were praised as "cult classic
Cult Classic
Cult Classic is a Blue Öyster Cult studio recording released in 1994, containing remakes of many of the band's previous hits.-Track listing:# " The Reaper" - 5:05# "E.T.I...
s" (Yau himself considers Ebola Syndrome as his most achieved work). From the Queen to the Chief Executive was awarded the Golden Torch Award by the International Catholic Organization for Cinema and Audiovisual.
In 1997, together with a group of people coming from different fields who share the same belief in writing and the power of words, Herman founded Step Forward which specializes in publication.
In 1999, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University specialises in professional education in Hong Kong. The University’s teaching units are grouped under six faculties and two schools; the Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles, Faculty of Business, Faculty of Construction and Environment, Faculty of...
invited Herman as their first "Artist-in-Residence". For seven years, from 1996 to 2002, the Hong Kong Art Centre invited Herman to be a member of the jury for the "Hong Kong Independent Short Film and Video Awards".
In 2002 and 2003, Herman was invited as a consultant for the "Master Degree Programme in Multimedia and Entertainment Technology" and Art Consultant for the Hong Kong Art Development Board.
Filmography
- 1987: Tragic HeroTragic heroA tragic hero is the main character in a tragedy. Tragic heroes appear in the dramatic works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Seneca, Marlowe, Shakespeare, Webster, Marston, Corneille, Racine, Goethe, Schiller, Kleist, Strindberg, and many other writers.-Aristotle's tragic hero:Aristotle...
– Co-Cinematographer - 1987: No Regret – Director
- 1988: The Truth – Cinematographer
- 1988: Reunion – Cinematographer/Music
- 1988: Law or Justice – Cinematographer
- 1989: Triad - The Inside Story – Cinematographer
- 1989: Sentenced to Hang – Cinematographer
- 1989: Stars and RosesStars And RosesStars and Roses is a 1990 Hong Kong film directed by Taylor Wong starring Andy Lau as a photo journalist from Hong Kong and Cherie Chung as a Vietnamese translator.-Summary:...
– Cinematographer - 1990: Vampire Kids – Co-Cinematographer
- 1990: Fantasy Romance – Cinematographer
- 1991: Don't Fool MeDon't Fool MeDon't Fool Me is a 1991 Hong Kong film directed by Herman Yau starring Andy Lau, Tony Leung and Teresa Mo.-Plot:Two friends, Hero Hwa and Chiang Ho-Chie star are two old friends who meet up in later life...
– Director - 1991: Freedom Run Q – Cinematographer
- 1991: My Flying Wife – Cinematographer
- 1991: The Magic TouchThe Magic TouchThe Magic Touch can refer to an R&B female vocal group from Long Island, which featured Pat Carty as lead vocalist [Diane Tyler would later take over as lead], Marsha Bivens and LaRonda Williams, that recorded the hit single Step Into My World on the Black Falcon label in April 1971, or a 1962...
– Cinematographer - 1992: With or Without YouWith or Without You"With or Without You" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the third track from their 1987 album, The Joshua Tree, and was released as the album's first single on 21 March 1987...
– Cinematographer - 1992: Best of the BestBest of the BestBest of the Best is a 1989 martial arts film. The plot revolves around a team of Americans facing a team of Koreans in a taekwondo tournament. Several sub plots pop up in the story - moral conflicts, the power of the human spirit triumphing over adversity are some themes...
– Director - 1992: Deadly Dream Woman – Cinematographer
- 1993: No More Love, No More Death – Director/Cinematographer
- 1993: The Untold StoryUntold Story (film)The Untold Story is a 1993 Hong Kong crime-thriller film directed by Herman Yau and starring Anthony Wong and Danny Lee. The movie is allegedly based on a true crime that took place in 1985 Macau....
– Director - 1993: Taxi Hunter – Director/Scriptwriter
- 1994: Don't Shoot Me, I'm Just A Violinist! – Co-Director
- 1994: Fearless Match – Director
- 1994: Twenty Something – Co-Cinematographer
- 1994: Cop Image – Director
- 1995: No Justice For All – Director
- 1995: City Cop II – Director
- 1995: Highway Man II – Co-Cinematographer
- 1995: Red Zone – Cinematographer
- 1995: There's Rock'n Roll In China – Director/Editor
- 1996: All Of A SuddenAll of a Sudden (film)All of a Sudden is a 1996 Hong Kong film directed by Herman Yau.-Plot:An erotic mystery about widower seeks revenge to the man whose wife had an affair before her apparent suicide, however things soon turns complicated when the widower having a relationship with the man's wife and the whole truth...
– Director - 1996: Ebola SyndromeEbola SyndromeEbola Syndrome is a 1996 Hong Kong exploitation film starring Anthony Wong and directed by Herman Yau.-Plot synopsis:Ah Kai is a wanted convict from China who escapes to South Africa after killing his former boss and his boss's wife...
– Director - 1996: Adventurous Treasure Island – Co-Director
- 1996: War Of The Underworld – Director
- 1996: Best of the BestBest of the BestBest of the Best is a 1989 martial arts film. The plot revolves around a team of Americans facing a team of Koreans in a taekwondo tournament. Several sub plots pop up in the story - moral conflicts, the power of the human spirit triumphing over adversity are some themes...
– Actor - 1997: Walk In – Director
- 1997: Troublesome NightTroublesome NightTroublesome Night is a 1997 Hong Kong horror comedy film produced by Nam Yin and directed by Steve Cheng, Victor Tam and Herman Yau. It is the first of 19 films in the Troublesome Night film series.-Plot:...
– Co-Director - 1997: 97 Aces Go Places – Cinematographer
- 1997: Troublesome Night II – Director
- 1998: Troublesome Night III – Director
- 1998: Troublesome Night IV – Director
- 1998: 9413… – Producer/Cinematographer
- 1999: Troublesome Night V – Director
- 1999: Fascination Amour – Director
- 1999: Troublesome Night VI – Director
- 1999: The Untold Story III – Director
- 1999: The Masked Prosecutor – Director
- 2000: Crying Heart – Cinematographer
- 2000: Time and TideTime and Tide (2000 film)Time and Tide is a 2000 Hong Kong action film directed by Tsui Hark. The film is set in Hong Kong where a young man becomes a bodyguard and befriends a mercenary determined to begin life a new with the woman he just married...
– Co-Cinematographer - 2001: Master Q 2001 – Director/Scriptwriter
- 2001: From the Queen to the Chief Executive – Director
- 2001: Nightmares in Precinct 7 – Director/Scriptwriter
- 2001: Killing End – Director/Scriptwriter
- 2002: Happy FamilyHappy Family (2002 film)Happy Family is a 2002 Hong Kong film directed by Herman Yau.-Cast and roles:* Nick Cheung - Sang* Candy Lo - Kaka* Kenny Bee - Mr. Han* Cecilia Yip - Mrs...
– Director/Scriptwriter - 2002: Shark Busters – Director
- 2003: Give Them A Chance – Director/Scriptwriter
- 2003: Happy Go Lucky – Cinematographer
- 2004: Herbal Tea – Director/Scriptwriter
- 2004: Papa Loves You – Director/Scriptwriter
- 2004: Astonishing – Director/Scriptwriter
- 2004: Dating Death – Director/Scriptwriter
- 2005: Himalaya SinghHimalaya SinghHimalaya Singh is a 2005 Hong Kong comedy film co-written and directed by Wai Ka-Fai and starring Ching-Wan Lau, Ronald Cheng, Cherrie Yng, Francis Ng and Gauri Karnik, with a special appearance by Cecilia Cheung.-Plot:...
– 2nd Unit Director - 2005: The Unusual YouthThe Unusual YouthThe Unusual Youth is a 2005 Hong Kong teen comedy-drama film centering on five disillusioned Hong Kong teenagers living on the island of Cheung Chau as they try to deal with life in spite of family backgrounds. The film stars Race Wong of 2R fame, Yan Ng, Marco Lok and Raymond Wong...
– Producer/Cinematographer - 2005: Seven SwordsSeven SwordsSeven Swords is a 2005 Hong Kong wuxia film adapted from Liang Yusheng's novel Qijian Xia Tianshan. It was produced and directed by Tsui Hark, and starred Donnie Yen, Leon Lai, Charlie Yeung, Sun Honglei, Lu Yi and Kim So-yeon...
– Co-Cinematographer - 2006: CocktailCocktail (2006 film)Cocktail is a 2006 Hong Kong film produced and directed by Herman Yau and Long Ching.-Plot:The melancholy Candy runs the Half Mortal, a trendy bar in Hong Kong. She hires Paul; Stella, a part-time employee who's a college student in psychology, trains him. He has a gift for mixing the perfect...
– Co-Director - 2006: Lethal Ninja – Director/Scriptwriter
- 2006: Love @ First NoteLove @ First NoteLove @ First Note is a 2006 Hong Kong teen romance film, written, produced and directed by Dennis Law, and starring Alex Fong, Justin Lo, and Kary Ng...
– Producer/Cinematographer - 2006: Fatal ContactFatal Contact (film)Fatal Contact is a 2006 Hong Kong martial arts film that was written and directed by Dennis Law and stars Wu Jing as a young man who is trained with the fighting techniques of Sanshou martial arts, and lured into the world of illegal martial arts fighting...
– Producer/Cinematographer - 2006: On The Edge – Director/Scriptwriter
- 2007: Whispers and MoansWhispers and Moans (film)Whispers and Moans is a 2007 Hong Kong film directed by Herman Yau. It is based on the 2006 book Whispers and Moans by Yeeshan Yang, investigating the Hong Kong sex trade...
– Director - 2008: True Women For SaleTrue Women For SaleTrue Women For Sale is a 2008 drama film directed by Herman Yau and starring Prudence Liew and Anthony Wong Chau Sang.-Plot:...
– Director - 2008: Gong Tau: An Oriental Black MagicGong Tau: An Oriental Black MagicGong Tau: An Oriental Black Magic is a 2007 Hong Kong film directed by Herman Yau.-Plot:CID detective Rockman was sent to Thailand to investigate a case involving the Hong Kong and Thai underground syndicate. During his visit he met a sexy table dancer called Elli, they had a brief but hot steamy...
– Director - 2009: Permanent ResidencePermanent Residence (film)Permanent Residence is a 2009 Hong Kong movie starring Sean Li and Osman Hung, and directed by acclaimed Hong Kong Chinese film-maker Danny Cheng Wan-Cheung, whose stage name is Scud. It explores several themes traditionally regarded as 'taboo' in Hong Kong society, in an unusually open,...
– Cinematographer - 2009: RebellionRebellion (2009 film)Rebellion is an 2009 Hong Kong action/crime/thriller film directed by Herman Yau.-Synopsis:Notorious of its unpeace, the South district is ruled by five gangs. The five leaders, Jimmy , Coffee , Jupiter , Sand and Man Ching share the same power over the area...
– Director - 2009: Turning PointTurning Point (2009 film)Turning Point is a 2009 Hong Kong film directed by Herman Yau and starring Michael Tse in the title role of "Laughing Gor" and co-starring veteran actors Francis Ng and Anthony Wong...
– Director - 2010: The Legend is Born – Ip ManThe Legend is Born – Ip ManThe Legend is Born – Ip Man is a 2010 Hong Kong semi-biographical martial arts film based on the events in the early life of Wing Chun master Yip Man . The film's story is not related to Wilson Yip's Ip Man starring Donnie Yen; however both Sammo Hung and Fan Siu-wong are featured in the film, but...
– Director - 2011: The Woman Knight of Mirror LakeThe Woman Knight of Mirror LakeThe Woman Knight of Mirror Lake is a Chinese/Hong Kong biographical film about Qiu Jin, directed by Herman Yau and starring Huang Yi.-Cast:* Huang Yi as Qiu Jin* Kevin Cheng* Pat Ha* Dennis To as Xu Xilin* Anthony Wong* Lam Suet...
- Director - 2011: Love Actually... Sucks!Love Actually... Sucks!Love Actually... Sucks! is a 2011 Hong Kong movie, directed by award-winning Hong Kong Chinese film producer Scud . It will be released at the 47th Chicago International Film Festival, in October 2011...
- Cinematography - 2011: Turning Point 2Turning Point 2Turning Point 2 is an upcoming Hong Kong film directed by Herman Yau and starring Michael Tse in the title role of "Laughing Gor" and co-starring Francis Ng, Chapman To and Bosco Wong...
- Director
External links
- Video Interview of Herman Yau on 9 Dragons