Every year, TVB artistes would gather for a group photos at major events such as the annual TVB Anniversary Gala.
It has long been speculated that where the artistes stood in the pic is telling of their status and hierarchy within the company and the photos would be scrutinised by the media.
The broadcaster’s ‘Number 1 brothers and sisters’ would be placed front and centre, followed by rising stars.
The less ‘important’ artistes were relegated to the sides or rows behind.
Former TVB actress Natalie Tong recently discussed the topic on online show 丝打围炉 Si Da Wai Lou, which she co-hosts with Viu artiste Florica Lin.
Radio jock Alton Yu, who was a guest on the show, remarked that he’s heard of artistes elbowing or kicking their colleagues so they can snag a more prominent spot.
There’s also been talk that positions are ranked with names assigned.
While Natalie said she’s never heard of that, she’s been in situations where she “couldn’t avoid standing in a specific spot”.
She went on to admit that the positioning in the photos really affected her mental state.
“[When] I started out in supporting roles, [she was] maybe in the fourth row, then the next year I dropped to the fifth, and I would wonder what happened. The following year, I would suddenly be in the sixth row, or maybe move up to the third,” she said.
When Natalie left TVB in 2022, she had “progressed” to the front row.
Rather than get swept up in drama, Natalie preferred to be “invisible” during her 19 years with TVB, distancing herself from conflicts.
Despite this, she did not feel disadvantaged.
Alton then asked the question that many of us are curious about: Would sleeping with a director help you secure roles?
Natalie laughed: “Even if that were possible, no one would dare. I’ve never heard of anyone doing that.”