Sergeant Tabloid had just completed shooting late February 2012 and already in April, the series was widely released overseas -- Malaysia's Astro On Demand, Australia's TVBJ channel and Mainland's streaming site PPS -- because the overseas buyers had great confidence on this series. TVB then decided to first schedule an overseas release.
According to a TVB staff member: "Many of the series are done this way (warehoused), but this is our first time collaborating with a Mainland website. The overseas buyers had pretty good feedback on the series, so even before the completion of filming, it was already scheduled to release. The cast didn't know the series would release overseas first. Initially, we all thought someone stole the series too, it's funny."
Mainland streaming site PPS aired the series first and started the Sergeant Tabloid surge to popularity: "Never thought the series would become a hot topic among Netizens that fast. HK Golden and other discussion forums have been very actively discussing. In fact, this series is considered one of the high budgeted productions, many explosion and gun fight scenes, so should have good reception."
On the other hand, Michael's contract ends later this year, and TVB hopes to keep Laughing Gor with them, so they are actively coming up with plans.
"It is currently the war period. There are less and less Siu Sang and FaDans around. Of course Michael can't leave! TVB saw that this series had positive response, so they're keeping up the momentum and hopes to help Michael get TV King this year. Also, TVB really wants to sign a management contract with Niki. In fact, it has long been in the works, but just never happened, so even if Sergeant Tabloid hasn't broadcast in HK, the sequel is already in the making. Ideally, the sequel must have the original cast, they even said they'll wait for Niki to see TVB's sincerity." A TVB staff discloses.
Regarding the TVB contract, Niki's manager responded: "TVB had always treated Niki very well. As to if she's a 'daughter' (contracted) or not, that is very secret stuff. It's not convenient for me to disclose."
As for her series being a popular hit even before the actual broadcast, Niki said: "I'm very happy. I just finished recording the theme song with Michael. I hope the series airs in HK as soon as possible! (TVB is already prepping for the sequel!) Of course it's good to have a sequel. It would best if there is a film version too, but we'll see how TVB arranges it!"
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