ViuTV faces heat from netizens for terms and conditions of new show

ViuTV is facing the heat from social media users as it is being accused of trying to evade legal responsibilities for possible injuries caused to actors during the production of a new ice hockey drama.

While the TV station has commenced the recruitment process for actors for a new ice hockey drama series ‘Sparks’, according to ViuTV’s Facebook post on Monday, the terms and conditions of the film have stated that the production unit will not take any responsibility for participants' damages due to the filming of this drama.

"To the fullest extent permitted by law, the producer and TV station will not be responsible for any damages, injuries, loss of personal property, expense, accidents, delays and inconvenience arising directly or indirectly from the audition, filming and promotion of the drama or anything else related to it, even if they were caused by the negligence or misconduct of the TV station," the contract allegedly read.

The story will be about the members of an amateur ice hockey team who, after years of separation, decide to reorganise the team and try to make it to the league. The production team hopes to bring the stories of amateur ice hockey players to introduce HongKongers to the team sport.

The incident has drawn mixed reactions across social platforms, with many commenting the company plays smart in finding ways to protect itself after the Mirror concert accident, according to a check by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE.

Social listening firm Meltwater saw a total of 507 mentions related to the incident over the past few days, with 26% negative sentiments and 20% of positive sentiments. The incident was mostly talked about on local forum LIHKG and local media. 

This comes after the MIRROR concert accident on 28 July 2022, where a giant screen was seen crashing into the performers. The show's organisers MakerVille and Music Nation Group apologised for the incident. CEO of MakerVille Lo Ting Fai apologised in a live press conference at the hospital and streamed on Facebook this morning, saying he would provide full assistance to the injured individuals and their families. Meanwhile, production house 菱藝廣告 (Art Design), which also did work for the event put up a Facebook statement stating that it was not involved in the accident and was merely in charge of setting up the corners of the band pool, props production and stage decoration with mirror surface. 菱藝廣告 (Art Design) added that the misleading and false accusations online have affected the company's reputation.

Since then, Hong Kong authorities ceased the use of mid-air mechanical devices as it looks to tighten up supervision of stage design, after the shocking incident that took place at the Mirror concert last Thursday. According to the public statement of Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) released on 1 August 2022, the department has set up a task force and conducted an on-site investigation to look for the causes of the incident.

Before the completion of the investigation report, the LCSD said it will review the safety of all performances under its performing venues and will implement short-term measures starting from 2 August until further notice. This is to ensure performers and staff members are able to perform in a safe condition. The interim measures require hirers to revisit and enhance the safety of stage designs and brought-in mechanical devices and to ensure the safety of all working staff, performers and people attending the venue. Hirers must also conduct daily inspection of the mechanical devices mentioned above by a competent person whom LCSD agrees to assure safe working.

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