Lai is first to admit that the artiste management department has expressed their wish to postpone discussion of his re-contract. "This is not unusual and I will not be unhappy. I've been in this line for so long, I should have hit a wage ceiling. And my award has brought me extra income; I will be performing in Vancouver this New Year!" he reveals.

Yim appears optimistic and encouraging. "The company does not want this to happen either; they have no choice. Employees may be suffering but companies have their policies as well. Those retrenched should not be discouraged; they are professionals and I'm sure the company will rehire them when opportunity arises. As for myself, I still have one entire year of contract with TVB," she says.

Chung, who secured a re-contract before the downturn, is glad to get an increment too. "When I went back to office today, I realized many make up artists and hairstylists have received the retrenchment letter. I have known for four years and I'm really upset about this. Lets hope the crisis will be over soon," she says.

Wong, who just returned to Hong Kong from Toronto, is unsure of the retrenchment that is happening. "I have recently re-contracted for another two to three years and also got some increment. Retrenchment is a company's policy; I'm not in any position to comment. All I know is that I just lost one-third of my assets," he says.