Viu’s original fantasy light comedy Change of Taste kicked off production with a blessing ceremony in Macau on the 29th, as a cast led by MIRROR’s Stanley Yau and COLLAR’s Sum Ling gathered for the traditional prayer event.
Stanley, from Hong Kong boy band MIRROR, plays a reclusive chef who swaps souls with a restaurant heiress played by COLLAR’s Sum Ling. The series is shooting on location across Macau and also stars Lam Yiu Sing, Chung Wai-ping, and Macau-based actors Eliz Lau and Roberto Ma.
A Real Acting Challenge
The soul-swap premise demands more than just chemistry; each actor has to play the other’s personality. Stanley admitted the role includes a wardrobe change. “I wear women’s clothing, and there are naturally a lot of feminine gestures involved,” he said.
Sum Ling, known for her cool stage presence, said she has been hitting the gym to capture Stanley’s mannerisms. “I’ve been working out to ‘play Stanley,’” she said with a laugh.
One scene already produced an unexpected blooper. “A big mosquito landed right on my lip while we were filming,” Stanley recalled. “Everyone saw it and had to force themselves not to laugh. My lip swelled up from the bite.”
Kitchen Chaos
Both leads had to demonstrate cooking skills, but Sum Ling insisted she was comfortable in the kitchen. She was quick to expose her co-star, though. Stanley had cut himself during a shoot.
“I was being professional,” he said. “My character is supposed to be a bad cook, so I cut myself on the first chop. It saved the special-effects team work.”
Stanley and Sum Ling both praised their Macau co-stars for bringing fresh energy. “The vibe here is relaxed, and the treatment has been first-class,” Sum Ling said. She added that the production arranged luxury accommodation and that the director often treated the cast to local food.
Comedy and Hard Work
Veteran actress Chung Wai-ping, who plays mother to both leads because of the body swap, said she was happy to take on a lighter role. “I usually play grandmothers, so this is practically a younger role. Next time, maybe I can swap with them and play their little sister,” she joked.
Lam Yiu Sing, best known for serious dramas, plays a rapper pursuing Sum Ling’s character. “This is a big challenge,” he said. “I rarely do comedy, so I was a bit nervous on set.” He also revealed that he has been working at a construction site for more than six months, introduced by singer Ng Ho-hong. “It’s like doing an eight-hour gym session every day. It’s hard but great training. I’m balancing acting and construction work.”
Macau Talent in the Spotlight
Eliz Lau plays the ex of Stanley’s character, a two-faced figure she described as having many layers. Roberto Ma, cast as Sum Ling’s wealthy former boyfriend, said he has been preparing to play a rich kid and “pumping up” his chest to keep up with Stanley.
Change of Taste is expected to showcase Macau’s streets, food and landmarks. An air date has not yet been announced.
