FADE IN
Act 1
EXT. TRAIN CAR - 07:15
Dressed in a suit, PETER checks a badge in a pocket.
PETER (V.O.): I join the July 1 Reception to show support. I've no desire to engage strangers. I'll be happy if steamed rice rolls with fillings are served.
INT. HALL, HK CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE - 08:15
Lots of GUESTS. They sing "March of the Volunteer". Then, we hear the musical instrumental of "Below the Lion Rock".
PETER (V.O.): The late Joseph Koo composed the music.
After hearing a speech, Peter goes to the food section to get dim sum.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Oh, no steamed rice rolls...
Later, while Peter is having dim sum at a corner, a FRIEND with dim sum in hand joins him.
FRIEND: I come for the steamed rice rolls, but...
Act 2
FLASHBACK
INT. CONFERENCE HALL - DAY (1994)
Peter (50) is speaking. The friend in the AUDIENCE listens attentively.
PETER (V.O.): To formulate the copyright policy that should strike a balance among competing interests, I've to engage them.
After the conference, the friend comes up to speak to Peter.
FRIEND: The more I follow your talks, the more I associate you with Peter Pan. You embody the human desire to remain young and bright...
MONTAGE OF THEIR MUSICAL COLLABORATION
A. Pop-up stage, Tsimshatsui promenade, 2013. Before Peter plays and sings his number, the friend directs other band MEMBERS before playing lead guitar.
B. Arena, Hong Kong Science & Technology Park, 2014. Peter, his friend and other band members are performing on stage.
END MONTAGE
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My friend is a professional. I'm so glad that he'd join me and play my original numbers to promote creativity.
RETURN TO PRESENT
PETER: Hi Ricky! I discovered that you composed the music of the song "陌路歸人" .
Ricky smiles.
PETER (Cont'd): I'm interested to know the background. Did you write it while you're in the rural area?
RICKY: No, I was in Argyle Street feeling boredom. You can tell from the melody.
PETER: But it's a popular tune.
RICKY: It worked because of the chemistry - the lyricist's effort and the singer's style.
PETER: I see... I reckon 歷風 is your pseudonym.
RICKY: Yes. I wrote songs for my artists then.
PETER: You wrote the music of the song “陪著她". Why did you begin the song with a chorus？
RICKY: The music just flew from my heart.
Peter nods.
RICKY: A song can be great even without a chorus eg the late Michael Lai's musical composition of ”大地恩情".
PETER: Yes, the song has no repetition. I also love Charles Trenet's "La Mer"...
Peter hums the melody.
PETER (Cont'd): Among your musical compositions, I believe you love "天邊一隻雁" the most.
RICKY: Yes, it's wildly creative. Joseph Koo found it unique too.
Peter nods.
RICKY (Cont'd) : The song first gained popularity in Canton through natural selection.
PETER: How interesting!
RICKY: I listen and analyse music. I've a good commercial sense what new songs would be appealing, in Hong Kong and elsewhere.
PETER: I believe marketing plays a significant role too.
RICKY: Yes, too many songs are written and published each day. Marketing via social media these days won't work either.
PETER: And people have a preference for a particular era of music and idols that they feel a strong connection to.
PETER (V.O.): That's why my new songs published in social media don't have any commercial value.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): And it's hard to become a legend before death.
Act 3
EXT. TRAIN CAR - 10:15
On Peter's phone screen, we see a black and white photo depicting Brian Epstein standing in the middle of three groups of boys sitting on a road curb.
PETER (V.O.): The Beatles were sitting on the left, Gerry & the Pacemakers in the middle...
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): A living legend is one who has achieved legendary status in their field and is still alive and active. Ricky told me he got a new tune this morning.
Peter checks a selfie on his Photos app, depicting Ricky and him taken on July 1, 2023.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): On pop music composing and administration in the HKSAR, Ricky Fung is a living legend.
FADE OUT
THE ENDi
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