Short-film premiere to uplift casino employees

Alexis Tam

Gaming Employees Home has produced a casino-set “microfilm” in an effort to encourage optimism and positivity among gaming practitioners. Two premieres of the short film were held at Studio 8 in Studio City this week. According to Melco Crown, over 600 people were in attendance.
The 40-minute film, entitled “The Lost Winner II,” features the daily life of croupiers along with the dilemmas that they encounter at work. It was made by the Free Dream Production Studio.
“Every industry has its own [set of] pressures, we don’t want to see the croupiers labeling their job as more difficult than others,” said Leong Sun Iok, president of the Gaming Employees Home. “Every industry has its own difficulties.”
The production, which cost around MOP300,000, is also part of the government’s efforts to further develop the cultural and creative industry. Melco Crown also underwrote part of the film’s cost and furnished a venue for shooting.
“This one is completely local, regardless of the setting, cast and crew,” said the group’s head, referring to the film. “I also wish that the youth [population] could receive more support from gaming operators over their ‘local work.’”
According to Leong, the group produces videos every year to boost the morale of people working in the gaming industry. This year, they further wish to recognize the industry, given the economic transition it has been undergoing.
Leong also believes that the workers’ “attitudes towards their careers depend on their attitudes at work.” “If these employees could be more active at work, it would lead to better career development,” he stated.
Another of the group’s objectives is to draw attention to gaming practitioners, many of whom, he claimed, carry an extensive burden on their shoulders. In 2013, the group rolled out their very first gaming-themed film.
Many high-level government officials attended the premiere. One of them was the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, who voiced his support for the “microfilm” and said that the government will continue to financially support home-grown productions.