2008 has been a dramatic year for Taiwanese artiste Van Fan. Movie "Cape No.7" has not only freed him from his career bottleneck but also brought him to greater heights. While other artistes suffer a shrink in their wallets, Van's market value shot rocket high. It also gave him a chance to pursue his own directions in personal style and an opportunity to hold a concert.
Those who have watched the movie has to admire the director's foresight, for picking out the relatively low profile Van among the crowd of Taiwanese artistes; someone who fits the profile of the dejected singer in the film perfectly. In reel life, male protagonist Aga put up a sensational concert; in real life, Van's first ticketed concert will be realized soon. Such is the coincidence nobody expects.
The movie can be described as a turning point for Van; trapped in the bottleneck for a couple of years, this chance have brought about many changes and opportunities. It was reported that his social status has rise several times, and discussions for collaborations and performances which had been complicated affairs, suddenly went smoothly.
It may seem like Van is now reaping his harvest but he describes the current phase to be merely the "cultivation" process.
"This is a great sowing season. The road before me is still long. I'm now above the clouds but I have to know how I got up here, or I'll be very vulnerable to falls," he says. This is his philosophy to life.
On his album autograph session in Taiwan two years back, Van purposely changed his clothes in public to scorn the media for being overly concern about artistes' scandals and gossips; seemingly cynical of the media profession. This time round, in reply to the cheers from the media, Van carries the female lead actress, also his rumored girlfriend, Chie Tanaka, with no intentions of evading the rumor; apparently more media savvy now. There are many more chances of interacting with the media in future, and Van has found the means he is most comfortable with.
To name a few of the most popular artistes of the year, Van has all it takes to be in the list. But popularity and high exposure comes at a cost. For him, the focal point is placed on his relationship and perhaps a possible marriage. He says he will not allow such "trivial matters" to interfere his career.
"I have not made plans for this. Even though the movie is a box office success, it has nothing to do with my relationship," Van explains.
The year-end concert held at Taipei Arena is a seven-year long anticipation for him. Though movie promotion tour has taken up much of his rehearsal time, he is scrupulous about every single detail; he even brought his guitar to Singapore so that he can continue practicing in his free time.
In this concert, he will be presenting his favorite rock music and also restage the concert scene in the movie by featuring the band in "Cape No.7". Tanaka will also be making a special appearance but Van is keeping mum about her performance.
