More than a decade ago in Macao, people didn’t think very much of those who chose a career in entertainment production and artiste management. But with its passion for music production, Chessman Entertainment & Production Co. Ltd. took the lead in Macao’s underdeveloped culture and entertainment industry, gradually finding its own way forward. Although focused on an entrepreneurial goal, the company aims to contribute to a more mature and diversified industry in Macao.

Jones Chong Cho Lam, the founder and Managing Director of Chessman, tells Macao Image how the company came into being. “Chessman generally means the person who plays chess, but it also implies that life is just like playing chess. Therefore, Chessman means we ought to see ourselves as chessmen. Even though we may be defeated in life, we should take charge of our own destiny,” says Mr Chong.

Mr Chong founded Chessman in 2001 with his long-time friends Siufay (Chui Chi Iong) and Che Fok Sang. Not only were they working on music production and artiste management, but they were also working on events planning and stage production, a market segment that they thought would complement the immature business of music production and the managing of musicians.

Mr Chong says the definition of a singer was once a vague concept in Macao. Moreover, there were no fulltime artistes in Macao despite years of development in the entertainment industry. In the early years, Chessman’s goal was simply to be able to have fulltime artiste signed to the company.

Not long after the company’s establishment in 2003, Chessman was deeply challenged by the SARS epidemic that affected operations and cash flow. Between 2004 and 2006, although the company had managed to pay off its loans and sell its audio and visual production business, retaining only music and event production, Chessman still faced tremendous struggles. It was a time when the founders considered the future of the company.

In Chessman’s example, there was light at the end of the tunnel. In 2007, Chessman seized a “golden opportunity” during the development of the gaming industry in Macao. The completion of many hotels and resorts brought with it a greater demand for entertainment and a need for more advertising. The company began organising many different kinds of small and large events.

Cultural and creative business expansion

In this period of steady development, the entertainment production and performance industry in Macao grew and matured. During the 15 years of the company’s history, Mr Chong says more companies involved in entertainment production and artiste management have created sustainable businesses. The Government’s financial support and policies to promote the cultural and creative industry have also helped lower the threshold for entrepreneurs.

Mr Chong says the Government’s policies focusing on the local culture and creative industries are quite influential. With significant support from the Government, local artistes have found their way onto the stage.

Chessman has also grown beyond Macao. In 2014, Chessman Entertainment Production (HK) Ltd. was established with assistance from Hong Kong artiste Bob Lam Shing Bun. The company started gradually, working in brand management, advertising, event planning and artiste management for clients that include Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium, the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Hong Kong Football Association.

In Macao, the business is more diversified, with Chessman involved in music video production, postproduction of films and it has introduced world-class performances to Macao, such as inviting Blue Man Group to perform at the Venetian Macao in 2016.

Mr Chong says that among the services Chessman provides, artiste management is the least profitable. It is, however, the service about which the company remains most passionate.

“If you ask me whether it is profitable to be an artiste in Macao over the last 15 years, to be honest, compared to other businesses, it is certainly not very profitable,” Mr Chong says. “But we will continue to do this. Cultivating good artistes in Macao is our mission. They are the unique assets of Macao.”

Founder and Managing Director of Chessman, Jones Chong Cho Lam