Storm over Kidman draws crowds to set

Nicole Kidman was again on location filming for an Amazon television series The Expats on Fa Yuen Street in Mong Kok overnight yesterday, attracting nearly 100 people who turned up to see the Oscar-winning actress in action.

The 54-year-old Australian has been at the center of controversy here after being exempted from compulsory quarantine on arrival. Without the exemption, she would have had to quarantine for seven days.

Comments like "Nicole Kidman does not need to be quarantined" were heard at one stage between shoots.

Crew members later put up black curtains to prevent people from taking photos and videos of the set.

About 200 background actors were hired to play passersby and all of them, as well as Kidman, did not wear face masks when the cameras were rolling.

But Kidman was seen putting her mask back on after every take.

The shooting continued into the wee hours, with Kidman leaving the set at about 4am.

Hundreds of crew members started setting up for filming in Mong Kok on Monday afternoon, with a section of Fa Yuen Street blocked off for the set.

Some stall owners on Fa Yuen Street were unhappy over the move and argued with the crew, saying it hindered their business.

The crew also came in for online criticism for allowing more than 200 actors to gather without wearing masks.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor yesterday reiterated that Kidman did not breach the exemption conditions.

In a briefing before the Executive Council meeting, Lam said people who contributed to the development of Hong Kong's economy could be exempted from mandatory quarantine stipulations.

They would be required to follow strict rules, including undergoing regular tests and taking point-to-point transportation, Lam said.

"The exemption also applies to people related to the anti-epidemic work. For example, scientists conducting research in Hong Kong and merchants importing medical supplies to the city could be exempted from quarantine."