Herman Yau Lai-To, a multitalented individual, was born in 1961 in Hong Kong. He is a film director, actor, cinematographer, scriptwriter, and film producer, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
As a Chiuchow by origin, Yau's early life was spent studying film at The Department of Communications, Hong Kong Baptist College from 1981 to 1984. During this period, he spent his free time with music enthusiasts and created independent films.
After completing his education, Yau dedicated most of his time to working in the film industry, writing columns and freelance articles for various magazines and newspapers. He also contributed to music videos for renowned artists such as Chang Kuan, Jie Cheng-jiang, Anthony Wong, Jacky Cheung, Andy Hui, and American jazz player Eric Marienthal.
Yau's portfolio extends to TV commercials and promos for the Hong Kong Film Awards. From 1997 to 1998, he was involved in the production of a TV series for Radio Television Hong Kong. In 2003, he directed an episode for a television drama series celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Independent Committee Against Corruption.
Apart from his work in the film industry, Yau is a co-founder of the cultural newspaper, Chinese Youth Weekly, and two movie magazines, which have since ceased publication. He has also published two books.
Throughout his career, Yau has produced and directed over 70 movies, including The Untold Story, The Untold Story III, War of the Underworld, Walk In, Ebola Syndrome, Master Q 2001, From the Queen to the Chief Executive, and the Troublesome Night series.
His films have been showcased in the Hong Kong International Film Festival and film festivals in Europe and the United States. The Untold Story and Ebola Syndrome were praised as "cult classics," with Yau considering Ebola Syndrome his most accomplished work. From the Queen to the Chief Executive received the Golden Torch Award from the International Catholic Organization for Cinema and Audiovisual.
In 1997, Yau co-founded Step Forward, a publication company, with a group of like-minded individuals who shared his passion for writing and the power of words. In 1999, Hong Kong Polytechnic University invited him to be their first "Artist-in-Residence." He was also a member of the jury for the "Hong Kong Independent Short Film and Video Awards" from 1996 to 2002 and served as a consultant for the "Master Degree Programme in Multimedia and Entertainment Technology" and Art Consultant for the Hong Kong Art Development Board in 2002 and 2003.
