Trial & Error (company)

The Chinese name of Trial & Error, "試當真", is a film studio term of art meaning that during shooting, the team should film with an attempt mentality and without fear of failure.{{cite news |last=Chan |first=Gai-yan 陳佳恩 |date=2022-04-27 |title=【理財智慧】試當真NFT開賣 單日賺過千萬 開創NFT add-on 會員福利 |trans-title=【Financial Wisdom】Trial & Error to start selling NFTs, earning over HK$10 million in a single day. Create NFT add-on member benefits |language=zh |url=https://inews.hket.com/article/3238073/【理財智慧】試當真NFT開賣%20單日賺過千萬%20開創NFT%20add-on%20會員福利 |newspaper=Hong Kong Economic Times |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320011948/https://inews.hket.com/article/3238073/【理財智慧】試當真NFT開賣%20單日賺過千萬%20開創NFT%20add-on%20會員福利 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} It was founded by the actor Neo Yau and the YouTubers {{interlanguage link|Hui Yin|zh|許賢}}, and {{interlanguage link|So Chi Ho|zh|蘇致豪}} in October 2020.{{cite news |last=Tsang |first=Emily |date=2021-12-11 |title=It's no boy band, but Hong Kong's Trial & Error scores success between 'red lines' with videos, parodies, songs |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3159251/its-no-boy-band-hong-kongs-trial-error-scores-success |newspaper=South China Morning Post |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20230320011949/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3159251/its-no-boy-band-hong-kongs-trial-error-scores-success |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}{{cite news |date=2021-04-24 |title=專訪︱游學修憑小聰明撐起《試當真》 豪哥自爆當阿修係偶像 |trans-title=Interview︱Neo Yau used his cleverness to support "Trial & Error". So Chi Ho self-reveals he idolises Neo Yau |language=zh |url=https://hk.appledaily.com/entertainment/20210424/OXNOQ5TSQBEKBL6UKD5FBTDR2U/ |newspaper=Apple Daily |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503175228/https://hk.appledaily.com/entertainment/20210424/OXNOQ5TSQBEKBL6UKD5FBTDR2U/ |archivedate=2021-05-03 }} All three founders were born in Hong Kong. Hui and So, who had been former secondary school classmates, had been making YouTube videos on the Diamond Crew ({{zh|t=金剛Crew}}) channel.{{cite magazine |last=Cheung |first=Karma |date=2022-01-31 |title=#Youthquake 專訪「試當真 Trial & Error」游學修、蘇致豪、許賢、Jessica、阿慈、Kayan9896，展示新生代勇於踏出一步、不怕轉變的特質 |trans-title=Vogue interviews Trial & Error's Neo Yau, So Chi Ho, Hui Yin, Jessica, Kathy Ngai, and Kayan9896, showing the characteristics of the new generation who dare to take a step forward and are not afraid of change |language=zh |url=https://www.voguehk.com/zh/article/celebrity/youthquake-trialerror/ |magazine=Vogue HK |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012108/https://www.voguehk.com/zh/article/celebrity/youthquake-trialerror/ |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}{{cite magazine |last=Kwok |first=Moe |date=2022-06-21 |title=《試當真》許賢、蘇豪專訪｜好兄弟交換青春17年｜拼命搞笑的男子漢故事 |trans-title="Trial and Error" Interview with Hui Yin and So Chi Ho｜Close friends exchanged youth for 17 years｜Incessantly funny manly story |language=zh |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com.hk/entertainment/trial-and-error-hui-yin-sohogor-interview-2 |magazine=Cosmopolitan |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012858/https://www.cosmopolitan.com.hk/entertainment/trial-and-error-hui-yin-sohogor-interview-2 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} Yau invited the duo, who had also run the YouTube channel CapTV ({{zh|t=擷電視}}), to join him in founding Trial & Error.{{cite magazine |last=Ba |first=Ze 芭姐 |date=2021-10-25 |title=「試當真」由 YOUTUBE 走到九展開SHOW！「試當真」一年破 30 萬訂閱，認識各成員及爆紅原因！ |trans-title="Trial & Error" from YouTube to Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre to do shows! "Trial & Error" surprassed 300,000 subscribers a year, get to know each member and the reason for their popularity! |language=zh |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com.hk/celebrity/trial-and-error-youtube |magazine=Harper's Bazaar |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012034/https://www.harpersbazaar.com.hk/celebrity/trial-and-error-youtube |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} Yau had earlier experience in running the YouTube channel Mocking Jer ({{zh|t=學舌鳥}}). With prior experience in being a film and television actor, Yau decided to return to making YouTube videos because of the change in climate and the opportunities for creation. He said that anger was the motivating factor for creating the channel because he felt that film and television did not give people in his generation the opportunity for expression. Ho said his motivating factor for cofounding the group was "being poor" and having nothing else to do after he and Hui completing writing the script for the ViuTV television series {{interlanguage link|Generation Slash|zh|無限斜棟有限公司|italic=yes}}. In less than a half a year of its founding, {{interlanguage link|Locker Lam|zh|林家熙}}, Kaki Sham, Jessica Chan, {{interlanguage link|Kathy Ngai|zh|倪安慈}}, and {{interlanguage link|Yanny Chan|zh|陳穎欣 (藝人)}} became group members.

As the founders had little capital, their initial videos were very low-budget and made in their homes. Within half a year of its founding, the group accrued almost 200{{nbsp}}million views and nearly 200,000{{nbsp}}subscribers and made enough revenue to rent a studio and pay employees' salaries. It made money through advertising and contributions from the group's followers. After China enacted the Hong Kong national security law in 2020, a number of books and movies were barred and numerous Hong Kong entertainers became fearful about its impact on their work. In this context, the group became popular. Yau said in an interview in 2021, "It's all about how you pop in and out of the grey areas. The grey area is where we survive. If we lose this space, between the red lines, then we quit. Or we die." On 20 April 2021, Trial & Error participated in a livestream with fellow Hong Kong YouTube channels {{interlanguage link|Arm Channel TV|zh|啱Channel}}, FHProductionHK, and Pomato to discuss their films. Over 20 people from the four groups took part in the almost four-hour-long livestream, which at peak had 15,000 watchers.{{cite news |last=Chan |first=Pak-yu 陳栢宇 |date=2021-04-21 |title=四台聯播︱本地YouTube界盛事 有校服短裙加持照有觀眾呻悶？ |trans-title=Four channels simulcast︱Local YouTube event. There were photos of school uniforms and short skirts, and some audience members complained it was boring? |language=zh |url=https://www.hk01.com/即時娛樂/614820/四台聯播-本地youtube界盛事-有校服短裙加持照有觀眾呻悶 |publisher=HK01 |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012144/https://www.hk01.com/即時娛樂/614820/四台聯播-本地youtube界盛事-有校服短裙加持照有觀眾呻悶 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}{{cite news |date=2021-04-13 |title=【新浪潮】試當真、小薯茄等 YouTube 頻道合作 4.20 四台聯播 游學修：改朝換代要開始了 |trans-title=[New Wave] The YouTube channels Trial & Error, Pomato, etc. collaborate. 4.20 four channels simulcast. Neo Yau: The change of dynasty is starting |language=zh |url=https://www.thestandnews.com/culture/新浪潮-試當真-小薯茄等-youtube-頻道合作-4-20-四台聯播-游學修-改朝換代要開始了/ |website=Stand News |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510085442/https://www.thestandnews.com/culture/新浪潮-試當真-小薯茄等-youtube-頻道合作-4-20-四台聯播-游學修-改朝換代要開始了/ |archivedate=2021-05-10 }} In December 2021, YouTube released its Hong Kong channel rankings of who had accrued the most subscribers. Trial & Error, which had gained the most subscribers that year, was ranked number one, having in a little over a year of its founding produced 210 videos and accrued over 350,000 subscribers.{{cite magazine |last=Ng |first=Polo |date=2021-12-13 |title=YouTube 2021年度熱門影片丨《試當真》成香港年度最熱門創作者！MIRROR包辦七首最熱門MV |url=https://www.esquirehk.com/lifestyle/youtube-annual-report-2021 |magazine=Esquire HK |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012219/https://www.esquirehk.com/lifestyle/youtube-annual-report-2021 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}{{cite news |last=Yau |first=Oi-lam 邱愛 |date=2021-12-13 |title=YouTube 2021十大熱門影片及頻道 姜濤變第二Anson Lo鬥輸試當真 |trans-title=Top 10 YouTube Videos and Channels of 2021. Keung To became second. Anson Lo loses to Trial & Error. |language=zh |url=https://www.hk01.com/即時娛樂/711785/youtube-2021十大熱門影片及頻道-姜濤變第二anson-lo鬥輸試當真 |publisher=HK01 |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20221006105054/https://www.hk01.com/即時娛樂/711785/youtube-2021十大熱門影片及頻道-姜濤變第二anson-lo鬥輸試當真 |archivedate=2022-10-06 }}{{cite news |date=2021-12-14 |title=YouTube 2021排行榜 試當真年度第一 游學修挑機蕭若元 |trans-title=YouTube 2021 Rankings. Trial & Error No. 1 of the Year. Neo Yau challenges Stephen Shiu. |language=zh |url=https://www.am730.com.hk/娛樂/youtube-2021排行榜-試當真年度第一-游學修挑機蕭若元/297659 |newspaper=am730 |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320013511/https://www.am730.com.hk/娛樂/youtube-2021排行榜-試當真年度第一-游學修挑機蕭若元/297659 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}{{cite news |last=Ho |first=Zi Ching 何子澄 |date=2021-12-13 |title=【年度回顧】 YouTube公布十大熱門影片 《天竺鼠車車》超越姜濤排榜首 |trans-title=【Year Review】YouTube Announces Top 10 Most Popular Videos. "Guinea Pig Car" Surpasses Keung To and Ranks No. 1 |language=zh |url=https://inews.hket.com/article/3130543/【年度回顧】%20YouTube公布十大熱門影片%E3%80%80《天竺鼠車車》超越姜濤排榜首 |newspaper=Hong Kong Economic Times |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012320/https://inews.hket.com/article/3130543/【年度回顧】%20YouTube公布十大熱門影片　《天竺鼠車車》超越姜濤排榜首 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} The group had several videos that had accrued over one million videos, including "Don't tell me that she has a boyfriend" ({{zh|t=唔通佢有男朋友}}), "Traffic jam on Tsun Yip Street" ({{zh|t=哪裡只塞駿業里}}), and "Channel needs girls" ({{zh|t=Channel需要女}}).

In April 2022, Yau announced that the group would release a non-fungible token (NFT) called Next Trial Run (NTR) in which purchasers could buy a membership to support the channel. Purchasers would receive benefits including early purchase of tickets for live shows and "artist training classes". According to am730, netizens criticised the move as "exploiting other supporters" and hoped the group would use another method to raise money.{{cite news |date=2022-04-16 |title=試當真4.23推NTR 游學修願一星期開直播回應網民抨擊 |trans-title=Trial & Error 4.23 pushes NTR, Neo Yau wishes to broadcast live in a week in response to criticism from netizens |language=zh |url=https://www.am730.com.hk/娛樂/試當真4.23推ntr-游學修願一星期開直播回應網民抨擊/315748 |newspaper=am730 |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012207/https://www.am730.com.hk/娛樂/試當真4.23推ntr-游學修願一星期開直播回應網民抨擊/315748 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} The group set a limit of 6,000 tokens that would be sold. In one day, people purchased one-third of the tokens, earning the group {{HKD|10000000}} (US${{Formatnum:{{To USD|10000000|HKG|round=yes}}}}).{{cite news |last=Lam |first=Sun-ging 林迅景 |date=2022-04-25 |title=試當真賣NFT會籍Trial and Error NTR 賣出三分一單日入袋過千萬 |trans-title=Trial & Error sells NFT membership: Trial and Error NTR. One-third of it sold in a single day, pocketing more than HK$10 million |language=zh |url=https://www.hk01.com/即時娛樂/763185/試當真賣nft會籍trial-and-error-ntr-賣出三分一單日入袋過千萬 |publisher=HK01 |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012218/https://www.hk01.com/即時娛樂/763185/試當真賣nft會籍trial-and-error-ntr-賣出三分一單日入袋過千萬 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}

• Neo Yau is a founder of the channel. After receiving a degree from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, he received attention for his role in the film She Remembers, He Forgets. He wrote, directed, and acted in the ViuTV television series {{interlanguage link|Haters Gonna Stay|zh|仇老爺爺|italic=yes}}.
• {{interlanguage link|Hui Yin|zh|許賢}} is a founder of the channel. He and So were screenwriters for the ViuTV television series {{interlanguage link|Generation Slash|zh|無限斜棟有限公司|italic=yes}} and are part of the musical duo {{interlanguage link|MC $oHo & KidNey|zh|MC $oHo & KidNey}}.
• {{interlanguage link|So Chi Ho|zh|蘇致豪}} is a founder of the channel. He and Hui were screenwriters for the ViuTV television series {{interlanguage link|Generation Slash|zh|無限斜棟有限公司|italic=yes}} and are part of the musical duo {{interlanguage link|MC $oHo & KidNey|zh|MC $oHo & KidNey}}.
• {{interlanguage link|Locker Lam|zh|林家熙}} was recruited to the channel by Neo Yau within six months of its founding. On the ViuTV television show {{interlanguage link|Haters Gonna Stay|zh|仇老爺爺|italic=yes}}, Yau starred and Lam made a guest appearance. According to Yau, although Lam's character had few speaking lines and primarily expressed himself through facial expressions, Lam showed a "very special sense of humour". Lam's first foray into entertainment was the 2016 film Weeds on Fire, and he subsequently appeared in the films P Storm and A Witness Out of the Blue and the ViuTV shows {{interlanguage link|Who Sells Bricks in Hong Kong|zh|地產仔|italic=yes}} and {{interlanguage link|We Are the Littles|zh|男排女將|italic=yes}}. He announced in 2021 that he is dating fellow group member Kayan9896.{{cite news |date=2020-07-20 |title=【I SWIM】林家熙演學校狂熱份子搶鏡 Locker入行6年曾歷戶口剩數十元 |trans-title=[I SWIM] Locker Lam plays a school fanatic who steals the spotlight. Locker has been in the industry for 6 years and previously had dozens of Hong Kong dollars left in his account |language=zh |url=https://topick.hket.com/article/3306952/【I%20SWIM】林家熙演學校狂熱份子搶鏡%E3%80%80Locker入行6年曾歷戶口剩數十元 |newspaper=Hong Kong Economic Times |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320013854/https://topick.hket.com/article/3306952/【I%20SWIM】林家熙演學校狂熱份子搶鏡　Locker入行6年曾歷戶口剩數十元 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}
• Kaki Sham is a member of the group. He performed in the film High Noon ({{zh|t=烈日當空}}) in his youth and in the 2016 film Weeds on Fire. Sham received a lot of attention after becoming the host of the ViuTV show {{interlanguage link|be ON game|zh|膠戰|italic=yes}}.
• Jessica Chan joined the channel after being a model and receiving a university degree in 2018.{{cite news |last=Kong |first=Thomas |date=2021-10-29 |title=「試當真」陳苡臻Jessica 眾男士心目中的理想女友 |trans-title=Trial and Error's Jessica Chan is the ideal girlfriend in the minds of men |language=zh |url=https://www.esquirehk.com/people/jessica-chan-trial-and-error |magazine=Esquire HK |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012302/https://www.esquirehk.com/people/jessica-chan-trial-and-error |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} After starring in the group's short video "Godfather" ({{zh|t=教父}}), she became a channel regular. According to Harper's Bazaar, numerous companies seek her to film commercials including the mixian chain restaurant {{interlanguage link|TamJai SamGor|zh|譚仔雲南米線}}. She starred in the second episode of the ViuTV short drama {{interlanguage link|You Only Live Once (TV series)|lt=You Only Live Once|zh|YOLO的練習曲|italic=yes}}.
• {{interlanguage link|Kathy Ngai|zh|倪安慈}} was selected to become a group member after the group's recruitment campaign "Channel needs girls" ({{zh|t=Channel需要女}}). According to Harper's Bazaar in October 2021, she was the female group member who appeared the most in its videos and portrayed pleasant and harmless characters. She competed in the 2021 ViuTV reality television show {{interlanguage link|Miss Mask Pageant|zh|最後一屆口罩小姐選舉|italic=yes}}.
• {{interlanguage link|Yanny Chan|zh|陳穎欣 (藝人)}} is a member of the disbanded girl group Super Girls. She was a star in the ViuTV television series {{interlanguage link|Who Sells Bricks in Hong Kong|zh|地產仔|italic=yes}}, and Louis Koo's artist management company manages her. In Trial & Error videos, she frequently portrays "nosey women" characters ({{zh|八婆}}).
• Kayan9896{{cite news |date=2022-06-06 |title=【試當真】游學修岑珈其即席清唱答謝Fo毛 陳穎欣簽約成旗下藝人【多圖】 |trans-title=[Trial & Error] Neo Yau and Kaki Sham improvised a cappella to thank NTR holders. Yanny Chan signed a contract as an artist [more pictures] |language=zh |url=https://topick.hket.com/article/3269523/【試當真】游學修岑珈其即席清唱答謝Fo毛%E3%80%80陳穎欣簽約成旗下藝人【多圖】 |newspaper=Hong Kong Economic Times |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012345/https://topick.hket.com/article/3269523/【試當真】游學修岑珈其即席清唱答謝Fo毛　陳穎欣簽約成旗下藝人【多圖】 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} had a breakout performance in the 2020 Trial & Error video "Don't tell me that she has a boyfriend ({{zh|t=唔通佢有男朋友}}). She acted in Ian Chan's music video "DWBF" and sang {{interlanguage link|Hai Gum Sin La|zh|係咁先啦|quote=yes}} with MC $oHo & KidNey.
• {{interlanguage link|Ernest Poon|zh|潘宗孝}} is a member of the group. He played a blowup doll in the group's skit "No masturbation" ({{zh|t=唔准打飛機}}).{{cite magazine |last=Tsang |first=Karen |date=2022-07-11 |title=做個善良的人｜試當真豪哥同Ernest講吓點樣應付尷尬、流量密碼以及發惡夢 |trans-title=Be a kind person｜Try to be serious, So Chi Ho and Ernest talk about how to deal with embarrassment, website traffic and nightmares |language=zh |url=https://www.esquirehk.com/people/trail-and-error-ernest-so-chi-ho |magazine=Esquire HK |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012339/https://www.esquirehk.com/people/trail-and-error-ernest-so-chi-ho |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}
• {{interlanguage link|Jacky Tong|zh|唐浩然}} is a member of the group. Born in Malaysia, he moved to Hong Kong when he was three years old.{{cite news |last=Mok |first=Zit-wai 莫哲暐 |editor-last=Lee |editor-first=Wing-lun 利永倫 |date=2022-06-05 |title=三十而立：自我懷疑，卻繼續相信——專訪演員唐浩然 |trans-title=Standing at Thirty: Self-Doubt, But Continuing to Believe——Interview with Actor Jacky Tong |language=zh |url=https://ol.mingpao.com/ldy/cultureleisure/culture/20220605/1654365856048/三十而立-自我懷疑-卻繼續相信-專訪演員唐浩然 |newspaper=Ming Pao |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012400/https://ol.mingpao.com/ldy/cultureleisure/culture/20220605/1654365856048/三十而立-自我懷疑-卻繼續相信-專訪演員唐浩然 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} He starred in the 2019 ViuTV television series {{interlanguage link|Limited Education|zh|教束|italic=yes}} as the student union president. He majored in directing at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Before becoming an actor, he did behind-the-scenes work as a screenwriter and director. After performing in Limited Education, Tong had almost no work to do and considered becoming a monk by joining a friend who went to Taiwan to take a monk class. On learning that Trial & Error was recruiting behind-the-scenes members, he applied for a role and was selected. Tong started out as an assistant director and owing to his interest and prior experience in acting, he became an actor for the group.{{cite magazine |last=Chan |first=Chris |date=2022-11-13 |title=唐浩然︱ Work in Progress |trans-title=Jacky Tong︱ Work in Progress |language=zh |url=https://www.esquirehk.com/people/tong-hoo-yin-2022 |magazine=Esquire HK |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320015605/https://www.esquirehk.com/people/tong-hoo-yin-2022 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} In Trial & Error skits, he frequently portrays dapper lovers such as Vincent in "A fairy tale without autumn" ({{zh|t=沒有秋天的童話}}).
• {{interlanguage link|Wong Tsz Ho (born 2000)|lt=Wong Tsz Ho|zh|黃梓豪}} is a former member of the group.{{cite news |date=2022-02-18 |title=黃梓豪疑偷食兼吸大麻道歉被批欠誠意 試當真IG即Unfollow割席 |trans-title=Wong Tsz Ho's apology for stealing and smoking marijuana was criticized for lacking sincerity. Trial & Error's IG unfollowed in breakup of relationship |language=zh |url=https://www.stheadline.com/entertainment-live/3040200/黃梓豪疑偷食兼吸大麻道歉被批欠誠意-試當真IG即Unfollow割席 |newspaper=Sing Tao Daily |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320014613/https://www.stheadline.com/entertainment-live/3040200/黃梓豪疑偷食兼吸大麻道歉被批欠誠意-試當真IG即Unfollow割席 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}

• Leung Ho-gam ({{zh|t=梁顥晉}}), also known as "Match Guy" ({{zh|t=火柴仔}}), is a camera operator and an early member of the group.{{cite news |date=2022-07-13 |title=【試當真】面對NFT風波壓力大直播醉酒爆喊 游學修IG列點逐一回應網民爭議 |trans-title=[Trial & Error] Facing the pressure of the NFT turmoil and shouting drunkenly in the live broadcast, Neo Yau's IG responds to netizens' controversies one by one |language=zh |url=https://topick.hket.com/article/3301108/【試當真】面對NFT風波壓力大直播醉酒爆喊%E3%80%80游學修IG列點逐一回應網民爭議 |newspaper=Hong Kong Economic Times |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012347/https://topick.hket.com/article/3301108/【試當真】面對NFT風波壓力大直播醉酒爆喊　游學修IG列點逐一回應網民爭議 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}

Trial & Error makes short videos that cost little to produce and are frequently filmed as mockumentaries. The videos include game shows, music videos, funny sketches, and parodies of popular songs and movies, through which the channel's founders share their thoughts about interactions with others, workplace politics, and what is currently in vogue. Frequently featuring slapstick and preposterous practical jokes, its videos are analogies of what it is like to be a Hong Kong resident, the channel's followers think. In their youth, the YouTube channel's members watched Stephen Chow's films, which feature mo lei tau humour. Their content is heavily influenced by Chow's work.

Released on 26 October 2020, the group's first short film was a spoof of the film Tenet. Titled "The Realistic Tenet: the full version" ({{zh|t=《寫實的天能》完整版}}), it shows a YouTuber (played by So Chi Ho) who is no longer making money. A person played by Hui Yin invites the YouTuber to time travel back by two years to kill the instigator of the Third World War, who is played by Neo Yau. The instigator had killed someone which caused a massive string of events that needed to be put in school history lessons. Since secondary schools could not withstand the massive increase in stress, the Third World War began. Apple Daily noted that the Yau-played instigator had a mole inked on his face, which the newspaper thought alluded to Chan Tong-kai. The fight scenes between So and Yau happen on different timelines, which pays homage to similar scenes in Tenet. The film received a positive reception from netizens.{{cite news |date=2020-10-27 |title=游學修新channel扮陳同佳 拍出港片《天能》 |trans-title=In Neo Yau's new channel, he plays Chan Tong-kai. Making the Hong Kong version of the film Tenet |language=zh |url=https://hk.appledaily.com/entertainment/20201027/B7APFAE3DNDWNN3C3RRH23K76I/ |newspaper=Apple Daily |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621164008/https://hk.appledaily.com/entertainment/20201027/B7APFAE3DNDWNN3C3RRH23K76I/ |archivedate=2021-06-21 }} One of Trial & Error's earliest videos was "Don't tell me that she has a boyfriend" ({{zh|t=唔通佢有男朋友}}). The story was told from the perspective of an otaku who wants to date a goddess and stars Kayan9896 as the female lead. Kayan9896 is filmed from many angles from the otaku's perspective, leading to her receiving a lot of attention from netizens who called her "the Hong Kong Tzuyu".

After Trial & Error members Yau, Hui, and So played people from the future in the ViuTV television series {{interlanguage link|940920|zh|940920|italic=yes}}, the group made a spoof titled "140520". The 940920 actors Terrance Lau, Cecilia Choi, and Kaki Sham performed in the parody, which spoofed scenes from Beyond the Dream as well as from 940920 and its prequel Leap Day.{{cite news |date=2022-03-15 |title=【940920】試當真神還原《二月廿九》+《幻愛》經典場面 「天水圍劉俊謙」化身劉馬車 |trans-title=【940920】Trial & Error restores the classic scenes of "Leap Day" + "Beyond the Dream" "Tin Shui Wai Terrance Lau" incarnation Carriage Lau |language=zh |url=https://topick.hket.com/article/3203204/【940920】試當真神還原《二月廿九》-《幻愛》經典場面%E3%80%80「天水圍劉俊謙」化身劉馬車 |newspaper=Hong Kong Economic Times |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012437/https://topick.hket.com/article/3203204/【940920】試當真神還原《二月廿九》-《幻愛》經典場面　「天水圍劉俊謙」化身劉馬車 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} The group spoofed the television series My Date with a Vampire in a video released 4 July 2022 titled "The vampire and I have a misunderstanding" ({{zh|t=我和殭屍有個誤會}}). The Hong Kong Economic Times praised the parody, writing, "In addition to the high fidelity of the modeling, even the shooting skills, angles and editing of fighting scenes are all at the same level as the previous work."{{cite news |date=2022-07-05 |title=【試當真】Yanny化身Yan小玲惡搞神劇《我和殭屍》 「神還原」天佑+珍珍獲讚超水準 |trans-title=[Trial & Error] Yanny incarnates Yan Xiaoling to parody the drama "My Date with a Vampire". "God Restored" Tianyou + Zhenzhen were praised for their super standard |language=zh |url=https://topick.hket.com/article/3293192/【試當真】Yanny化身Yan小玲惡搞神劇《我和殭屍》%E3%80%80「神還原」天佑-珍珍獲讚超水準 |newspaper=Hong Kong Economic Times |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012412/https://topick.hket.com/article/3293192/【試當真】Yanny化身Yan小玲惡搞神劇《我和殭屍》　「神還原」天佑-珍珍獲讚超水準 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}

Trial & Error made a television commercial for Hang Seng Bank titled "Try to be mature, try to be serious" ({{zh|t=試下成熟、試下認真}}) starring Yau, Hui, and So. The ad aired on ViuTV on 10 May 2022 and was posted on the YouTube channels of the bank and the group.{{cite news |last=Wong |first=Man-kei 黃文琪 |date=2022-05-10 |title=恒生聯乘試當真啟動「試下mode」 游學修話最大挑戰係關豪哥事！ |trans-title=Hang Seng and Trial & Error activate the "try mode". Neo Yau said the biggest challenge is regarding So Chi Ho! |language=zh |url=https://www.hk01.com/財經快訊/768442/恒生聯乘試當真啟動-試下mode-游學修話最大挑戰係關豪哥事 |publisher=HK01 |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012511/https://www.hk01.com/財經快訊/768442/恒生聯乘試當真啟動-試下mode-游學修話最大挑戰係關豪哥事 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} Using the multiverse concept, the commercial shows the three men travelling through the worlds of different films and Trial & Error videos to encourage viewers to do more experimentation.{{cite news |date=2022-05-10 |title=【試當真】游學修蘇致豪穿梭元宇宙 許賢自爆曾申請做銀行實習生被拒 |trans-title=[Trial & Error] Neo Yau and So Chi Ho travel through the universe, Hui Yin self-reveals that he once applied to be the bank's intern and was rejected |language=zh |url=https://topick.hket.com/article/3248379/【試當真】游學修蘇致豪穿梭元宇宙%E3%80%80許賢自爆曾申請做銀行實習生被拒 |newspaper=Hong Kong Economic Times |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012438/https://topick.hket.com/article/3248379/【試當真】游學修蘇致豪穿梭元宇宙　許賢自爆曾申請做銀行實習生被拒 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}

On 3 December 2020, the group released a parody of the Dear Jane song "You & Me" ({{zh|t=哪裡只得我共你}}), which was renamed to "Traffic jam on Tsun Yip Street" ({{zh|t=哪裡只塞駿業里}}), and had its lyrics rewritten in collaboration with the lyricist {{interlanguage link|Leung Pak-Kin|zh|梁栢堅 (填詞人)}}. Showing commuters on buses and minibuses, the song discusses the massive gridlock in Kwun Tong District. Angela Yuen, who had starred in the Dear Jane music video, starred again in the Trial & Error music video, and scenes in the spoof music video allude to the original's scenes.{{cite news |last=Lau |first=Chun-him 劉傳謙 |date=2020-12-04 |title=試當真惡搞《哪裡只得我共你》MV 網民留言獲Dear Jane親自回應 |trans-title=Trial & Error parodied the MV of "You & Me": Dear Jane personally responded to netizens' comments |language=zh |url=https://www.hk01.com/眾樂迷/557798/試當真惡搞-哪裡只得我共你-mv-網民留言獲dear-jane親自回應 |publisher=HK01 |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012509/https://www.hk01.com/眾樂迷/557798/試當真惡搞-哪裡只得我共你-mv-網民留言獲dear-jane親自回應 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} The parody became viral and received a lot of discussion.

In June 2021, Hui and So released the Cantonese song {{interlanguage link|Hai Gum Sin La|zh|係咁先啦|quote=yes}}, which means "see you later" in English. In its music video, which evokes the music style of the 1980s, people are celebrating at a party. Feeling desolate, a person played by So Chi Ho longs to walk away during the partying, singing, "Let me go first, that's that. Let's play again next time!" People convince So to remain but after he decides stay they do not pay attention to him. The song's enthusiasts, who were primarily young people, started saying the lyrics in place of saying "goodbye". According to the South China Morning Post{{'}}s Emily Tsang, the song alludes to the "inner struggle" that people have over many Hong Kong people moving abroad. For weeks, the song topped the ranking of Cantonese songs played on Spotify.

To lampoon the musical group Mirror, which has a dozen members, Hui and So released the song "Black Mirror". In reference to the group's prevalence on Hong Kong's billboards and promotions in the MTR and on buses, the song's lyrics say, "They're here. They're here. You see them everywhere." The duo sing, "There shouldn't be only 12 handsome men in the world. There should be at least 14."

At the Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre's Star Hall, Trial & Error performed twice on October 26, 2021, in a show titled "Trial & Error's first anniversary show: the in-person version" ({{zh|t=試當真一週年現場版}}).{{cite news |last=Cheuk |first=Pak-on 卓柏安 |date=2021-08-09 |title=試當真開騷荷蘭式拍賣售票 $1萬起每24小時減價至最終$10引熱議 |trans-title=Trial & Error sell tickets for a show using the Dutch auction style. Prices start at $10,000 and are reduced every 24 hours to $10 by the end, attracting heated discussions |language=zh |url=https://www.hk01.com/熱爆話題/660891/試當真開騷荷蘭式拍賣售票-1萬起每24小時減價至最終-10引熱議 |publisher=HK01 |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012455/https://www.hk01.com/熱爆話題/660891/試當真開騷荷蘭式拍賣售票-1萬起每24小時減價至最終-10引熱議 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}{{cite news |last=Yau |first=Oi-lam 邱愛霖 |date=2021-08-09 |title=試當真︱Live Show首日門票一萬蚊張 竟賣出13張穩袋6位數 |trans-title=Trial & Error︱Tickets the first day for the live show cost $10,000. 13 tickets were sold for 6 figures |language=zh |url=https://www.hk01.com/即時娛樂/661476/試當真-live-show首日門票一萬蚊張-竟賣出13張穩袋6位數 |publisher=HK01 |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012610/https://www.hk01.com/即時娛樂/661476/試當真-live-show首日門票一萬蚊張-竟賣出13張穩袋6位數 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} The venue had 3,600 seats, and to combat scalpers they sold seats using the Dutch auction methodology, which is rarely used in Hong Kong. For the first four days, tickets cost {{HKD|10000}} (US${{Formatnum:{{To USD|10000|HKG|round=yes}}}}), {{HKD|5000}} (US${{Formatnum:{{To USD|5000|HKG|round=yes}}}}), {{HKD|2000}} (US${{Formatnum:{{To USD|2000|HKG|round=yes}}}}), and {{HKD|800}} (US${{Formatnum:{{To USD|800|HKG|round=yes}}}}), respectively. By the 24th day, tickets would cost {{HKD|10}} (US${{Formatnum:{{To USD|10|HKG|round=yes}}}}), but by the fourth day, all seats had been purchased with 13 being sold on the first day, four on the second day, and 61 on the third day.{{cite news |last=Tsang |first=Hui-ling 曾曉玲 |editor-last=Choi |editor-first=蔡曉彤 Hiu-tung |date=2021-08-15 |title=未來城市：試當真 賣飛經濟學 MIRROR唔啱使？ |trans-title=Future City: Trial & Error. The economics of selling tickets. This method is not suitable for MIRROR? |language=zh |url=https://ol.mingpao.com/ldy/cultureleisure/culture/20210815/1628966173824/未來城市-試當真-賣飛經濟學-mirror唔啱使 |newspaper=Ming Pao |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012518/https://ol.mingpao.com/ldy/cultureleisure/culture/20210815/1628966173824/未來城市-試當真-賣飛經濟學-mirror唔啱使 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} The group earned {{HKD|5000000}} (US${{Formatnum:{{To USD|5000000|HKG|round=yes}}}}) in revenue from the seat purchases, analysts estimated.

Lasting for around two hours each, the shows featured skits, dancing, singing, and stand-up comedy.{{cite news |date=2021-08-09 |title=試當真開周年騷票價逐日減 首日賣13張一萬元門票 |trans-title=Trial & Error open anniversary show. Ticket prices decrease every day. 13 Tickets of HK$10,000 are sold on the first day |language=zh |url=https://www.am730.com.hk/娛樂/試當真開周年騷票價逐日減-首日賣13張一萬元門票/283081 |newspaper=am730 |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012606/https://www.am730.com.hk/娛樂/試當真開周年騷票價逐日減-首日賣13張一萬元門票/283081 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} The actor Louis Koo, the musical groups Dear Jane and {{interlanguage link|ToNick|zh|ToNick}}, and fellow Hong Kong YouTube channels Pomato and FHProductionHK were guests during the live show.{{cite news |date=2021-10-27 |title=古天樂應徵網紅 游學修自爆曾借糧度日 「試當真」明年進軍大銀幕 |trans-title=Louis Koo applied to be an Internet celebrity, Neo Yau revealed that he used to borrow food to survive. "Trial & Error" plans to enter the big screen next year |language=zh |url=https://ol.mingpao.com/ldy/showbiz/latest/20211027/1635314561341/古天樂應徵網紅-游學修自爆曾借糧度日-「試當真」明年進軍大銀幕 |newspaper=Ming Pao |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012555/https://ol.mingpao.com/ldy/showbiz/latest/20211027/1635314561341/古天樂應徵網紅-游學修自爆曾借糧度日-「試當真」明年進軍大銀幕 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} Yau danced with the child actor {{interlanguage link|Leander Lau|zh|劉皓嵐}} and did a stand-up comedy set where he joked, "I care the most about the audience in the back, because the audience in the front will say I did well no matter what I say. But the audience in the back will write bad things about me on the Internet when I do something wrong."{{cite news |date=2021-10-27 |title=試當真開騷丨游學修自爆曾借糧度日 計劃明年進軍大銀幕 |trans-title=Trial & Error opens show丨Neo Yau revealed that he used to get an advance on his wages to survive. The group plans to enter the big screen next year |language=zh |url=https://www.stheadline.com/entertainment-live/2200290/試當真開騷丨游學修自爆曾借糧度日-計劃明年進軍大銀幕 |newspaper=Sing Tao Daily |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012643/https://www.stheadline.com/entertainment-live/2200290/試當真開騷丨游學修自爆曾借糧度日-計劃明年進軍大銀幕 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} In 2022, one of the test questions for the economics section of the 2022 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) discussed how Trial & Error had sold tickets for their shows.{{cite news |date=2022-05-04 |title=【試當真】Live騷售票方式獲「官方認證」成DSE試題 游學修反抽水親解答案 |trans-title=[Trial and Error] the live show ticket sales method has been "officially certified" as a DSE test question. Neo Yau's anti-pumping answer

|language=zh |url=https://topick.hket.com/article/3244223/【試當真】Live騷售票方式獲「官方認證」成DSE試題%E3%80%80游學修反抽水親解答案 |newspaper=Hong Kong Economic Times |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012643/https://topick.hket.com/article/3244223/【試當真】Live騷售票方式獲「官方認證」成DSE試題　游學修反抽水親解答案 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} The university entrance examination's multiple choice question asked test takers about the rationale for the price, having them choose between answers of "distributing" and "rationing".{{cite news |last=Fung |first=Kei-na 馮琪雅 |date=2022-05-10 |title=【DSE2022】「試當真」減價賣飛方式驚現DSE經濟科MC 考評局解構出題原因 |trans-title=[DSE2022] The "Trial & Error" reduced price method of selling tickets surprisingly appears in DSE economics MC. The Examinations Bureau deconstructed the reason for the question. |language=zh |url=https://topick.hket.com/article/3248618/【DSE2022】「試當真」減價賣飛方式驚現DSE經濟科MC%E3%80%80考評局解構出題原因 |newspaper=Hong Kong Economic Times |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320014537/https://topick.hket.com/article/3248618/【DSE2022】「試當真」減價賣飛方式驚現DSE經濟科MC　考評局解構出題原因 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }}

The South China Morning Post{{'}}s Emily Tsang said Trial & Error "tapped on enthusiasm among fans for their anti-idol sarcasm and witty use of Cantonese slang". Gary Tang Kin-yat, a Hang Seng University of Hong Kong social science assistance professor, said, "They have produced some high-quality works that are excellent in plot and humour, as well as film-making techniques and use of language." Tang said that Trial & Error became popular with Hong Kong people after having invested significant time and having gone through other platforms. The psychologist Peter Chan Kin-yan said, "Their stories or parodies often use metaphors or employ a clever, self-mocking way to discuss an embarrassing topic, which ... puts people at ease. In a way, the messages in their comedies appeal to our inner fears and desires." The BBC stated, "Its videos are unique in humor, irony and metaphor, and are very popular among the younger generation."{{cite news |last=Lei |first=Zancheng 雷展程 |date=2021-10-25 |title=試當真：網絡創作團隊如何用特別手法展現香港移民潮 |trans-title=Trial & Error: How the online creative team used special techniques to show Hong Kong's immigrant tide |language=zh |url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/chinese-news-59033435 |publisher=BBC |accessdate=2023-03-20 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320012705/https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/chinese-news-59033435 |archivedate=2023-03-20 }} Harper's Bazaar{{'}}s Ba Ze wrote, "The works of Trial & Error are funny and in line with the current values, arousing the resonance of many young people and allowing them to become popular."

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.trialanderror924.com/ Official website]
• {{YouTube|custom=試當真trialanderror|試當真 Trial & Error}}

Category:Cantonese-language YouTube channels

Category:Comedy-related YouTube channels

Category:Entertainment companies of Hong Kong

Category:Hong Kong YouTubers

Category:Video production companies

Category:YouTube channels launched in 2020