talking business

Billy decided to spend his time making necessary calls about his businesses. First, he spoke with Steve Larsson about the comic distributor. In recent times, Lux Comics has received multiple orders, becoming more than just a recognized comic in some states, forging a truly notable reputation. The multiple stories and colorful details are just one way to gain followers; the incredible drawings enchant children.

-Raimon, I've talked to Steve Larson, and the business is as good as it can be. However, we need to hire a director for his replacement. Steve even mentioned he'd train his replacement, but it needs to happen as soon as possible. Therefore, I want you to talk to Felicity and have her take charge of distribution. It's time for us to merge distributors, - Billy said.

-You mean... - Raimon said, astonished.

-Yes, Sunrise Comics should separate from the company and create a standalone company to handle the processes independently. Dark Horse Comics recently started its distribution company. I also think we should pay more attention to the company, - Billy said.

-Sounds incredible, but I'll discuss it with Anne. We'll hire a team, and I'll be in charge of oversight and results as the Director of Operations, - Raimon said, enjoying the name Lux Animation had earned—a consolidated team with specific departments and constant work, delegating responsibilities to many workers across subsidiaries united with Lux Animation.

The Lux Animation group operated as a millionaire company, now treating itself as a united and consolidated sector in San Jose.

-It's an interesting idea. By the way, we recently received a letter, an offer from Microsoft itself. They want to buy ID Software for the whopping sum of 50 million dollars. I'll meet with Microsoft's advisors; I think they're entering the gaming market, but I have nothing conclusive, - Raimon said.

-I have to hang up. Let me know about any issues, and please, clear your schedule for The Lion King premiere. You'll be there, - Billy said.

-Of course, I think I'll make it a tradition to go in costume. I found a fantastic lion costume, although it's hot. If the premiere is at night, I'll wear it without a doubt, -Raimon said.

-Well... I hope the day comes. Has George Lucas given any reasons? - Billy asked.

-He hasn't, but I have him where I want him, - Raimon paused. - Yes, he ended up following through with the plan we detailed. Will you let me be part of the dubbing? - Raimon asked, hopeful.

-Sure, - Billy said.

On the other end of the phone, Raimon started his victory dance. Rachel looked at him and just wanted to break his face, but she was talking to the boss. Still, she couldn't help but mutter in annoyance about his stupidity.

-But you have to practice, take some courses. Dubbing is simple, but it depends on your skill. Maybe you can voice a Jedi, - Billy said, who had already shared the entire story he had in mind about the Republic and its thousands of Jedi.

-Oh, don't worry, the Force is with me. Ehehehehehe. I'll be the best voice actor you can imagine, - Raimon said, thrilled with the good news from the big boss.

- I have to hang up; I'll call you tomorrow. I'll have a busy day," said Billy.

Hanging up the phone and sighing inwardly, he needed to improve relations with Stanford. The administrators were good, and, in general, all their graduates were excellent.

The next call was to his father, to get ahead of the issues with the legal team, but he received a call from Jim Waitt.

-Billy speaking. -

-Billy, Nigel just confirmed that they're at Sony Studios, close to your casting. They'll be conducting interviews all afternoon and sharing anecdotes. Are you presentable? - Jim asked.

-Yes, I'll be there in half an hour. - Billy said.

-I'll give you confirmation. - Jim said, excited about Billy's professionalism, but what can you expect from a multimillionaire?

He needs an assistant and a better place to live. - Jim thought. We'll fix that.

In recent years, Jim had been reduced to four actors with potential, and the rest were cameramen or lighting technicians—nothing interesting. He hoped Billy's rise would change that discomfort. Fortunately, he managed to keep James Cameron, Dolph Lundgren, Billy Carson, and a little fish named Strein, who wasn't very interested. The removal of Michael Ovitz is detestable, and the hiring advantages that Billy has provided have given him some favors here and there, helping to keep him in the company as a senior.

-Good luck. - Jim Waitt said.

-Thanks, Jim. I'll do my best. - Billy said, heading to Sony Pictures Studios (Columbia).

Not without making one last call—a talk with his father. They've been distant, but time has eased Billy's discontent a bit, and now they are in a neutral state.

-Father. - Billy said.

-I didn't expect your call. - Thomas said on the phone in his office, reviewing not only his legal cases but also the statements and some necessary papers from Billy's minor franchises.

-We need to close some deals. - Billy said from the phone, his car heading five streets below, stuck in the morning traffic.

-Very well, I'll give you a summary. I hope that when you have time, you can sit down with me to talk. Over the phone, business matters can't be explained effectively. A few days ago, we began making final preparations for the trial against Warner Bros. in August. From the firm, we have a solid case, but that's what we said initially, and now the court has the final decision. I hope they don't get away with it. - Thomas Carson said.

Billy could only sigh. One of the worst decisions of his life was doing business with Warner Bros, being so inexperienced. Now, he can read those clauses that even lawyers overlook, and they are fundamentally unilateral for the company.

-It doesn't matter if we don't win; there will be retribution. - Billy said.

-I'm glad. Nevertheless, focusing on growing is our priority. With the new council law, we'll lose a certain tax fiscal law that gave us an 8% exemption. We're meticulously reviewing the laws to overturn the law for lacking logical grounds, but I've found myself trapped in the political world. - Thomas Carson said.

-Law? What are you talking about? - Billy asked.

-A law was passed that determines that the sector for producing film productions must be subject to the territoriality of San Francisco, and its neighboring states don't have to be. The law has caused a certain sensation, but very few are truly affected, and it seems like a law made for us. - Thomas said.

-What can we do? - Billy asked.

-Leave it to me; I'll keep you updated, but there's nothing conclusive. On the other hand, Felicity Thompson has done very well, and the toy store has generated demand again. However, we earn very little. But the exits are in sight. You should take a look with her and give one of those responses that come to you in difficult moments. On the other hand, Raimon must be making the necessary negotiations for The Lion King toys. Although I think the 60 million marketing bet is outrageous, the Toy Story stocks have almost sold out. We'll return profits in the coming months, but we've already received good checks. - Thomas said.

-How much did we receive? - Billy asked.

-A lot of money. We sold millions of toys, almost 60 million, but Autodesk, Pixar, and your legion of animators consumed half of it. They haven't disbursed the full amount yet, but we'll soon receive more capital. - Thomas said.

-Invest in stocks. Tell Raimon to keep buying, not keeping up. - Billy said, arriving at the studio. - Father, I have to hang up, but I'll call you tonight. I recently spoke with Grandpa, and he's coming to California to see The Lion King movie. -

-Alright, take care, son. - Thomas said.

-I will. - Billy said, hanging up the phone.

...