July 2.
Cable antennas, in summary, are those that, through a subscription plan, enroll buyers to enjoy premium television with better content from multiple channels, including major cable networks. To date, Lux Animation has negotiated with three TV stations: Comcast Corporation, Cox Communications, and Charter Communications. One of the major cable networks that was outright rejected from the start was Time Warner Cable. Despite agreeing, they imposed unusual demands on a small TV channel. Even in the branches, there's a bad reputation for the relationship between the two companies, a struggle over comics. Now, the battle will extend to animated channels and everything related.
However, Lux Animation is fortunate in ways not many others are due to the growth of the 90s. In six to nine years, it will be much more challenging for companies looking to establish themselves in the entertainment world. Now, there are rumors of a company that terrifies the entertainment industry even more, a company founded by Steven Spielberg.
He has been making moves behind the scenes, whispering with a famous producer, who could be crucial for the company's development—David Geffen. One by one, the film industry begins to stir. Lux Animation and a TV channel are seen from afar by Warner and Disney, but other companies and even those seeking to trip them up consider Spielberg a much more formidable opponent.
-It was a given that Warner Cable would reject us. For now, let's solidify the negotiations in general. Rachel, I want you to reach out to the analysis group and look for cable providers who offer their services in specific locations. Great job, - said Anne, at the first meeting commemorating the move to the grand building.
-As for the Human Resources department, Jolie, keeps making progress in hiring. We need a new director of entertainment to steer the channel and be the voice, as well as an expansion of the sales, advertising, and operations department. Don't forget to extend our regards to Stanford University. Billy, as an alum, has some good connections that could be helpful. Also, we need a treasurer, - Anne added.
-I have a few candidates, but no outstanding employees. However, we could hire an intern for treasury and another intern to assist Rachel, acting as their guide and leader, who will eventually work with Raimon. It sounds feasible, but I want someone hardworking—maybe an accountant or economist—to review our accounts and also help us examine the new business venture of the Carsons, - said Jolie.
-Agreed, CEO. I'll send out the recruitment announcements to the agency and also submit an application to Stanford, - Jolie Carter replied.
Rumino Denver, jotting down some notes on his pad, was ready to share his thoughts. Sarah Robles, director of the advertising department, and others were absent due to their frequent travels or other business obligations, as were those who managed other companies and weren't fully immersed in the central group of the company.
-May I offer my opinion? - Rumino asked.
-Go ahead, Rumino, - Anne replied.
-Raimon, as Steve Parks mentioned, we need to streamline our operations. For example, the T-Box Burger manager could oversee Pizza Box. Additionally, Toys and Comics could be part of Sunrise Comics, and we could consolidate distribution, - Rumino suggested.
-Let Raimon handle it; he's better at these kinds of deals. Now, I have some calls to make and need to organize all the legal procedures for Lux Paint, which we started a month ago, - Anne concluded.
The board members bid farewell to the office, knowing full well that long workdays awaited them until the television channel premiered.
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"The Lion King" was being overshadowed by Disney's new movie, a clear defeat, a present failure. The competitor's film grossed $62 million, while "The Lion King" only reached $11.8 million. However, as the summer season begins and the days get longer, children are excited, and there's a recovery—a 130% increase in box office sales in recent days. The premiere continues to grow, and although the outcome is uncertain, critics have hinted at a good delivery.
-We crushed them; their voices will be silenced. By the end of the season, we will be the only ones competing for animation. These arrogant newcomers don't know what it takes in the world of cinema, - mentioned Michael Eisner, reviewing the reviews.
-However, the film created by Lux Animation is particularly moving. If I may, I see success in the movie, and its box office sales will likely increase significantly. We've experienced something similar on several occasions with some of our deliveries—humble beginnings, but earnings dramatically increase as the weeks go by until they surpass our expectations, - said Jeffrey Katzenberg.
Michael Eisner paused, not giving an apparent response. He placed the palm of his hand on his cheek and rubbed it with disappointment. But inside, he was somewhat nervous. Was this a challenge from Jeffrey? The present fear was clear and present; the board of shareholder directors was in turmoil, and one thing was clear: many people favored Jeffrey taking over the presidency.
Once friends, they now had a certain gap created by rejection, by political intrigue, and by both of their fears of being discarded. People started to seek alliances. On one side, Michael Eisner's vision was beginning to crumble. Though everything seemed the same, he began to hear whispers in the darkness, one of which was the delay in the acquisition of ABC. It was clear: ABC Company, the share buyout, had not progressed and remained stalled. The longer it dragged on, the more people would take note of the shares, and the price would rise, making the purchase more costly.
-Any other opinions about the future? - questioned Michael Eisner.
-We could alleviate the threat with some critiques, talk to movie exhibitors, or pay some newspapers for reviews, - suggested Joe Roth.
-More money is a mistake. If we use more money on a newly ascended company, it will be enough to make us a laughingstock. The prices paid for the Golden Globes and the Oscars were a considerable sum, enough to make three movies. Let's focus on our work, - said Bob Baker.
The room fell into deep silence. Bob Baker was closer to shadow tactics and did the dirty work on most occasions. The atmosphere was not good, not a conducive environment.
-Let's hope; that our next success is the next one. I want the animation department to start the process for new animated films, - said Michael Eisner.
The following conversations would be short, but Disney's fate was heading toward another major success. Both "The Last King" and "The Lion King" enjoyed acclaim from the Hollywood circle; both works thrived under the charm.
Even on the coasts of other countries, the films of both companies began to be recognized for their quality.
Only Jeffrey Katzenberg hesitated because he knew of the mistakes made by continuing with Warner's tasks. The board was new, and many executives were fired, but his position as president was assured. With the support of Roy Disney and other shareholders, he felt fully confident.
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