America 1982-Chapter 379 - 40: He Died?!_3
Second, television networks’ viewership rating fraud: once a contract nears expiration, the network, in order to maximize benefits in renewal negotiations, inevitably fabricates viewership data. This is almost an open secret in the industry. However, if BT has its own network nearby, it can use its own viewership data to estimate how much is fabricated in the other party’s data, easily exposing their lies and strengthening its negotiating position. That’s why I own a network in the local area—I can simply not renew the contract and slowly look for new partners if needed. After all, a dip in viewership is still within an acceptable range.
Third, although it’s unlikely, if FOX or the three major networks really wanted to destroy Tommy’s BT network, it would be easy—they would just need to persuade BT’s more than a hundred partner networks. They don’t have to refuse to renew all the contracts; just 30 percent of the partner networks refusing would be enough to trigger a chain reaction, leading to a large number of partner networks to wait and see and delay their renewals. By then, no matter how good BT’s programming is, the viewers wouldn’t be able to see it, and naturally, it would be the end for the network.
"All my money has gone into the news network—that needs a huge sum. So, I don’t have much money left for acquiring television networks," Tommy said in a relaxed tone, holding Ottelia with one hand and the phone with the other, while looking out of the window and at his girlfriend beside him.
"Don’t think I don’t know, Tommy. I have some connections in California too. I heard your friend named Stephen, through his family’s connections, is getting a loan for you from a bank under the California consortium," Er immediately spoke up to expose Tommy’s claim of having no money.
"You never planned to invest your own money. I’m not concerned about whether you’re willing to pay, Tommy. What I want to say is, BT network must have its own television station. Otherwise, all our partner networks can take us for fools and haggle with us. If our competitors launch an attack, we won’t have any means to counter," Er said.
"Er..." Tommy laughed upon hearing Er’s somewhat angry voice, "You’re a lawyer; don’t get too carried away. Don’t really think of yourself as a TV industry insider. Those networks want to take advantage of us, let them. I’ll continue to pay for self-produced shows, program acquisitions, staff expenses, etc. But I won’t take out money to buy television stations. It’s fine just developing partnership networks."
"Why?" Er asked, puzzled.
Tommy cleared his throat, "Because I’m not in it for the money, I’m here to realize my life’s value."
"Realizing your life’s value is different from being an industry fool, Tommy," Er felt that Tommy’s words were an insult to his intelligence as a lawyer.
"You’re Black, Er. Remember why I chose you and don’t forget it. Don’t let the temptation of money mislead you. You must learn to resist temptation," Tommy didn’t give a direct answer, but after these words, he hung up the phone.
...
Hollywood, Vine Street Plaza, Taft Building.
It was only after Ottelia had personally gone to see the stars on the street outside the main entrance of the Taft Building that Tommy took her inside the twelve-story building erected in 1887.
In Tommy’s eyes, Stephen was definitely not a filmmaker, but he was certain that for most people in Hollywood, Stephen was indeed a filmmaker, simply because his company was located in the Taft Building—an office this small company couldn’t have the courage or strength to set up by itself.
Since the golden age of American cinema, all the well-known production companies in Hollywood have set up offices in this building.
What Ottelia specifically went to see were stars like Charlie Chaplin and Audrey Hepburn, among others, who had emerged from the Taft Building—their stars were precisely located outside the main entrance.
Regardless of whether Stephen’s film manufacturing was professional, the spectacle he presented was impressive.
When Tommy and Ottelia entered the movie company "Paradise Manufacture" started by Stephen, Zoey was already there, and at that moment, she was in a creation studio chatting with actors who had been specially notified to come in order to interact with the prototypes of their characters and ensure a deeper understanding of their roles.
Today, there were only three actors—two women and one man. The man was there to play Tommy, while the women were to play Zoey and Ottelia.
Other actors had different schedules, so they were arranged to come at other times.
"Ottelia, long time no see," Zoey got up from her seat and quickly went over to embrace Ottelia when she saw Tommy and Ottelia appear, greeting her with surprise.
She had seen Tommy at David’s wedding before, but this was the first time she reunited with Ottelia since their separate ways after summer camp.
"You haven’t changed a bit; you’re still as charming as you were back then," Zoey released Ottelia and looked her over, feeling sentimental: "Five years have left no trace on you, Ottelia."
Ottelia happily responded to Zoey, "You’ve changed quite a bit, Zoey. Back then, you were a delicate, quiet doll, but now, although still beautiful and charming, you exude the charisma of an independent woman."
At that moment, Stephen casually stood up and introduced Tommy and Ottelia to the three actors who were also standing up, "The ones who just came in are Tommy and Ottelia. Yes, the protagonist Tommy and his mentor. What you’re seeing now is a terrifying plot twist not found in the movie script, where the high school student ends up living happily with his female teacher. To avoid traumatizing high school students, I promise not to bring this plot to the big screen."
