Chapitre 163: Chapter 163: Disneylands
Recently, the French were quite miffed. Being saved by Superman was aggravating enough, but then they suffered a second embarrassment soon after.
Disney, frustrated with Paris' inaction, decided to call it quits.
Sure, you might say you're backing out, but then suing? That's just crossing the line.
According to sources from Disney, William White was very dissatisfied with the theme park project. If the two parks couldn't cut losses, the company might reduce some entertainment offerings.
Michael Eisner, already known for pushing boundaries at Disney, was stunned by William White, who took it even further, acting like he wouldn't back down.
...
The Japanese, were particularly perplexed. "Planning to open one in Osaka? Are you nuts? You don't even know if one can be profitable!" They soon got wind of the real intentions of the Americans.
"Our boss said the person who signed this contract initially must've had too much sake, agreeing to such outrageous conditions. It's simply ridiculous.
Disney now isn't what it used to be. We're now called Disney International, and it will gradually replace the old company. While we acknowledge previous contracts, sorry, you can't use Disney International's cartoon characters anymore."
"What? That's extortion."
"Old cartoon characters won't have much influence. We'll be pushing these characters to the big screen, but you can only use the old ones. Movie attire can't be used."
They refused to give in, and Michael Eisner left with some parting words.
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"Fujii, what do they mean by 'won't have much influence'?"
"President, they're going to redesign previous cartoon characters, aligning the style and colors with Viking Comics. There's also word that he's planning to tear down some of the weaker attractions at the American Disneyland, including Main Street USA."
"What? Has he lost his marbles?"
"Not sure. I hear they're introducing Transformers, which are very popular in America."
With William White stirring things up, the Japanese were completely in disarray. The project in Paris got canceled, which could lead to massive financial losses.
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"Boss, they're willing to offer 3% more shares if they can use our new cartoon characters."
"Michael, tell them to think long-term. Viking Comics characters will join Disney. Show them the Transformers tapes, and let them know it'll release before Christmas."
"Okay, boss."
"I can buy with money, take loans from their banks, pay 13% in cash, and require 15% shares. We won't interfere with their operations, just financial oversight. This is the final offer."
"Understood, boss. I'll get it done."
Frankly, considering the uncertain profitability, William White's terms weren't too much. If they still disagreed, then it's really time to plan for an Osaka location.
In the future, Osaka's Universal Studios did pretty well. Though it wasn't as big as Disney, it outperformed most parks.
Overall, the Japanese were quite fond of it. Tokyo Disneyland, the world's most profitable amusement park, wasn't just luck. They truly invested effort in running it.
...
William White's stubbornness wasn't just talk. If the Japanese really didn't compromise, he was ready to stir up trouble. Opening another park in Osaka might not be as good as in Tokyo, but it would still make money.
You need to know that American Disney parks, whether Orlando or Los Angeles, were losing money.
Los Angeles, being where it all started, couldn't be helped. But Orlando Disney? What a pit.
Why did Disney have so many loans?
All because of the Orlando money pit. Whatever they were thinking, it's a disaster.
"Boss, the Japanese agreed."
"Ha, serves them right. Michael, find some promising folks and have them learn from the Japanese. Their service mindset is better; they truly treat visitors like kings. At least stay a year. If they don't learn well, fire them. If they do, raise their pay."
"Okay, boss. I'll arrange it right away."
...
When William White acquired NBC, he didn't cause a big upheaval. The anxious atmosphere quickly improved.
With Barry Diller being reliable, he quickly got a handle on things. Nowadays, NBC was seeking change, trying to stand out in the fiercely competitive media field.
The first test was the launch of the show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
You see, in this era, becoming a millionaire was no joking matter. The most endearing part was that this money required some smarts to get, though luck could play a part too. Generally speaking, if you didn't have some education, your chances were slim.
As soon as the way to participate and the rules were announced, NBC's phones rang off the hook with endless inquiries.
...
For many, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire seemed a little upscale. They were mostly drawn by money and seldom thought about their actual abilities.
"Aw, come on! You can't answer such a dumb question? How clueless can you be?"
The ignorance of some wasn't just talk. Contestants couldn't even identify who the president was, and folks on the phone made similar blunders. How are you supposed to have fun with a game like this?
The enthusiasm of the public wasn't dampened by seemingly dumb contestants. Instead, more people got involved.
Even the education department stopped throwing fits. The show's got educational value; it's just that the contestants are a bit lacking in the brain department.
*****
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
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