lux animation.

Lux Animation boasts a beautiful business complex, a five-story building with an 80-meter front, enough to house five animation teams. Each team has its facilities on the second floor, alongside various other departments throughout the company.

Billy used his spare time to input scripts, drafts, and comics. It wasn't uncommon to see him directing a small group in the comic composition area, the only way to ensure weekly releases and sustain the successful animated series that captured audiences.

A comic and a half old, ha comic production factory each series now boasts over 180 chapters, approaching 200. Sales were progressive, with last year's total reaching 25 million copies, and the first two months of this year alone seeing seven million copies sold. Slam Dunk's popularity grew daily, with many children eager to buy their volumes.

The factory's monthly output of three million copies ran smoothly, with sales continually surpassing expectations, encouraging fans to keep buying.

From the third floor of the factory, painted in Lux Animation's signature deep, brilliant blue, there were small dubbing studios, music recording studios, and the necessary machinery for channel operations. The programming had now stabilized.

-Rosa, can you ask for the publication statistics? There are many series today under our company, and some distribution companies are not making the necessary calls, - said Billy.

Today would mark a different day, initiating home delivery of comics as a subscription service. Orders over $50 would be delivered across North America. Advertising would be done within the comics, and an app for book distribution was in the works, with hopes that both eBay and Amazon would rise and capture large portions of the official book market.

Billy discussed the idea with his directors. - If we can form better relationships with different shipping companies and reach new buyers who can't get the early volumes, it will solve a problem for many. Our catalog should be displayed so people can see what they need. To mitigate risk, we can set a minimum price to enter the market, - said Billy.

-We'd need to review the costs of this new venture. Although we can distribute a good number of volumes, shipping would be an issue due to our lack of personnel in that area, - said Steve Rock, the 39-year-old Director of Business Development with a PhD in business management.

-No need. Let national shipping companies handle it. We just need to define the range and contract the right companies. For now, use the major shipping companies, and eventually, this will help us organize all our shipments, - said Raimon, taking a firm stance.

-But we'll do it slowly. As Steve said, we need to evaluate and implement the idea gradually. Raimon is right; we'll work with some companies to adjust production costs to a reasonable level, - said Billy.

-Approved, we'll take note. Now, as the final point of this meeting, we'll continue with the summaries from the animation company, - said Anne, taking the agenda.

Anna took over as Jim Gianopulus was handling the necessary activities to organize the new production "Survivor" and business with CBS for the programming of "ER" and "Friends," along with other popular teen series. The entertainment company had a busy few months, with multiple agreements with production companies, the creation of Lux Films, the acquisition of the "Before Sunrise" saga, "The English Patient," "Idaho: The Road of Dreams," and deals with Asian companies for a series of new productions. Some were real bargains, with films giving away their distribution rights due to a lack of offers.

-The production agreement with Comedy Central is pending. Agreements for new productions with CBS and NBC are also pending, to fill series formats. 'ALF' has marked a certain level of satisfaction, - said Anna, taking notes. - Similarly, we should deepen our relationship with Fox Television, as sharing our ideas can form different relationships. -

They discussed various ideas for the animated channel and the recent media battle, proposing to counter-attack the third-party companies involved and provide rebuttals through the television commission.

-No reconciliation, attack this company to the last point. I want the lawsuit to be decisive, - said Billy.

***

-A tough attack, - commented Michael Ovitz, observing the secret battle between Lux Animation and Disney.

-It's common practice. We saw a slight oversight from Lux Animation. They don't control media outlets—they lack a vast network. We have radio shows, newspapers, news channels, reality shows, and they neglect their position by growing in only one direction, - said Michael Eisner.

-Interesting. What an intense struggle. For now, let's wait for Warner to bear the next burdens. But targeting the release of 'The Iron Giant'—there's no better time to strike, - added Michael Ovitz.

Michael Eisner frowned. Although the attack was necessary, dividing Lux Animation's focus was critical, especially since they had released in both March and June, while Disney's 'Pocahontas' would also compete in June. Both films were set to clash on June 8th, creating an animation showdown.

For Michael Ovitz, it was different. Recently, they received a letter from Lux Animation promoting the first animated Oscar. Although it seemed like a collaboration, Eisner viewed it as a challenge, essentially saying, "I can make better movies." Despite the clear message of the letter, the possibility of it being a trap raised doubts. Unlike CAA, which operates behind the scenes, major entertainment companies engage in direct battles and social negotiations. Every action is scrutinized, requiring quick decisions, constant updates, and detailed market tracking.

Unlike CAA's quick projection and management, success in this era for an entertainment company requires progress.

***

Billy and Raimon ended the meeting, each taking a seat nearby. The rapid discussion about 1990 stock actions continued. Buying shares in Microsoft was outstanding but complicated. Stocks of AOL, Cisco, Intel, Oracle, and Nokia were skyrocketing, making selective purchases more appropriate. They added a new company, Pfizer.

-Stocks have risen significantly. Previously, shares were worth pennies; now, they're dollars and continue to grow. But we can invest in some of the lesser-grown companies, - said Raimon.

Nokia's shares were valued at $2.71, Intel at $4.83, Microsoft at $4.09, Cisco at $2.92, and AOL at $4.56.

-Good, we'll buy shares in each of these companies. I want you to issue a power of attorney, which I'll provide, naming you as the group's share representative. Except for Apple," said Billy.

-What do you want? -asked Raimon.

-I want no company to know I'm behind these shares or at least conceal my position under the effective name of an investment group. My small fund will name a company where you'll be the representative, and in turn, you'll empower these companies to manage their resources without my presence, - explained Billy.

-I'll do my best, considering the laws and how they allow this arrangement, - replied Raimon, nodding slightly.

-Good," -sighed Billy. His plan was simple: AOL would merge with Warner. If they could bypass the name and enter Warner's official point, they could stir up some chaos within Warner. From there, Billy would buy more Warner shares or perhaps push for the purchase of some prime Warner properties with the board's support.

-By the way, I've been practicing my dubbing, and you should know I can now consider myself one of the best cast members, - Raimon commented.

-You've done dubbing? - asked Billy.

-Yes, small roles, not more than three lines, but it's good for me. However, I couldn't be part of the small 'Star Wars' saga because it mainly contains few dialogues. Maybe next time, for the series 'The Clone Wars,' - Raimon said.

-You can do it if you want. The red carpet for 'The Iron Giant' is in five days. Will you participate? - asked Billy.

-Yes, but this time, without a costume, - replied Raimon.

...