august of 1989
in August 1989, significant changes began. One of them started on August 13, marking the end of a social era. The USSR came to an end after the initial stages of the fall of the Berlin Wall, which had been a symbol in the Cold War, replaced by the division between East and West Germany. This event was a significant milestone in the reunification of Germany and the transition to capitalism, which spread its roots to different economies across Europe.
It is unclear whether one of the mortifying reasons for the devaluation of the US dollar began in 1989, with the birth of an empowered European Union through new political changes and restructurings since the 1950s, or the growth of different Asian powers that dominated the Pacific seas with their inexpensive goods and large wholesale sales. The concept of "Made in China" became synonymous with low-priced industry.
From Billy Carson's perspective, the good days in his business ventures seek the light of a company chasing money. While art should never pursue it as an end, only money can propel his dreams to fruition.
The start of the new Lux Comics collectible cards, a package of collectible cards for each character with some interesting details, became well-known due to the overexploitation experienced by these events, especially in the NBA, sports, and Marvel series. For now, Billy would only focus on Slam Dunk since he had a promotion with Nike and had some collaborations to fulfill with four professionals and a team sponsored by Nike, the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls.
He knew that the boom that would arise later with all the characters from the Chicago Bulls becoming three-time champions and starting a new chapter in basketball would ignite a fever in the hearts of those fans who lived through it—an extraordinary era in American sports history.
Basketball cards would sell well, with a need for at least 15 million dollars by 1995, which seemed unreasonable for an individual. With the betting system, everything could be easier. I just had to offer a generous bet to the winner, and voila, the money would come naturally. Among the collectible cards, the most important aspects are timing, design, and expertise in handling the medium.
The most commonly used tactic by companies is to print a limited number of cards as stocks run low. It involves studying the market and determining when the supply might decrease sales. Then abruptly cutting off the instructions and initiating new collections. Anything that falls into the realm of collectible items can generate ambitious demand over time from those willing to pay unreasonable prices for luxuries.
Nike sponsorships prove to be effective promoters, and one of them is the exposure desired for these cards. From my perspective, it's about creating open space for relationships with Peter and Nike's management. In the realm of sports brands, it's about selling a dream product to those who aspire to become great players in their lifetime.
Here's the plan I'm pursuing negotiate with the NBA for rights to promote an animated card game featuring their teams. Engage in discussions with some players sponsored by Nike and go all-in with the release of special animated Slam Dunk cards. The focus is not solely on profits but on exposure. Recovering the card investment is sufficient. This marketing strategy may only work once. In the future, many companies would go crazy over this strategy, and the licensing costs might become unaffordable for the Comics company. However, it would undoubtedly mark a beginning in sponsoring marketing ventures in different districts, such as toys, video games, clothing, and collectible items.
The baseball card market began in 1880, while basketball cards emerged in the 1930s. There have been several eras, and not all of them have been fruitful. It's important to consider how prosperous the current era is and how passionate your target market is, as well as whether your product offers enough novelty.
In general, it expands to cover various sports and later extends to albums and other important themes like music bands, sports, cars, or other inventions. However, bringing those great stars into the animated circle is just a glimpse of what's to come. In 1996, Fleer Ultra Motion cards will enter the Marvel realm and so on. But only a market with a clear understanding of printing cycles can succeed, although extraordinary events may occur where the type of product becomes beloved and appreciated.
- Billy, pay attention in class... Stand up, you've been staring out the window the whole time without showing a hint of attention to my lesson, - the teacher said.
- Ah, yes, sorry, - Billy replied.
- You've been distracted all day, - Claudia said. - Is something wrong? -
-Not at all, I just have one of those contemplative battles going on in my mind, - Billy said.
-Contemplative battles, come on, stop lying. I saw you staring at Jessica this morning, - Claudia said.
-I don't think I know who Jessica is, - he replied.
- Oh, come on! Everyone is crazy about her, it's normal - Claudia said.
- Well, I don't like her. I have a different type of taste... though she's pretty, I prefer other kinds of company, - Billy said.
- Haha, you sound like my grandfather... other kinds of company, - Claudia laughed.
- I'm serious, - Billy said.
-Please, pay attention, it's an important topic! - the teacher said again, raising his voice slightly.
-Very serious. You better tell me everything during lunch, - Claudia said.
-Lunchtime is too short to tell you my thoughts, - Billy said.
-Oh, Mr. Mysterious again. That doesn't work with girls like me, - Claudia said.
-Girls like you? -he asked.
-Yes, you know, handsome guys, we cool, cheerful, intelligent women who are more mysterious, -Claudia said.
-I still don't understand, I got stuck at the part about being a handsome guy,- Billy said.
-"Oh, conceited, -Claudia said.
-Shhh, - Mr. Costantine said.
Claudia didn't pay attention for the rest of the class. She hated fractions, and she hated math problems even more. Repeating school wasn't fun or recommended. She'd rather repeat university courses a thousand times. Although nostalgia is associated with the time spent in school, taking classes is not something she would recommend.
-Claudia, wait, you're not going to the rehearsal room, - Billy said.
-I am, I just have to go to my locker, - she replied.
-I'll accompany you, - he said.
-Okay. What do you think of the play? Are you going for the lead role? - she asked.
-I don't feel like it, - he replied.
-Oh, well, you should. Your acting is decent, and they only give the lead role to the arrogant jerk because no one else tries, - Claudia said.
-Yeah, but I don't want to get into trouble. I want a peaceful student life, - he replied.
-Well, get excited. We can participate in the state play competition and perform on a bigger stage. You know, if you want to be an actor, theater is a good steppingstone. It can even help you later if you want to join an acting academy, -Claudia said.
-Acting academy...? -he asked.
-You're clueless. You say you dream of being an actor and don't even know. Look, actors take courses in academies certified by the industry. Getting into those academies can be done through a registered agent, a union-affiliated actor, a letter of recommendation, or those with theater experience, - she explained.
- It's difficult to get into those academies... Why doesn't anyone talk about it? - Billy said.
- Well, you're supposed to know... there are many strange things, but I can help you. My mother is a professional photographer and knows a thing or two about the industry. That's why I hate the idea of being an actress, - she told him.
- But what does that have to do with being the lead in the play and the academies? I don't see any relevant connection, - Billy said.
- Well, everyone focuses on the star, and the academies look for promising talents. They can't accept just anyone due to the academy's own profile. They stake their reputation every time you make a movie or hand your resume to someone. It's all about credentials,- Claudia explained.
- So, it's a way to pave the path to fame...-
- You can call it what you want, but yes, starting from the bottom comes with its costs, - Claudia said.
- Everything has a cost, especially when you live in a money-driven country. The directions are always ambiguous, but if your goal is to establish yourself as an actor, you'll have to navigate these issues, - Billy said.
- It interests me, but I'll have to check my schedule. You know, with my attempt at early graduation, my theater time is limited, - Billy said.
- That's true... let's just leave it like that. Why early graduation, though?- Claudia asked.
- To go to CalArts. My father wants me to study business, but I want to go to the animation school. By graduating early, I can do both, - Billy said.
-Incredible! You're going to CalArts! You know it costs a fortune, - Claudia said.
- I know, but still, I'm going, - Billy said.
- Now I'm just envious. Well done for ruining my day, - Claudia said.
- Wait, Claudia! Don't be mad. I'm sure if we start saving from now on, you can go too, - Billy said.
- It's impossible, genius. If I save my entire weekly allowance, it's $20. I'd have to starve myself to save another $20, - Claudia said.
-Well, how about I treat you to lunch, and you save $3? You must start somewhere, - Billy said.
- Damn it, now I just want money, and I won't stop thinking about making money until tonight. You can't do this to me, you know I'm anxious, - said as she playfully hit him.
- Wait, there are ways to make money. You don't have to get angry, - Billy said.
- I don't want to work, that's for adults. I'm too young to wake up early on Saturdays. Plus, what are you expecting? $15,000 is a hefty fee per semester, -Claudia said.
-Photography only takes 2 years, and with lighting, you can do it in three. If you manage the first year, it's guaranteed your mom will pay for the next one, and you can save for two years to pay for the third, - Billy said.
-It doesn't sound like a bad idea, but still, it's $15,000 over four years. That's a lot,- Claudia said.
-Let's go to class. I have some ideas that might help, - Billy said.
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