In William White's view, calling it quits meant weakness. After asking Fulton, he learned that halting was actually quite common. It was said to be some kind of aristocratic etiquette.
"Fulton, doesn't this all feel a bit like child's play?"
"It used to be like this. Even in a duel, you could call a halt halfway."
A temporary ceasefire wasn't bad. William White remained busy, hustling to shoot the film.
As for the release schedule, it still needed to be screened this year. The goal was to avoid overlapping too much with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. After all, it was an art film, and a decent box office performance would suffice.
Meanwhile, the second trailer for Speed had launched, continuing its costly promotional path.
William White felt good, given it was his own television station. He might as well burn cash if it was for a good cause.
Hollywood wasn't full of wealthy companies just like his. If TV ads worked, everyone might as well join in.
...
"Hey, Tanner, let's not openly clash with Citibank, but we can't let down our guard. These old guys are definitely no good. Keep a close watch."
"Don't worry, young master. I'll find a way to buy some people. We'll keep an eye on those bastards."
"Good, get to it."
Now, the intelligence agency was getting in shape, no longer just a small handful. Of course, a lot of dollars had been spent.
In truth, William White wasn't short on money. Food and expenses didn't cost much. When your wealth reaches a certain level, money merely becomes a number.
...
"William, with such a big splash, you won't let me lose money, right?"
"Don't worry, Lucas. It's not that I necessarily want to do this. You've seen it too; the Falklands might go to war. Who knows how long it'll last? We need to draw the public's attention back."
"Ah, who knows what this crowd is worrying about?"
"Haha, worried? If our cousin doesn't shape up, do you think they'll come asking for help?"
"Really? Are they that weak?"
"Haha, did you know, Lucas, if it had been one more month later, they'd have scrapped their last aircraft carrier. Would they sail into battle with those battleships?"
"Pfft, you mean the ones in museums?"
"Yeah, the worries of the spectators aren't without reason. Britain is quite the weakling."
William White knew why Lucas was here. His investments were at stake. And increasing ad spending constantly? Was that the plan for transferring benefits?
Luckily, he didn't go overboard. After all, it was their own TV station, and the ad costs remained low.
...
"Sir, everything else is normal; just the MTV side has issues. We really don't have enough singers."
"Haha, Barry Diller, I am promoting Madonna, but it's not like she's our only singer."
"The record companies recommended a few others too, but you weren't satisfied."
"Barry, forget those folks. Their skills aren't up to par." While William White said this, Barry Diller might not have opposed, though he didn't seem too convinced. It's not just about the good service; there's that righteous tone.
"Take a look at this plan, Barry. Our singers will come from here. This variety show's viewership is not low, definitely no worse than Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."
"You sure about that?"
"Watch and see."
Kidding aside, how could American Idol not be successful? It had been a staple for years, a bigger buzz than those beauty pageants.
The beauty pageant scene in the U.S. was vast, and though they turned out quite a few beauties, honestly, not all of them were stunningly gorgeous.
The beauty pageants weren't exactly scientific. If you didn't consider talent, you might pick well. But factoring in overall quality, the really beautiful ones might not win.
"Sir, this show is pretty good."
"Mm, go ahead and run the ads. Time's tight, so if we can't make this summer, we'll start next year."
"No need. I'll get on it right away."
"Alright, go work on it."
After sending off Barry Diller, William White couldn't help but reflect. Was he perhaps getting too carried away, needing advice from subordinates?
"Oh well, you guys wouldn't understand. It's not just about being smitten with beauty. There's economic value, you see." Well then, someone was making excuses, as if the commercial value truly mattered that much. If it did, the company's operations would be run better.
...
"Lucas, feeling sorry for your investment?"
"Heh heh, with ads so dense, how could I not feel the pinch? Although, you're right, the cost is pretty low."
"Pfft, if the movie's not up to snuff, would you have agreed to all this?"
"With such an insignificant share, I'm lucky to get an explanation, let alone any other demands."
"Oh, how about that musical?" Spielberg asked.
"Pretty good, aside from the costumes, which I reckon cost a good deal."
...
After dealing with everyone, William White got back to his hustle. This movie couldn't be delayed. If it stretched to year-end, it'd lose its heat.
Nowadays, William White was stuck in timing dilemmas. Scheduling wasn't just a minor issue. Before July, forget about anything. It'll affect Speed screenings and clash with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. A single slip, and they might face a disaster.
"Alright, whatever, just shoot it and figure the rest later. Even if the release can push to late August, there can be no delay for awards considerations." William White decided silently, making up his mind.
As for those European awards, he didn't care much. Europeans loved such dramas, so there was no need to worry about leaving empty-handed.
It's quite amusing, really. Britain was scrambling to build strength, while William White rushed film production. It seemed everyone was racing against time, all bustling busily.
Argentina, after gaining the upper hand, suddenly became a target for all. They couldn't get weapons from Europe, and even the Russians dared not sell to them.
It was simple: this was America's backyard. The missile crisis back then was similar. Stir trouble in Europe? They had no choice. But if you dared extend your reach into the Americas, no matter America's aversion to conflict, they'd likely take action.
"Young master, Britain has set sail. War is inevitable."
"Mm, I know, Tanner, keep an eye on them, and stay safe."
"Okay, sir."
*****
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