Lewis was concerned about the production of the sequel to 'Laugh in Mayhem' because their studio had encountered financial difficulties.
Since the old chairman's health worsened some time ago, the banks have attempted to recover debt from their studios because they do not trust the current leadership of the Big E studio.
So Lewis is struggling to keep up with the bank while continuing to create the movie. Lewis wished he had someone like Philip here to manage it better.
*ring*ring*...*ring*ring*
While he was thinking of a solution to this problem, his office phone rang; he answered the phone, and the receptionist informed him that someone from Lilitale Studios wanted to speak with him.
Lewis was confused because he never had dealings with Lilitale Studio; therefore, he was surprised that someone would call from them.
Nonetheless, he instructed the receptionist to connect his call to the caller.
Lewis politely asked, "Hello, this is Lewis, and I'm the current chairman of Big E Studios. How can I help you?"
Meanwhile, Alexa replied, "Hello, Mr. Lewis, I am calling you on behalf of my boss, Mr. Michael Greenberg, and he wants to have a meeting with you tomorrow."
Lewis was taken aback that this was a call for him on behalf of a top executive at Lilitale Studios, but he wondered why he wanted to meet him.
Nonetheless, Lewis replied, "Yes, tomorrow evening would be an ideal time to hold the meeting."
Alexa gave a nod. "Alright then, Mr. Lewis, I will convey this to my boss, and we will hold the meeting at 'Under the Oak' restaurant near New Moon City."
The new moon city is comparable to Sam's former world's Universal City in Los Angeles.
After hanging off the phone, she heads back into the office, where Alexa informs Michael of his appointment with Lewis, the chairman of Big E Studios, tomorrow evening at the 'Under the Oak' restaurant outside New Moon City.
Michael nodded and instructed her to add this meeting to his schedule and remind him to go tomorrow.
Hollywood in this world is not controlled by a single faction, such as British or Jewish, but rather by several factions, much as the country's top families are divided into many factions, such as British, Italian, or Jewish, which reflects in Hollywood at the micro level.
So, in some ways, the top five studios represent a faction. There are also hidden wars amongst the factions within themselves. Like Lewis' current predicament.
…..
Lewis spent the rest of the day calling and meeting with several Italian industry acquaintances, as well as some faction banks, but the majority of them tactically rejected him.
He also knew that their refusal was due to their interest in his studio and their desire to purchase the company at a low cost.
So he headed back home dissatisfied in the evening, but he reflected on tomorrow's meeting with Michael of Lilitale Studio and what might be his intentions.
Next day;
Lewis returned to his office and attempted to persuade some prominent faction members to alleviate him of paying off the bank's loans, but they all denied it. So Lewis lost hope in them and knew that only someone outside the group could help him.
As the sun began to set, signifying that it was evening, Lewis went to the 'below the oak' restaurant to meetup.
…
After arriving at the appointed restaurant, Michael and Alexa enter a medium-sized private box utilized for meetings. Alexa had already booked it the day before.
Michael recognized the person who was already inside the seat as Lewis, the chairman who took over the Big E studios from his uncle, who had just become ill and bedridden a few months ago.
Michael is also aware that this individual is a mediocre producer and lacks the skills to run a business effectively. And this is also why he intends to purchase this studio.
After taking a seat and asking Alexa to order the dinner, he chats with Lewis on unrelated things while sipping a glass of wine.
After a few exchanges, Lewis became impatient because he had not learned anything valuable for himself after wasting so much time talking to Michael, but he knows that he cannot be impolite and blunt to the person opposite him, so he tentatively asks Michael the reason for their meeting.
Alexa shook her head, seeing Lewis' impatience and knowing that he was already on the back foot in this dialogue.
Michael laughed as he inquired, "Actually, I heard that there is some financial problem within your studios currently, which has also stalled your upcoming movie in the production stage."
Lewis was stunned since he had no idea how Michael knew about the situation in his company; he suspected that someone in the company had leaked the information.
But what he didn't realize was that the person who authorized those banks to put pressure on Lewis was Michael, who wanted the conversation to go in his direction.
Lewis shook his head and continued, "Mr. Greenberg, don't believe those rumors; they're just malicious words spread by competitors."
Michael narrows his eyes and giggles, "But I heard these words from the banks themselves, and they seem anxious to get their money back, am I right?"
Lewis's face paled as he criticized the banks in his heart for spreading this news; because this individual is well aware of his condition, he will constantly be on the back foot in this discussion. Lewis was getting frantic about money.
Michael saw Lewis' face grow pale after hearing his explanations, knowing that his strategy had been successful. Michael is also aware of Lewis's attempt to gather money from his faction since yesterday.
Michael was also the one who bribed a senior member of the Italian faction, telling him not to help Lewis and claiming that he himself intended to acquire the Big E studio, which is why he has been denied by them for the previous two days.
Michael responded with the question, "What do you think about us joining hands and working together to produce movies?."
Lewis asked carefully, "What do you mean?"
He went on: "What I mean is that we Lilitale Studios will acquire your studios, and from now on, you will produce movies for us and be an independent producer with the label of your Big E Pictures as a subsidiary that can be focused on making comedy movies."
Lewis realized he was in a difficult situation and knew that getting help from someone would be beneficial in keeping him from going bankrupt, but he was concerned because the person in front of him was Jewish while he was from an Italian group.
Michael witnessed his predicament and suggested, "You know, when you are in a difficult situation, you will know who helps you and who does not."
Lewis nodded, knowing that what Michael said was true: if those people have no intention to help him, he should help himself.