John Hendricks looked over the list of orders coming from Lux Animation. Contrary to initial thoughts, there was no merger. Instead, it was one of the most significant partnerships, with sensible and well-founded proposals. They struck deals with two universities, Stanford and Johns Hopkins, yet they continually sought to increase their pace with research and donations from various places.
The most crucial task was renewing contracts with the BBC and trying to launch an intriguing new reality show called "The Last Survivor." The idea was to showcase challenges, strength, and the impossible. Billy mentioned they needed an expert, someone charismatic who would dive in without fear.
Following that was a program about superstructures, dedicated to the greatest human constructions and their histories. At least 20 episodes would cover everything from Machu Picchu to the Great Wall of China, with a special episode on New York's buildings, including the Empire State and the Twin Towers. It was revealing once more—not a novel idea, but few dared to invest in such ventures.
Thus, he made a quick trip to New York City to meet with Johnny Smith, who was in charge of BBC Worldwide. Alongside this, he contacted several good producers to assist with different programs, from “Water,” “Earth,” “Mammals,” “Endangered Species,” to “Monkeys.” Handling this workload with Discovery's resources wasn’t straightforward.
Wiping away non-existent sweat, he took a deep breath. It was time to work; time waited for no one. He sent a voice message before entering the meeting. Mark, start looking for the chosen people for ‘The Last Survivor’ program as soon as possible. The idea is in my office, organized in the new projects cabinet. I have many ideas.
If one were to describe John Hendricks’ appearance, it would be as someone made for his position. He looked good in a suit, but on a safari, he had the air of an executive. As a president who sold his company, he should have had a problem, but he never had firm control; everything was in the hands of the BBC, and even now, he was moving mountains.
-Long time no see, Johnny,- Hendricks said.
-I can't deny we're right… after the sale, I thought negotiations soured,- Johnny commented.
-They did, but I can't refuse. You decided to sell. I can't deny I'm upset, but the work continues, and I have a bold new boss who has surprised me greatly,- Hendricks replied.
His voice betrayed his anger.
Billy organized his thoughts… he had to visit his grandparents after a long time. In a pretentious air of defeat, he managed to express exhaustion. His grandfather suffered from dementia, something that broke him. He trusted no one and nothing with such a sensitive issue, something that could cause deep pain in his heart.
He heard the bathroom door open; Monica was wearing a black mask.
-Want some of this mask?- asked the dark-haired woman.
-That would be nice,- Billy replied, giving her a gentle kiss. –A kiss for me and one for you.-
Monica began applying the facial cream to Billy’s face with a black brush. In small kisses, the black cream spread across Billy’s face. Care was necessary for people, and without much space between them, Billy could see that Monica was someone to take care of, someone affectionate, very different from what they usually did.
-Do you want to make some money? - Billy asked.
- What’s it about? - Monica inquired.
-Voice dubbing. We’re dubbing a TV series, and you can be a part of it. The pay is $2,000 per episode, and there are 23 episodes of the series Hercules. The actress who did the dubbing for Meg won’t be doing her part... so I need you! That’s $48,000. - Billy explained.
-Sure, I can do it, - Monica replied, smiling as she enjoyed the idea.
-Tomorrow, you’ll go into the studio. Before that, we’ll buy your gym clothes so we can go together, and then we’ll head to work. - Billy said.
Monica smiled and gave him another kiss, followed by another.
-Dinner is ready, gentlemen, - Chef Garduf announced. He was a specialist in Spanish and Italian cuisine, who had come to cook for Billy and Monica in the evenings. He came four days a week and was currently in a trial period. Monica wanted to create a high-end Italian restaurant in Los Angeles, and she and Billy had devised a plan where each dish was a trial period.
-We have to go eat, my love, - Monica said.
For Anne Hall, the last week had been an endless stream of work; most of her activities were all about work.
-It’s almost eight, - she said to herself. It was time to leave.
She passed by, not giving herself much time, until she saw the lights on in Anna Washington’s studio, filled with papers, visible through the glass.
-Anna, good evening, - Anne greeted.
-Boss, what’s up? - Anna asked.
-Nothing, it’s just very late to keep working. Being one of Jim’s key hands, it must be very important for you to stay so late. Let me take you out to eat, - Anne Hall suggested.
Reports were everywhere. Anna Washington handled all the fine details for the new children’s channel. Among the many challenges, she had to optimize production schedules to align with the plans, schedules, and publications of the respective companies, along with managing payments, releases, and, of course, reporting eventualities. Constant reports were sent amidst the meetings.
-I think I have too much to do, - Anna hesitated.
-Come on, you need the fresh air just as I did at one point. I’ll talk to Jim about the work halt… although it might not seem like it, this company is driven by a workaholic culture. People think Billy doesn’t sleep a single day, constantly working on his numerous comics, series, folders, organizational charts, and of course, manuals for TV series, video games, and companies… that’s the drive he gives everyone to develop themselves, - Anne Hall said, smiling as she extended her hand.
A giant animation company rests on the shoulders of many people. They see a huge animation company but forget the 500 employees that make up the company. Everyone works towards a purpose, and the company becomes a part of their lives. It’s not just Anna; it’s also Jack, who leaves every day at five to pick up his kids from school and meticulously reviews footage during his work hours. Or Rallan Murphy, who works even when he doesn’t have to, allowing him to buy a house, albeit with half the mortgage still to pay.
-That might be true, - Anna said, her smile lighting up her face. Anna was a typical 39-year-old administrative worker, slightly overweight (though only she thought so), with minimal makeup and messy hair… she only changed for special occasions.