Chapter 216: Chapter 216 ATV Programs
Shipping existed but was slow. Non urgent deliveries could arrive within half a month.
Hardy realized TV shopping was a lucrative business. Partnering with various businesses could boost their sales. For instance, the wine from his two vineyards was decent but not selling well due to a lack of recognition. Selling it on TV would surely improve sales.
In three days, Hardy came up with over twenty show ideas and wrote brief proposals for each. Hardy was very invested in ABC TV and wanted to make it an instant hit.
He called in Fox, Irina, and Edward, the general manager of HD Films.
Hardy said to Edward, "Edward, HD Films will set up a TV program production department to provide shows for ABC Broadcasting Company. I've made a list of shows, and producing these shows will require a lot of manpower."
A TV station needs a lot of shows to support it. With HD Films, Hardy had a natural advantage. He planned to turn the film company into a base for TV programs, similar to how major broadcast companies did in later years, like Paramount, Warner Bros., Disney, and Universal.
Hardy also knew that in 1948, the next year, Hollywood would face the Paramount Decree, requiring film companies to separate from their theaters. This decree would deal a heavy blow to the major film companies.
Coupled with the rise of the television industry, Hollywood's eight major film companies would lose their former glory. In the following years, they all ventured into television. RKO Pictures even transformed into a broadcasting company.
So from the beginning, Hardy didn't let HD Films get involved in theaters, all distribution was handled by MGM.
"Advertise in the newspapers that HD Films is recruiting a large number of producers, screenwriters, directors, planners, lighting technicians, props masters, makeup artists, and actors."
"Yes, boss," Edward replied.
Hardy then looked at Fox and Irina. "I've come up with some show proposals. Take a look and see what you think."
News Thirty Minutes: Broadcast daily at 7 AM, reporting news from various newspapers, including domestic and international news, for thirty minutes each time. Another broadcast at noon should not repeat the morning content.
Every TV station has such news programs. Hardy currently had no newspaper industry but planned to acquire a major newspaper in the future to get global news directly transmitted to the headquarters for the TV station, making the news truly fresh.
The second proposal was the Tonight talk Show:
A celebrity interview show with a regular host, inviting a different celebrity each time. Guests could be Hollywood movie stars, singers, opera performers, even sports stars, politicians, entrepreneurs, scientists, or the president.
Seeing this proposal, Irina's eyes lit up.
"Boss, can I be the host of this show?"
Hardy looked at the French girl and said, "The host of this show needs to be skilled in interviews and the art of language, sometimes serious, sometimes sharp, and with a sense of humor. Do you think you can handle it?"
"Boss, I believe I can do it well. Please give me a chance," Irina pleaded slightly.
Hardy smiled. "Alright, you'll tentatively host this show. Let's call it 'Elaine's Tonight Show.'"
"Thank you, boss," Irina said excitedly.
Professor Fox also saw that this show was excellent. If the host did a good job, they could gain a huge following and become a star in the hosting world. More importantly, they would connect with many stars, scientists, and senators.
For someone with ambition, this could build a powerful network.
Fox looked at Irina. In recent days, he had learned about Irina's situation and couldn't help but think that his student was truly lucky. She met someone like Hardy before graduation and now, right after graduating, became a high level executive at ABC.
They continued reviewing the proposals.
Estée Lauder Makeup Time: Featuring a skilled makeup artist teaching women how to do makeup and maintain their beauty on TV.
Fox was sure this show would be popular with female viewers, and the Estée Lauder brand would receive significant promotion.
"Boss, we should charge 'Estée Lauder' for advertising," Fox suggested.
Hardy smiled.
"Most shares of Estée Lauder cosmetics are mine, but we'll still charge for advertising."
Fox thought it was no wonder. The boss was promoting his own business, but this show would definitely be loved by women.
Irina picked up a proposal titled "Barbie Doll Little Fairy," a story about Barbie princesses saving the world.
The Barbie princesses live happily daily, but when the world is in danger, they take out their magic wands and shout, "Barbie Princess Transformation!" The princesses then turn into magical girl warriors to fight the evil villains.
Hardy didn't write a detailed story, but just these few words set the tone for the story, leaving the rest for screenwriters to develop.
Irina's eyes sparkled with ideas.
Edward picked up another proposal.
Speed racer, Armor Warrior, The mouse i mighty mouse....
Teletubbies, In the Night Garden: Featuring characters running around in garden costumes, suitable for children aged one to three.
Professor Fox, Edward, and Irina were very impressed after reviewing Hardy's proposals.
"Boss, you're amazing, coming up with so many creative ideas in such a short time," Edward praised.
"The best part is, these proposals are inexpensive to produce but very appealing. I believe these shows will attract a large audience once they're made," Professor Fox added.
"I love 'Barbie Doll Little Fairy.' Girls will go crazy for the Barbie princesses, and Barbie dolls will sell even more," Irina said.
Fox then said, "Boss, these proposals are excellent. If we add a few more shows, we'll have enough to support the daily programs."
Hardy smiled.
"I don't want the TV station to broadcast only four or five hours of shows daily."
He then pulled out another stack of proposals.
"There are more!"
The others were surprised.
Economic Expert Talk: Featuring a host and a guest expert analyzing the stock market.
Music Television: Pairing songs with videos to create a visual and auditory feast on TV.
Edward began to understand.
"Boss, is this MTV similar to Ava Gardner's performance in 'The Wild Bunch' movie where she sang a song at the end?"
"Exactly. We can create music videos for songs and broadcast them on TV, which will be great promotion for singers and music," Hardy explained.
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