Chapter 3: Brainstorming
Toys, conspiracies, distribution, films, and business! The young Alexander had his mind juggling his current information and information from the future.
"You... Mark!" Old Sullivan sternly grumbled. "You had better not be half-heartedly jumping into this company of yours. If you run this company the same way you make your crappy films, it would be a complete failure."
It was a well-known fact that Mark Creed was not too successful in his endeavors. The films he produced had very little audience appeal and only a sparing few theaters would slot them into their schedule.
He was at it for 20 years and he failed to make a monumental mark with his creations. The only fortunate thing about him is that he does not need to worry about financial resources.
Mark could continue directing and producing without care, given that he still has rich Sullivan behind him.
"I know how to balance things, dad! I may be considered a failure in the filmmaking industry, but I still went to business school with exceptional grades."
"You sure took your time to realize that you are more suited for business." Sullivan admonished but did not nag much. Although the Creeds practice independence and self-reliance at home matters, they were dependent and indulging outside.
The old man knew that his son inherited his business blood but his passion lay elsewhere, so he just supported him with whatever he can and watched his son strive through defeat.
Mark Creed never wavered despite the mountain of failures and Sullivan was quite proud of that. It was still quite worrying to speculate about the prospects of Mark's film production company with its upcoming distribution company.
The dinner conversation went on with the older men talking about the quirks of their ventures. Nearing the end of the birthday dinner, the two of them had a certain consensus. "Our businesses aren't looking that great, isn't it?"
Silence ensued from speculating their uncontrollable future but not for long. The silent Alexander took this chance to speak up.
"What if dad's movies become somewhat related to grandpa's toys?!" Young Alex naively pondered as he seemed to be speaking with himself, while explicitly wanting them to hear. He was trying his best to act as if it was just a child's curiosity at a fortunate time.
The stunned audience was still in silence but uplifted laughs were what came next.
"Haha! That might just be it, Alex. Hope you were listening to my grandson, Mark!"
"Fufu! Of course, I was, Dad!"
Sullivan and Mark exchanged glances with each other but an opportunistic glint and pride could be seen in their characteristically dark gazes.
"I don't know if it was stupid or genius to have you listening to us grumble, Alex! Hope us old men did not bore the birthday boy with our thoughtlessness." Sullivan responded with fondness to his precious grandson and the expectant gleam on his face was clearly visible.
They had the same conception when buying those film companies but it was gratifying to have the little one blurt it out.
"How about you head in early, Alexander? I think Grandpa and I need to extend our talk for quite a while." Mark proudly smiled at his son as they kept the dishes after finishing their meal.
Without much hesitation, Alexander brushed his teeth and readied for bed. He was four and wanted to take in much sleep needed for a developing child.
The patriarchs were haggling over who was to wash the dishes but the young boy knew that his words stirred their enthusiasm toward a certain direction. Although they were already headed in that direction without his interference.
Given that they were a package of workaholics, they might not get much sleep from his intentional mindless curiosity.
Film and merchandise coming together may not be too obvious in this era but Alexander's vision showed him that they would come hand in hand in the future.
From Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Hasbro, animation, and Legos. Major production companies' other earnings come from the authorization and manufacturing of toys derived from their popular film franchises.
He didn't know how his grandfather and father would plan for this development but he knew that they might likely fail if they do not consider an important piece. Even with old Creed's business savvy, a critical factor of movie production must be taken into account, which he has not much experience on.
No offense to them but given his father's track record, the possibilities of failing are high. Producing quality movies is a priority and young Alexander hyped himself to sleep with the prospect of helping his hapless seniors.
With him in bed, the elder Creeds did not stray from his expectations and even took his secret worries to heart.
Old Sullivan turned to his son and questioned. "What do you think, Mark? Do Alexander's cute mutterings have feasibility?"
"You are more business-minded than me, Dad! I'm pretty sure you already have the answer, so why ask? After all, Alexander is not the only one to think about this. We pretty much considered this possibility when you invested in my company acquisitions." Mark shrugged as he was lost and had to do the dishes. "I think Star Trek and other movies followed the same method of selling, so it has merit."
"I know that. The reason I am asking you is that your filmmaking capabilities are key to this whole thing." Sullivan pointed out as he muttered his ideas. "A movie about dolls, a movie about teddy bears, a movie about cars, trucks, and trains! I doubt you can handle that!"
Alexander with future vision could pinpoint their critical problem, so it was no problem for the business-minded Creed patriarchs to see it as well.
"Er..." Mark was tongue-tied. He had experience in making movies about crimes, shoot-outs, romances, and some other generic genres from his years on the job. He knew that no sane person or child would buy any toy about that.
His main focus was on the science fiction genres like the popular Star Trek series, however, his success rate was extremely bleak. Measly concepts about a swamp man, vampires, superhero wannabes, and outer space reimaginations just weren't cutting it. They just weren't that mainstream.
He had the money but the filming level just didn't cut out to the audience's expectations. Sci-Fi and the fantasy genres that he liked are too much of an oddball on the big screen. Ostracized geeks are probably the only reception that his movies have.
His equipment options also limited him due to the closed-off resources that the known production companies kept to themselves.
Their talk continued nonetheless.
"What about..."
"How about..."
"Not practical. We could..."
"Maybe we can..."
They had back-and-forth scenes with not much progress in finding the appropriate solutions. Thus, the night commenced in the household.
One slept well while a duo might as well be in a nightmare with their sleepless brainstorming.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
UniVerseLessOne
UniVerseLessOne This is just going to be plain horrendous and disgusting than my main trashy work.
You've been warned!
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