Chapter 339 It Can Only Be a Web Series
Beckham didn't want to argue with Pearl and Penelope, so he planned to talk it out with them later.
Daxton's comment made Beckham feel awkward.
Pearl had a feeling Haley might say something. 'Haley would block my TV series. Why did Oscar get involved?'
Pearl had her doubts and said, "So Mr. Brown had issues with our show."
Oscar finally looked at her, but he seemed like a stranger now. After their split, he wasn't the same Oscar she knew.
Now, he was with Haley.
"TV stations have stricter rules with Urban dramas. Violence and revenge themes aren't suitable for TV; they influence teenagers' values," Oscar said coldly. "Your show's goal shouldn't just be entertainment. The TV station's audience includes impressionable teens."
"That's not true!" Pearl shot back. "Our show is about anti-bullying, promoting positive energy. How did it become violent? Are you targeting us?"
Oscar replied coolly, "I'm just stating the facts."
"Easy for you to say, but your words dismiss our months of work," Pearl said, getting emotional.
"Let's stay calm and talk it out," Beckham tried to mediate. "Pearl, the final decision is up to our committee. Oscar's just raising concerns; don't blame him."
His words defended Oscar and distanced him from the issue, but they hit Pearl hard.
"Sorry, Beckham. We'll discuss this later, but I need to clear something up now."
She looked at Oscar and asked, "Mr. Brown, do you have personal motives? Ms. Garcia's show airs at the same time as ours. I heard 'Echoes of the Enchanted Realm' was supposed to take six months to film but was shortened to three. It's hard not to think this is on purpose."
She didn't believe it was a coincidence.
Pearl's show had just over twenty episodes and could be filmed in a few months. But Haley's show, which should have had over forty episodes, wrapped up at the same time. It didn't add up.
"Pearl, you're overthinking!" Haley jumped in, smiling. "We rushed our schedule too. We just work more efficiently, and Oscar isn't the director. What does it have to do with him?"
"But you should reconsider your script. Claiming to oppose school bullying while showing scenes that affect teenagers' health," Haley said with a sharp smile.
"You!" Penelope was furious, wanting to tear off her fake smile.
Pearl held her back, stopping her from acting impulsively. This was the TV station, after all.
Though Haley's words angered Pearl, she held back and smiled. "I hope your heavily cut show won't disappoint the audience."
Haley was confident. "We're definitely better than you. Just wait and see!"
Pearl said, "I hope you don't end up regretting it!"
They were at a standoff, neither backing down.
Seeing the tension, Beckham said, "Oscar, if there's nothing else, take them away. We'll discuss this inside!"
Beckham glanced at Pearl, eager to end this silent standoff.
Pearl stopped looking at Haley, knowing she wouldn't get any answers from Oscar. He was fully backing Haley now, making things even tougher for them.
After Pearl and Penelope went inside, the door shut tight.
Haley said, "Pearl just wants to ruin my day; she's cursing me!"
She then looked at Oscar, still pleased. "Good thing you defended me, or I'd be bullied."
"Let's go; their show won't air," Oscar said confidently.
Haley was thrilled. "Thanks, Oscar! You found a flaw that keeps them off TV."
Oscar stayed silent.
But Haley, smitten, continued, "By the way, I talked to my dad. We should have dinner sometime."
Oscar squinted. "When?"
"Not sure yet; I'll ask again."
In the office, Pearl was talking with Beckham.
"Beckham, is there really no chance for our show to air on TV?" Pearl asked again.
Beckham looked troubled. "You know our review process is strict. The requirements for TV are high, and your theme isn't suitable."
Penelope got anxious. "Beckham, we need to air on TV. We've invested everything. If there's an issue, we can change it. Can't we make some adjustments?"
Beckham was silent for a while before saying, "It's not just my decision; it's the committee's. If I push for it, I'd lose my job. Don't make it hard for me. The committee's decision won't change."
Penelope's eyes reddened. "Beckham!"
"If you keep insisting, I'll have to ask you to leave," Beckham said, not wanting to hear more pleas.
Pearl took a step back. "The committee only said it couldn't air on TV, right?"
Beckham nodded. "Yes."
"Then we can make it a web series," Pearl suggested.
"That's possible," Beckham said. "Web series don't have the strict requirements of TV, and your show fits that format."
"No way!" Penelope opposed. "How can we make it a web series? This isn't a low-budget show!"
Pearl held Penelope's hand. "Thanks, Beckham. We understand."
Penelope was still upset, but Beckham had no patience left.
Pearl then pulled Penelope out.
Penelope was distraught. "Why didn't you let me finish? There might have been a chance."
"When have you ever seen the committee change its mind?" Pearl reminded her. "A web series is our second option. We don't have to follow the traditional route. Our target audience is young people. How many still watch TV? Web series are popular too."
This somewhat convinced Penelope but she remained stubborn. "But web series aren't as prestigious as TV."
"Penelope," Pearl said, "you need to let go of that bias. If our show is good, it'll be popular anywhere. Don't doubt yourself."
Penelope asked, "Is this our only option?"
"Yes, the committee didn't outright reject us. There's still hope. Be optimistic," Pearl comforted her, hoping she'd be more flexible.
Penelope felt a sense of loss but had to accept reality.
Meanwhile, on Oscar's side, a call was made."Check Haley's call records. I need to find Kevin's exact location."
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