The Truman Sim
Prologue, Episode 1: The Next Big Thing
This ordinary-looking facade could be on any street, in front of any house. But even little Jon Mackavy knows that this particular building, recognizable from miles away, is the legendary STV Control Tower.
Jenny Morgan is in charge of demographics. She determines target markets, and coordinates the lineup to best suit their programming - and financial - needs. An intellectual with an Economics degree, Jenny is interested in the financial aspects of show business, and is often scouting new markets.
Adam Henry is in charge of promotions for STV, and is on good terms with many of the entertainment industry's best. Adam holds a Political Science major, and is the best 'facilitator' the facility has. When STV needs a talented starlet or star to perform in front of their cameras, Adam generally has the connections to make it happen.
Paul Riley here is a Literature major, and the writing director of STV. He has executive authority over the scripts for each show, and is responsible for coming up with new material to keep the shows as fresh and popular as possible. Unfortunately, the demands of art often come into conflict with the requirements for running a successful television empire.
And last, but certainly not least, is Psychology laureate, STV visionary and program director, William Christof. William is responsible for coming up with STV's current successful lineup of shows, and is currently flush with his success. The Young and the Simful is currently at the top of the charts, outranking the Yummy Channel nearly three to one. Forensic Study is their second strongest contender, with viewers from every neighborhood tuning in five days a week. William is well known worldwide, and loved by most.
Our story begins in the meeting room of the STV Control Tower, where the directors are meeting to discuss their upcoming fall lineup...
Adam: Okay, so Platinum Colas wants to feature their newest soft drink, Platinum One, during our season opening lineup. This'll be perfect for The Young and the Simful -- it's got power, it's got romance, aaaand... Paul doesn't look too impressed.
Paul: Look, I know where you're going with this, Adam, I really do. But 'Platinum One' -- the product placements for that are going to get silly really fast. "Oh, I'm so parched... why don't you pour me a Platinum One?" "How are we going to survive on this desert island? Well, at least I've got a Platinum One!" I mean...
Adam: Just hear me out. Product placement is the in thing now. And if we close this deal, we don't have to worry about getting other advertisements to cover the filming costs. And if we do get more advertisements -- solid profit.
William: Sounds wonderful. But first, let's have lunch. I'm starved.
Adam: Good afternoon, Mr. Christof.
Paul: About time, I'm starved!
Jenny: You're just in time -- we were just discussing our fall lineup. It looks like The Young and the Simful is poised for a smashing opening -- initial research has indicated that people are really into the story development and recurring characters.
William: Excellent, excellent. (Mmm, beef and broccoli!) But we still need a hook. Something new. Something fresh.
Paul: Okay -- next time I'll order sweet and sour chicken.
Jenny: I think he means a new show for our lineup, Paul. And I agree. The market really could stand greater penetration.
Adam: *snicker*
Jenny: ... you bribed someone to take your final exams for you, didn't you?
Paul: Anyhow, ah... so... new show... new show. Well, sports is always a popular market, and it's one that we don't currently try to cover. With good reason, I might add.
William: Relax, Paul, I don't plan on trying to write a sports-themed show. I want something creative. Something new. Something that appeals to all markets.
William: And something that will go over well with our investors, ideally. Relax, Jenny, I wasn't about to forget.
Paul: Yes, well. Money is good. I'm sure none of us wants a reduced salary. Just as long as this doesn't get out of hand.
William: It won't be. Besides, I'm placing you specifically in charge of product integration this year, so I'm sure we'll have no troubles from the fan base.
William: Our ratings are stronger than ever, and we need to continue this upwards push with something fresh.
Adam: Well, Christof, I agree that we are on an upswing. But what can we do that will continue the trend? Our main lineup is already pretty solid.
William: Well, it has to be a big production... and before you ask, Adam, we are not doing University Wild Times again unless we have all the necessary waivers filled out in advance.
Adam: Damn. My ideas never pass the lawyers twice.
Jenny: Thank goodness.
William: Yes... Jenny, I want you to do some market research. Paul, see if the writing staff has any ideas. Adam, get to work on the Young and the Simful product deals; Platinum One is nice, but I want to see some decent clothing designers begging to give us the clothes off their backs by next week.
Adam: You got it, sir. And the waivers?
William: Stick to product placement, Adam.
Jenny: Hm... what is our target market watching these days? Reality television is big...
Jenny: Ugh, sports... but people do seem to like truly BIG shows. Christof is right -- to make an impact, our next show idea has to be big.
Jenny: Ah, Lifestyles of the Barely Rich. People seem to like looking into other people's houses... I can't believe they chose that floor with those drapes.
Jenny: Drama, crisis, real problems... all things that The Young and the Simful has. How can we make it all fresh?
MEANWHILE...
Brandi Broke was a down-on-her-luck Sim attempting to raise her baby and deal with the tragic death of her husband in a pool-ladder-related incident. Although the fault was clearly with the ladder, her insurance company announced the death was 'suspicious' and refused to pay for the funeral.
Brandi: Beau, I know I can't provide the best for you at the moment, but I promise, everything will be okay... just as soon as you're grown, Mommy will get a job, and we'll be a happy family - you, me, and Dustin.
But Brandi was about to come to the unfortunate realization that her husband Skip had left her one last present before his untimely demise...
Our Prologue continues with Part 2: An Idea is Born.