The Amazing Turtle Television Studio; 3:30 PM; a meeting is about to take place...
Inside a meeting room filled with 14 black chairs around a long table, 13 television executives and employees are sitting and waiting patiently. A wave of uneasiness could be felt in the room. Many whispered to each other, trying to find answers to why this meeting was taking place. The door to the meeting room opened, and everyone feel silent. The head of The Amazing Turtle Television Studio had arrived. As the employees sat along the table, Mr. Benjamin walked towards the chair at the end.
"Good afternoon, everybody," Mr. Benjamin told the employees.
They all replied politely, however still feeling uneasy.
"You are all probably wondering why I called this meeting," continued Mr. Benjamin. "Don't worry. None of you are getting fired."
Sighs of relief filled the room.
"However, our poor ratings are affecting the future of this company," Mr. Benjamin said sternly.
"Kids are just not liking our shows. Our ratings are plummeting every week. However, you know which show is atop the ratings mountain, stealing all of our viewers?"
"Total Drama," the employees immediately said in unison.
"Uh... yeah," Mr. Benjamin said, kind of annoyed that everyone knows about Total Drama's popularity. "Total Drama is practically bent on world domination. Last week's episode got more viewers than any of our shows could even dream of!"
"How was the episode? I missed it," said one of the employees.
"Shut up," Mr. Benjamin said rudely. He then said in a low tone, "it was fantastic..."
Mr. Benjamin sighed, rubbing his temples, "Kids and Adults alike are eating this show up. What makes this show so popular? What gives this show an almost gravitational pull towards audiences?"
"Oh, I think I know!" said an unknown voice.
Everyone turned towards the mysterious voice. A man that appeared to be in his late 30's was poking his head through the door. A young woman also poked her head through it.
"I'm terribly sorry. I tried to stop him, but he snuck past my desk," said the secretary, looking both nervous and frustrated.
"Aw, I'm sorry, sweetheart. This is just too important to follow rules. I just need to speak to whoever is in charge of this fine establishment."
"That would be me, and I must ask you to leave," Mr. Benjamin said in a controlling tone.
"This meeting wouldn't be about Total Drama, would it?" the man said with a smirk. "If it is, I may have a solution to your little problem."
Mr. Benjamin looked sternly at the man, and after looking for a couple seconds, told the secretary, "Let him come in. That will be all."
The secretary gave the man an annoyed look, then walked away and closed the door.
"Bye, sweetheart!" said the man. "Nice girl. I may hire her to be my secretary when I become rich and famous again."
"Cut the chit- chat. What is the reason for your rude interruption of our meeting?" said Mr. Benjamin.
The man began walking closer to the table. He had on a tacky Hawaiian shirt and brown cargo shorts. His tacky outfit was accompanied by a Faux Hawk haircut for his brown hair. His blue eyes shined just as bright as his huge smirk. He went to the end of the table opposite of Mr. Benjamin. Realizing there wasn't a chair on this end, he just got on his knees and put his hands on the table, trying to look as professional as possible given the circumstances.
"Well, as all of you may know, I'm Leonardo Crawford," said Leonardo, matter of factly.
That remark was answered with silence and blank stares from the others.
"Really? Leonardo Crawford," Leonardo said in surprise. "The host of the most famous game shows from the 90's? Known worldwide for his charming wit and fantastic smile? This doesn't ring any bells?"
"Oh, that was you? You were in that "Where are they now?" show about old stars that fell off the face of the Earth, right?" said one of the employees, which was met with laughs from around the table. Leonardo, however, was not amused.
"Yes... that was me," Leonardo said, annoyed. "I know that I've been... distant from the television scene, but that's about to change!"
"How, Mr. Crawford?" Mr. Benjamin asked, irritated.
"Well, the question that we all are asking is, 'what makes Total Drama so popular?'" Leonardo said, getting up off his knees and starting to walk around the table. "Well, I'll tell you. It's the pain and suffering of its contestants!"
"That's terrible!" one of the employees said. Many nodded in agreement.
"I know, right? It's great!" Leonardo exclaimed. "However, that's not the only thing that makes this show so popular. Relationships, enemies, drama, drama, drama! Everyone roots for the good guys and hate the bad guys, but all these characters are beloved no matter how good or evil they are! It's because of how much pain they endure, how much pain they can cause, and much drama they can stew up!"
Many nodded their head in agreement.
"Yes, this is all true. What's your point, Mr. Crawford?" Mr. Benjamin said in annoyance, but in slight suspense.
"Well, I'll tell ya, Mr. Business Man," Leonardo said, stopping dead in his tracks and grinning enormously. "Two words... Extreme Reality!"
"Extreme Reality?" Mr. Benjamin asked in confusion. Everyone else looked confused, as well.
"Yes! Extreme Reality! The show that promises to be twice as painful, twice as enjoyable, and twice as dramatic as Total Drama!" Leonardo exclaimed in excitement.
"16 teens will compete in challenges that span across the globe," Leonardo continued. "Each challenge promising to be even more dangerous than the other! Divided into 2 teams, these contestants must fight to stay in the game and to stay alive. Each episode will be different than the last, providing a dynamic punch of drama, danger, and hilarity in each one!"
Everyone was stunned. The idea to have a reality show compete with Total Drama was crazy, and very risky for the already troubled television studio.
"Well," Mr. Benjamin said, rather stunned. "What would be the grand prize?"
"$1,000,000, duh," Leonardo said, rolling his eyes.
"Do you actually think we have $1,000,000 to give away? Absolutely absurd!" Mr. Benjamin exclaimed angrily.
"Well, I believe we don't have to worry about that, as my loving mother provided me with all of the cash," Leonardo said, matter-of-factly.
"*cough* (momma's boy) *cough" one of the employees joked. Everyone snickered, even Mr. Benjamin smiled.
Leonardo frowned, "I am not a momma's boy! My mother is just a saint. Who else will let me live in her basement for 10 years after I lost my mansion?"
Everyone bursted out laughing. Leonardo frowned and blushed.
"So, Mr. Crawford," Mr. Benjamin said, grinning in amusement. "Since your mother payed for the cash prize, who will host the show?"
"Me, of course!" Leonardo exclaimed. "This is my chance to come back in the spotlight!"
Everyone looked at each other, then looked at Mr. Benjamin. He was thinking hard, his piercing eyes looking at Leonardo.
After a minute or two, Mr. Benjamin finally spoke, "Mr. Crawford, your presentation for your idea was abysmal. You snuck past the secretary to interrupt our important meeting, telling us this insane idea to create a game show to compete with probably the biggest show on the planet right now. Even though the prize money would be paid for, reality shows are expensive to create. Also, you are well past your prime as a host. Also, your outfit can't be more tasteless..."
"This happens to be my trademark outfit!" Leonardo interjected.
"Even so," Mr. Benjamin continued, "Despite your pathetic presentation, your rude interruption, and your tacky 'trademark' outfit... I'll give your show a chance."
"Really? YES!" Leonardo exclaimed, jumping up in the air, pumping his fists.
"Yes, we'll tell the network and ask for auditions for teens around the world," Mr. Benjamin said, flinching and rubbing his ears from Leonardo's yelling. "Don't let me down, Mr. Crawford."
"Oh, don't you worry," Leonardo said, grinning and shaking everyone's hand. "Me, you, and my mother will be rolling in cash, I promise you! It's gonna be a hit!"