Hollywood Art: System of sunnys

The heat was scorching, perhaps akin to the heat waves that strike Texas. Here, a hard concentration made one want to lie in a hammock and sleep all day, caring only for rest.

The positive side was the lack of press, and the location was rather remote—a curious course for a shoot. But his team of bodyguards was there. He had stopped being afraid since his three trusted men, rotated with three others, followed him day and night, speaking only when necessary for their job. Even born in a hot region, he felt like he was boiling.

I'm glad we could make it on time. - Billy commented to his bodyguards, who responded in their usual silence, recording all his words behind the cameras. They even used Canton, Mississippi, taking some old buildings, renting them out, and leaving the rest for the set's creation and hiring extras. The time in court was a brief scene, but the industrial park and Madison County Center, along with the old courthouse grounds, would be used.

The arrival in Canton and the production studios was quick. The budget was considerable, so they clung to a good scale to reduce costs. From there, the price wouldn't vary much.

His main scenes were with Samuel L. Jackson, who had a tight schedule and would be touring the United States to complete his work. Alongside him was Oliver Platt, playing Harry Rex Vonner, a partner of Billy/Jack Brigance.

Entering a tent serving as his preferred dressing room for this occasion, Billy had to play his cards right. Jake Brigance is a righteous lawyer, a moral man, and a family father, always looking tired but well-dressed. The trial consumes him; his salary is minimal, and he works for the sense of justice in his heart.

The accent was complex, and the minimal characteristics were the details that highlighted the performance. A well-placed red thread in his lines was all he needed for a satisfactory role.

-Good afternoon, everyone. - commented Arnon Milchan, along with the director. Both men were white, thin, and had hints of blonde hair, completing their outfits with Sunday shirts, typical for office workers playing golf. Likewise, Billy took a seat while reading the already formed and consolidated script.

-We’ll have lunch to commemorate the start of the shoot... - commented Arnon Milchan.

Billy thought there would be recordings, but perhaps it was already too late, and the night in towns tends to be more visual due to the lack of present lighting in such places. As usual, it's common to pause at five in the afternoon.

The buffet-style food, with many tables around, was set up in the yard where some movie events were supposed to occur. Two barbecues, along with other large containers of food, smelled of meat.

-You're older than you look on screen. - commented Donald Sutherland, a man with many years in the film industry, now playing the reluctant mentor of Jack Brigance, but often one of the grounding poles Jack needed throughout his performances.

-Mr. Donald, it's an honor to meet you. - Billy replied.

-Enough of that, boy. Each of us is an actor fulfilling our parts of the deal. Our scenes will be relevant. Luckily for me, I'll take a half-year break. I've worked hard... but now I'll dedicate myself to my family. - commented Donald.

-It's good to rest. Life tends to slip away, and the years pass quickly. -

-A curious statement for someone so young. You must have been working diligently. - commented Donald.

-This is the fifth movie of the year, and I think my last. I’ll wait until next year to take on other roles. - said Billy, counting the dubbing for The Iron Giant and not A Bug's Life, as his work in The Iron Giant was much deeper.

-A very busy year, even for veterans in the industry. But enough of that, try the meat. It's seasoned with a particular touch. The meat is stretched over hooks and washed in hot air for two days, which gives it a unique flavor. - commented Donald.

- I wasn't going to try the meat, but I can do it. I'm following a diet, but some good pieces of meat would be fantastic  - said Billy.

They both took a seat at the distant table, occupied by other members of the production team. At least three photographers, two lighting technicians, two assistants, and a coordinator were needed to organize everything related to the production.

- I prefer cowboy movies, but now the genre is almost extinct. Many productions focus on more elaborate but less structured concepts  - commented Donald.

-We're in a good era now. Technology hasn't yet contaminated the scenes and allows for things never seen before. But I think we can stabilize that conception if we keep on this path  - said Billy.

He observed the director of the film. Behind him, John Grisham was talking to Samuel L. Jackson, looking very happy about something. The words seemed concentrated, judging by John's serious look. Billy was interested in this person, as he would be a great addition to his publishing house Macmillan... Tor Books, and future series or movies. There were always loose ends that wanted to adapt books with such wide circulation and impact as John's.

- You guys beat us to it. You're quite anxious  - commented Donald.

- Ahhhhhh, we expected the work to keep you busy until tomorrow  - said Samuel, smiling.

-We need more funds - said David Filo. The financing made Yahoo's idea a reality, but now they wanted to start a great brand, expanding to various internet services. Connecting people is Yahoo's ultimate principle.

***

-Lux Animation offered us another two million dollars to generate profitability, along with their process resources  - said Jerry Yang, reviewing data-. They have 30% of the company and will likely push for another 10 or 15%. It's better to seek financing further away that sacrifices less of our company. It's time to go public! -

Yahoo is a web portal that connects with Yahoo Search. It now includes My Yahoo, a page aiming to coordinate different services. But to Hotmail's surprise, they now want to break through with their email, news page, sports, financial resources, and advertising.

- I think you're right, but if we can get information about Hotmail from Billy, we can integrate our portal in less time. Maybe with some financing and a good proposal, we won't have to give up another percentage  - said David Filo, planning ideas for it. They knew their closest competitor was Excite, another company headed by Billy, who owns 40%. Excite went public at the end of 1994 and has since become one of the most visited websites. Its popularity keeps growing.

-Let's talk to the board. For now, let's have proposals in the air - said Yang, considering how they could create the eventual business. They were losing momentum and feeling tired. Working 18-hour days was exhausting them. Due to inexperience, both Billy and Yang had that flaw; they worked more than they should.

...