Hollywood Art: System of sunnys

Pixar was eager and buzzing with anticipation. Their latest success with Ice Age hadn't fully settled in, and the new strategy for creating publicity was underway: producing short animated clips, each about a minute long, showcasing both previously released and upcoming films.

With his foresight and extensive knowledge, Billy embarked on creating some of the most famous shorts, featuring the squirrel from Ice Age, as well as characters from Toy Story and A Bug's Life. Each short included two summaries of random stories and was released on Lux Animation and Universal's channels, as well as in cinemas before the main feature.

-Hahaha... this is wonderful, - remarked John Lasseter, wrapping up the latest Ice Age projects. The prospect of the original team releasing the second part of Toy Story excited the evolution of a new series. This represented a leap in animation, from translucent objects, improved character movement, enhanced image quality, and expanded shots, such as deep shots, long shots, and general shots. Achieving this level of advancement was something few companies could match, though the cost was substantial. Investing in software development was significant, and updating Pixar Studios was planned after releasing at least three films, especially in terms of shot quality and image improvements. This was slated for 2000, coinciding with the schedule for Finding Nemo.

-Surviving was tough, but this film is pure art. I bet it will be a bigger success than Toy Story. We will dethrone the Mouse House in a month and be crowned the best in 3D animation globally. I believe after this film, many companies will want to buy our Pixar studio, - declared John Lasseter, admiring Ice Age. Unlike the film developed by Blue Sky, the snow, human, and animal developments were top-notch.

The 24 licenses sold for a total of $8 million. This was undoubtedly a great opportunity to continue improving the investment system and possibly acquire some companies or develop advancements. The plan was to purchase a stake in Adobe next year, especially since Adobe had acquired Photoshop in March after a fierce battle for the system.

-Don't bother me, - muttered Ed Catmull, a bit fed up with John Lasseter's enthusiastic greed. Ed felt his hair turning white as clouds every time John came in raving about the project's brilliance. Bonuses were expected by the end of February, with everyone thinking about the excellent box office performance and the potential $400,000 in their pockets. The senior employees were particularly looking forward to their bonuses, a value set for the 20 longest-serving members who had always collaborated with Pixar, driven by a shared dream and concrete goal.

The bonus and benefits system had three tiers, negotiated so far by Randal McArthur and Billy, who feared one thing: unions.

-Oh come on, I'm very happy. You can't deny that the new project gives everyone in the room goosebumps, - said John Lasseter.

-I've got goosebumps, - replied Ed Catmull.

They arrived early, with Randal McArthur also present alongside Gary LeGuisame, the new project leader recommended by the team for his dedication and creative animation development. However, the stars of the show were still missing: George Lucas and Billy Carson.

They were there to discuss a topic that would be the sensation of the decade: Pixar's first animated series. A true star of publication with at least 30 episodes and an astronomical budget yet to be calculated, the risk was crucial. The aim was not only to improve Pixar's technical system to develop various spaces and materials, such as outer space, stars, and lightsabers but also to invest heavily. The series would be taken from a drawer, set 10 years before The Phantom Menace, aiming to immerse fans in an unknown universe and build ownership over Star Wars, centered on the secret story of Sheev Palpatine and his path to the dark side.

-John, sorry I'm late! - Billy commented as he saw everyone anxiously gathered around the table, checking their watches. He wasn't late, just ten minutes early. It seemed everyone was so anxious about these nine projects.

-Our dear George Lucas is still missing - Ray Alvy remarked.

-I managed to see the previews of the Ice Age shorts; they are magnificent... Is it too ambitious to ask for one more before December? - Billy inquired.

-Maybe January. Right now, everyone is swamped; many people have focused their energy on this project, while others are balancing on a knife's edge, adapting the second part of Toy Story. I foresee a lot of work in the coming months. Perhaps we can make time for November 1996 at the earliest. For now, we should consider hiring more people who are eager to join us and clean up the schedule - John Lasseter responded.

-Done. How many do we need? I can invest $10 million now and another $10 million in February - Billy stated.

This left everyone at the table once again amazed.

The eyes turned to Randal, who was responsible for these administrative tasks.

-I'll review the accounts and adjust the interviews. I have several applications for the software and video game teams. This will free up space for more projects - Randal said.

-Mr. Lucas is at reception - the secretary informed Randal from the office entrance.

***

Apple was on the brink of collapse. Billy managed to refine the Mac technology gift for Asian models, but the CEO's insistence led to an early dismissal by Billy. A positive aspect was that Motorola technologies wouldn't have the entire operating system, just small parts. A negative point was the CEO's hasty call to the media, which only served to further damage Apple. The 35% was insufficient for Billy to achieve the necessary advancement power.

The Vanguard Group, supporting Michael Splinter, was somewhat furious. Among the main issues was that market expansion sought to leverage advantages in the Chinese market, which was outside Apple's purview.

-It's unacceptable that I was fired over this. The future lies in the Chinese markets, and the licensing fees we gain could make for a timely investment - Michael Splinter remarked.

-You have 35% of the shares; at least $198 million is needed to acquire your position - Howard, a member of Vanguard Group, commented. Moreover, Billy had already taken the company's fate to the board after numerous media outlets began covering various companies regarding licenses, including piracy, mass production, and low packaging prices for competitors. Michael's market was trivial, but Michael was wealthy, having made his fortune at Apple. The pressure was evident.

-They're nepotistic. That kid was doing a perfect job; my plan was clear. We were about to create something fantastic - Michael Splinter sighed, holding a glass.

-Now you need to worry about other matters - Howard replied.

-Like what news?

It's not the news, but your position caused a drop in the shares. The group is displeased and wants you to retract. By the way, you allowed Billy Carson to expand his already closed share group by 6%. It creates a problem because, since 1994, his position suggests he wants Apple for himself - Howard commented.

Michael took a deep breath.

-I'll make the retraction! How possible is that? - Howard asked.

-I have no idea, but several groups are selling their positions, and Billy Carson is buying. We had an idea with Apple, but it seems like old news. Even group members are considering selling; perhaps Intel, Nokia, or Motorola will be next - Howard said, creating a complete mess.

The ignorance was evident. Steve Jobs held 4%, along with BlackRock supporting Jobs' return, believing that despite Jobs' compromised management, it was lucrative. This meant Billy held 66%, and with an additional 5%, he would have 70% of the shares needed to declare the company private. From various perspectives, it wasn’t ideal but was meant to preempt the company's decline in value.

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