Hollywood Art: System of sunnys

November 5.

Billy had finished his tour; the business of sponsoring Lilo & Stitch was still in good shape. His return to San Jose gave him a great idea for continuing with the Ice Age. As he continued drawing with great dedication, he looked at his reflection in the mirror, his long hair almost reaching his forehead, which didn’t bother him.

After signing with CAA, he found Jim Wait in a better office, with a smiling and happy face, ever since Sev7n, sleeping with a smile on his face.

Their professional relationship was swift and always the same; when business was involved, they both moved quickly to the point.

-You didn’t get the part in Freeway and, well, they also closed for Scream, but apparently, certain relationships are hard to calculate. There’s a certain helping hand that supports your rival. I think now they regret it, and your side is insufficient. After the success of Sev7n and your recent success with Lilo & Stitch, I think those people will completely change their minds, but there are no regrets – Jim Wait commented.

Billy nodded. He was left with only a few high-profile movies and a deep disappointment for not landing the Scream role, but he agreed.

-It doesn’t matter anymore. I want the role of Donnie Brasco for which I auditioned… and of course, I think the character suits me spectacularly – Billy said.

Jim Wait remained silent…

-They have production problems and don’t prefer you. They want to hire another actor, someone more experienced. You’re not in the plans – Jim Wait said.

Billy took a seat.

-I want it! I’ve worked on the role – Billy said.

-I’ll do what I can – Jim replied.

-That’s not the question. When they don’t want you for a movie, the only thing left is to be part of it. You know I like the script. I can distribute the movie. Let’s follow the same pattern as always… offer economic distribution, expand relationships, and have them talk to Jim Gianopulos – Billy said.

-I feared you’d say that – Jim Wait responded. He wanted to say something but couldn’t. The question was whether to wait until your projects succeed.

-What about Cameron? – Billy asked.

-Similarly, Billy, the production is discouraged, but they will start calling people for interviews in January – Jim Wait said.

-We can’t miss it. Did they send any scripts? – Billy asked, having some knowledge about how the character should be or how it should be performed.

-The studios are a bit… recently there were rumors of canceling the movie – Jim said.

-Can we go into production? – Billy sighed.

It is one of the highest-grossing films in cinema history, a world record.

-Impossible, kid. The studios can’t give up such participation – Jim Wait said, looking at Billy’s new successes or potential failures. It’s one of the ways people find the problem between parts. According to rumors that Jim Wait managed to get about Cameron’s next movie, production costs had soared beyond the original budget, reaching approximately $200 million. The heads of 20th Century Fox and Paramount Pictures would be concerned about the possibility of not recouping their investment.

There was doubt; no love movie had ever surpassed $400 million, so problems were starting to arise.

-There were problems. - Billy commented that the studios aren’t pushing.

-It’s different, kid. That would only delay production. You pay, but the companies will generate more problems than you think – Jim said, handing him the script he had pending and explaining the reason for the visit. It was a quick step for L.A. Confidential, another script Billy was considering. However, it was another subsidiary of Regency Agents.

The script was explosive, and Warner’s success was over. But Billy showed up because they had already scheduled an interview, and the lawyers acted just before the interview… everything was ready, and a complaint wasn’t necessarily what they expected.

-I don’t think you’ll be invited to the Warner Studios – Jim said as they continued on their way.

-Nothing can be done except to move forward – Billy replied.

They both walked through the recording hallways until they reached the small space for Regency. It was a 20 by 20-meter cubicle, three floors, what many would call a matchbox. The first floor was a storage area for all recording equipment, the second floor had a narrow audition room along with reception and offices, and the third floor, the smallest, housed the bosses’ offices.

-Do everything possible – Jim commented, as he saw the numerous candidates. The participants’ gazes were turning towards him… his name was famous, especially after his last film… a major hit in the acting world.

***

ID Software is one of the largest video game production companies. Despite its vast size and inertia, it has begun creating some of the best video games in history. Although it might not seem like it, their achievements are considerable.

Every two or three months, they release different types of video games, and each release causes a significant stir. Companies are demanding numerous requirements for Billy’s games. A new actor has entered the scene. Sony and Nintendo view their competition with apprehension. Nintendo and Sony have conflicted since 1992 when Sony made multiple deals to create a disc-based console with Nintendo. However, Nintendo didn’t like the idea and completely rejected Sony, ending their relationship unilaterally after a long collaboration.

This led Sony to create its console, a disc-reading console. Although Nintendo struck first, the PlayStation 1 was already released in Japan, and the market could expand into North America. With the stimulating position of Columbia Pictures in charge, success might come quickly.

-A unique relationship with Sony – Anne Hall inquired.

-If they want to limit Nintendo’s market and allow us to release ID Software games exclusively on the PlayStation 1, with our power in the American market, it would be a significant blow – Richard Boll responded.

-Interests, Richard. What interests do we gain? As long as the interests are sufficient, we can sign an exclusivity contract – Anne Hall commented.

Interestingly, the idea of exclusive games for a console came from Billy himself when he partnered with Sony and provided the Real Engine.

-Of course, I asked. However, they scheduled a meeting… I thought Billy should know. After all, the boss must be involved in such policies – Richard Boll said, knowing it could be a great victory or a significant loss, and it was not bad to confirm with the ID Software engine, the true creator of the company, which was unmatched in vision.

-You’re right; I know little about video games – Anne Hall replied.

-Well, we have a meeting on November 30th – Richard Boll commented.

The console was released last year. Many games are available on various consoles, but the launch in America was on October 25th, and in Europe on November 25th.

-A bit late for that; they might be planning something – Anne whispered.

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