Chapter 310: Oscar´s.
march 4.
Billy had just finished his fourth audition of the day. All the auditions he had taken in the past few days were quick snapshots, using most of his time to catch up on episodes of "One Piece" and "Slam Dunk" each episode serving as a break during production days.
The news came in: initially, "The Lion King" had been nominated for Best Original Score, and as a guest of honor, it wasn't Billy's concern. His participation was common and undignified, a consolation prize. However, an unexpected visit awaited him.
Ceremony parties before the Oscars were of all kinds, from small gatherings to cruises, parties, galas, and wild parties.
For now, thanks to Gwyneth's credit, he would have a small lunch with Spielberg, the golden man, the Midas touch, the man considered one of the most important directors in the history of cinema.
-It's just a lunch. I'll talk to my godmother, and you'll attend. After lunch, the meeting, - Gwyneth commented.
-Don't worry. We have something to do with Dreamworks. Your godfather wants money, and he's afraid to get it from a normal entertainment branch, Universal... or any other company; it will only cause trouble. If he invests in a young man like me, he can give fewer explanations, - Billy remarked.
-You're the businessman. Besides, he wants to negotiate with you. You're a man with many skills, and all those skills are valued. Dad says many people admire you, - Gwyneth commented.
Both had many things to do in the coming days. First of all, most of the films they had auditioned for were different from the films of the 2000s era, different in three ways: the first was the flat shots, the lack of CGI use, and course, real-life shots.
On the small table, a pile of scripts, all highlighted in a single filter, contained many designs, each from a unique series. Since the company hired a colorist and an editor to organize the scenes, he could make ten episodes in a week; his record was twelve episodes.
-We have to go, - Billy commented. To his surprise, Gwyneth's clothes were scattered all over the place. The little girl couldn't stop making a mess.
-It bothers me too, but what can I do? I have nothing that fits me well. I need to go shopping; I have very few clothes, -Gwyneth exclaimed.
Billy could only nod as he picked up a small blue dress. "Put this on. I like how it looks on you," Billy said, handing it to her.
-I wore that two months ago. -
-Then why do you still have it? You look beautiful, and we're running out of time. If you want, we can go shopping tomorrow. I saw a gorgeous cream-colored dress that would be perfect for you, - Billy commented, giving her a light kiss.
Gwyneth's cheeks turned pink as she nodded slightly, leading them both on a quick trip through the luxurious areas of Beverly Hills. Not far away, the grand mansions led them to a black gate, with a slight hill in the distance, a white mansion with colors, white, plaster, bone, and cotton.
-Thank you, Paul. You can take a tour of Los Angeles, and grab a bite to eat. Come back after dinner. If anything unexpected happens, I'll call you, - Billy commented, handing him $100. "For gas."
Exiting the car, a butler was far away, guiding them with a hand on his abdomen and a small towel, a handkerchief he used on his hands.
-Gentlemen, please come in. Lunch will be served in half an hour, - the butler commented.
-Come, let's greet my godmother. She's the funniest woman in the world. I wish I could live in the 70s, - Gwyneth commented.
-I have to make a call. Give me a second. -
The meal was the usual affair, a bustling place where everyone was engrossed in their performances, a small gathering not so private with Kate Capshaw, Spielberg's wife, and on the other side, a serene friend of Steven, his ex-wife, along with him, David Geffen and a busy Jeffrey Katzenberg digging into the potato salad.
-I heard not long ago that your company is producing a movie, - Kate Capshaw commented softly to Billy, within earshot of him and the others.
-I owed a favor, but yes, 'The English Patient,' if memory serves right. I haven't been keeping track much, ahhh, there's also George Lucas's trichology. So, yes, I guess I inadvertently started a film company," Billy responded.
-Starting a company unintentionally. Life's irony, - Kate remarked.
The wind rustled against the wood, the weather allowing for an outdoor meal, all arranged with a white tablecloth. Not far away, some dogs roamed the neighborhood, sometimes begging for food.
-Opportunities are like that. Sometimes when they come to you, you just have to unwrap them, and once you understand that they are often fruitful, you just have to know what to take and what not to take, - Billy commented.
-Congratulations on the awards, Anne, - Kate Capshaw commented, catching the attention of Drew and Gwyneth.
-Anne Awards? What's that? - Drew Barrymore questioned.
-Oh, that's right. Lux Animation was one of the big winners at the Anne Awards, - Jeffrey Katzenberg announced loudly, the former head of entertainment, dismissed by Michael Eisner in a power play. The competition, at the time, managed to anger some competitors.
-You work as an animator? - Drew asked, picking up a glass of juice. Alcohol was strictly off-limits for her, having just completed a lengthy rehabilitation.
She was interrupted just as she was about to respond.
-Dessert! - Kate exclaimed. The drinks had gotten to her, making her a bit dizzy and not very congenial. Gwyneth was chatting politely with Drew Barrymore, both as good as they were, holding a special place in their godfather's heart, and trying to follow mostly everything he said.
Two waiters arrived again, to clear away the desserts. Shortly after, they returned to serve ice cream cups, as well as some berry, strawberry, and banana muffins, along with some chocolate chip cookies. Nearby, everyone continued with a leisurely meal. Gwyneth's displeasure was evident; she didn't get along very well with Drew, who used to be a rebellious woman in many ways, often making Gwyneth uncomfortable. Billy was not at the head of the table; it was set in an L-shape.
-Well, I think I'll go soak up some sun by the pool, - Kate said, taking the girls to the pool, and inviting the women to the table to enjoy the mid-afternoon sun. Not far away, Billy grabbed some cookies and another glass of milk; curiously, the dessert table looked like the spread at a children's party.
-I think now that the ladies are off to the side, we should continue our conversation, - David Geffen commented, somewhat anxious at certain times.
Amidst numerous misunderstandings, there were many things he had to address, such as the fact that he had a small production company, and in the same way that Billy carried himself, the discussions were clear. His new production business would mean a detachment from Billy's new project. Was it a mistake to leave the company?
Steven was a child with an adult voice, of course, he had a distinctive, traditional way and certain values, but he still had the soul of a child that normally characterized him.
-I'm in. I love movies, - Billy said, not refusing Steven's offer.
-That's satisfying, but it leaves us with some doubts, - Jeffrey Katzenberg commented.
-I don't want to be part of the animation team. I can support them from some sectors, but I want to be part of the video game, film, and series team... I have four animation studios, and I think I should separate animation from the DreamWorks company, - Billy said.
-You want to work under my guidance, -Steven remarked.
Under his guidance, if he took the animation course, he would be free and would share the direction with Jeffrey. After all, Billy was already proven and even had a considerable reputation in the industry; it was an open secret in high circles that he was the producer, screenwriter, director, and graphic designer of most of the works.
-Yes, I want to work under your guidance, sir, - Billy replied, earning a smile from Steven at the boy's comment.
-I thought you'd choose animation, - Jeffrey Katzenberg responded, still hesitant; he wanted to work with Billy, but Billy wanted to work with Steven.
Though very formal, calm, and respected, he would follow a course not much different from what he had to do in most situations. Jeffrey was someone to be feared, Steven Spielberg was too, as was David Geffen. Nonetheless, Billy calculated that if he lost money, it was better to learn from the best.
-, yes, I don't have a knack for music. I'm unfamiliar with the market, and I prefer to leave that to the experts. I'm talented in animation, but I have a company dedicated to that, and my opinion might differ. About creating movies and series, Steven's guidance is the best for me. I don't want to offend, but there's nothing I don't know about animation, but there's a lot I don't know about production, direction, and the industry. However, that doesn't mean I don't have something to ask for being part of the company, - Billy commented.
The elders smiled at Billy, impressed by the power of his words, how he articulated things, his confidence, his way of presenting himself and accepting, and then putting forth conditions. Some more experienced individuals would work for free, but here was the young man, the fourth member of DreamWorks, a member from whom they only expected capital. It pleased them to see the youth.
-What is it, young man? - Steven asked.
Billy looked at them carefully, feeling out areas. He would start with the most artistic aspect and then move on to other points.
-The Academy... although there are famous moments when the Golden Globes and the Oscars occasionally enable the Best Animated Feature category... I would like to see a category for Best Animated Picture opened, - Billy commented.
Everyone's eyebrows shot up; it was something Disney had requested at one point. But now, it wasn't on people's radar... and with Disney's decline in the 80s, it was thought that the idea wouldn't resurface. Billy's suggestion prompted a sharp laugh from Jeffrey Katzenberg, indicating his position.
-Why do you want that? If we have an animation branch, we at DreamWorks will fight for the Oscars. It will be a conflict of interest, - Jeffrey commented.
Billy smiled, showing his white teeth. Ah, Steven could see the lucidity of the child in his next words.
-Lux Animation won't spend a penny lobbying or fighting for the Oscar. I won't invest money in that. It's an award... with all due respect. But it's for the good of animation. I want companies to be interested in winning it and to create their animation studios, just as you want to create a great film company, - Billy commented.
There was a brief silence; the proposal had been previously floated by Michael Eisner.
-It's going to cost you, kid. It's not free, - Steven murmured.
-You could talk to Michael Eisner; he cares a lot about your company. If you propose the idea to him, the weight of Disney, with your friendly hand and that of other companies, might force a different path, - Jeffrey suggested.
-Could you give me his phone number? I want to talk face-to-face, - Billy asked.
Surprising Jeffrey with the directness of the question, going straight into battle. What bravery, to confront someone who constantly fights against you. Billy understood long ago that business warfare is business warfare.
...
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