章 316: assistance.
March 10.
-I have to say, it's a very good script, - whispered Winona, taking note of the powerful script. It was a touching love story, along with a small book that had been released not long ago.
-It is. See why I say it's perfect for you? Even the first time I saw it, it was great. A second read made me realize it's a wonderful piece, - Billy commented, not lying. When he read the script, he didn't realize it had been read before, but he briefly remembered how magnificent the series was, one of the best films.
-You're an impossible man, - said Winona, throwing herself onto the grass next to the set, and looking at the blue sky. - I'll agree to the script, I'll do the movie... however, you should know that Gwyneth won't like us doing a movie together. Besides, I had no idea you two were dating. -
Billy relaxed next to Winona, took a deep breath, and rested in the sun. Yesterday, they had done numerous scenes, one of which was the night date. Due to his more emphatic performance, the director gave him a bit more screen time, and he was able to solidify the contradiction of the boyfriend against the bright and sunny fiancé.
-We're not dating, we don't have the relationship you might think... she has taught me a lot about women, about people, and has helped me navigate different waters, - Billy said calmly, taking a spot on the grass. The tree's shade allowed them to cover from the sun, but there was no doubt the days were quite long near the desert, and the nights warm, contrary to what was thought about the cold. He had acted foolishly, like a complete novice, something that still disappointed him. His emotions were out of place, his actions out of place, living in a world that annoyed him.
Doubting how to repay Gwyneth, even if he wanted to, he loved Alice much more than he did Gwyneth.
-We're not dating. She is a willful woman, jealous, sometimes superficial, and possessive. On the other hand, she's sweet, loving, permissive, lively, and homely. We have an understanding. I'll explain the situation to her. Besides, we have a promise to act together. Sometimes, she is an excellent actress, and other times, she's nothing more than a spoiled child, - Billy commented.
-Gwyneth can be very reasonable when she wants to be... besides, I'll do everything possible to reach an understanding. It's not my intention to cause fights between you two. She is a good friend, - Winona responded.
Both found comfort in their friendship, not without annoying each other, but understanding. The next take they were filming would be the last of the movie, the moment when Finn's thesis pages fly all over the place, the moment to provide some conclusions and pave the way for an ending, chosen by myth and superstition, but representing love, a love that helps.
Billy took note and continued with his course, the last scene a brief moment of handling, while continuing with his performance.
***
Billy left the set in the mid-afternoon with a sense of urgency; his interaction with Winona had proven more beneficial than he initially thought. Taking the route to Los Angeles, he faced a long drive to the Fox studios for the filming of the new and challenging Nixon biopic. This film, with a raw and firm portrayal of Nixon's life, promised to be a worthwhile watch. Anthony Hopkins' performance was magnificent, albeit somewhat lacking in certain parts.
Billy was to perform a minor role as Harold Nixon, the brother who died of tuberculosis. Harold's death haunted Nixon, marking him deeply. His brother's passing, after providing Nixon the opportunity to attend university, influenced Nixon's rise in politics, ultimately leading him to the presidential race. The film uniquely oscillates between Nixon's past and his future presidency, underscoring the importance of his early experiences.
-Come in, Mr. Carson, we've been expecting you, - said an assistant. Billy, now clean-shaven with slightly longer hair and loose clothing, looked like a teenager after a few touch-ups. The black-and-white filming was set to contrast the past and present.
-Thank you, - Billy replied. Accompanied by his bodyguard and a newly hired assistant named Rosa, who was appointed by Jim Waitt. Rosa, a 34-year-old woman with large round glasses and a traditional dress, was his new secretary.
Billy navigated the recording studio, noting everything he needed to do. Rosa stood in a corner, watching him with apprehension.
-Rosa, can you contact Ian McCalle's assistant to inform them of my delay? Also, call Anne to arrange the next meeting with Apple. You have until 5 PM when we wrap up filming. I won't need you for much more today. Speak with Anne for any further questions, and be ready to study all the companies and my contact list with me tomorrow morning before we head to the studio, - Billy instructed.
-Yes, sir, -Rosa responded, ready for the opportunity.
-Good. Make sure to call Anne; she will talk to Margot. You'll be communicating with Margot often, - Billy added.
Without further delay, Billy immersed himself in his work, focusing on his script and preparations. Working with child actors made filming more complex and required short, efficient takes. Adult actors often had to adjust their performances to support the children, who might need several takes for the same scene.
The first scene was set in a house, studio, and convenience store owned by the Nixons. Filming is primarily centered there. With a child actor in a supporting role, filming was more challenging, requiring patience and multiple takes to capture the right moments.
Billy finished his scenes exhausted. The day had little to no breaks, and Anthony Hopkins was notably absent, leaving the crew to focus on other scenes.
...
クリエイターの想い 
rollo1019to
rollo1019to Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
章 317: participation
March 14.
At Apple's annual board meeting, the dire state of the company was evident, placing Billy at the forefront with an estimated 17% share of Apple, making him the most significant shareholder. The discontent among the board members was palpable, with the COO and other members having held their positions for five years amid increasing chaos.
-We must acknowledge that the company is in a dreadful state and will likely go bankrupt within two years. Tell me, Mr. Director, what measures have you proposed to resolve these issues? I see nothing but incompetence, - Billy stated, rereading the ethical spaces.
-Ah, Mr. Carson, it's not incompetence, - Michael Splinter responded. "We're simply following the market flow, adapting to it, but the company's problems are exacerbated by fierce competition."
-You're completely wrong... You're not following the market trends. For the first time, I question your capabilities. The alliance with Motorola and the production of McIntosh show a complete disregard for the company's vision. This grave error will continue to erode our market share. If we keep making these mistakes, the company won't survive, - Billy retorted.
The board members fell silent, stunned by Billy's directness. His financial backing gave him significant influence. Many of these errors were well-known to Billy, who, with Raimon's help, had conducted a thorough analysis of Apple. They aimed to acquire more shares and make a substantial investment to resolve the company's cash flow issues, focusing on digital support.
The future lies in quality over quantity.
-Well, do you have a suggestion then, Mr. Carson? Given your fervent desire to contradict the CEO, you must have some magic formula, - Gary Stranden, an executive who had been with the company for five years, commented.
-It's obvious. By allowing other companies to copy our models, they sell them cheaper. As our CEO lets these companies carry our models and sell them at rock-bottom prices, what's the use of having a superior model if it's copied and performs the same function? If it were about quality, we'd still be in the market, but new companies have emerged, ruining our position. The so-called future of this company is in the hands of incompetents, - Billy responded sharply.
His investment in Apple exceeded $27 million. Given the plummeting stock prices, he planned to buy at least another $10 million worth of shares to solidify his position, mitigating the risk of a more significant crash.
His words were cutting.
-Can you prove it? All I see is an angry child with no vision, - Gary Stranden, who owned 11% of the company's shares, replied.
-Let time prove me right. It's easy to talk like a plague. A plague that will likely beg for another stupid action days later. Mr. Stranden, I invite you to walk the halls of Stanford and take some business courses. My suggestion is clear: limit the copying of our devices, continue developing Apple software and its components, take note of Microsoft, which is creating new services, and keep updating our equipment. We have 45 devices; reducing them by at least 10 would be beneficial, - Billy stated.
-I dislike your approach, - Tim Plizt, another board member and a well-known food magnate, whispered.
Michael Splinter was completely taken aback by Billy's fierce demonstration. According to his experience, these shareholders were the toughest to handle, those who expressed their displeasure imprudently. As it was the first meeting for many, they had different ideas, but Billy focused on highlighting the inefficacy of the company's business line and the lack of development and innovation.
The board meeting ended, but Billy's purpose was clear. He would buy more shares, and when the time came, he would take control of Apple at a bargain price due to its bankrupt state. If he could secure more than 60% of the shares, he could privatize the company and implement his ideas and rapid changes.
Shortly after the board meeting concluded, everything was set for the Independence Day filming, which began in August 1995. Billy took advantage of this time to start The English Patient, planning to begin filming in early June after organizing the shooting schedule.
"System," Billy whispered with some anxiety, as recent successes were beginning to accumulate. Movies, comics, and video games were adding up, and now the interpretation units were in the thousands.
Billy Carson:
Drawing: 34,009
Literature: 32,000
Interpretation: 35,500
Points: 4300
Drawing Store Purchases:
Samurai Jack: 15 points
Hellboy: 22 points (1993)
Slam Dunk: 30 points (1990)
Yu Yu Hakusho: 40 points (1992)
Dexter's Laboratory: 21 points (1994)
Pinky and the Brain: 15 points (1992)
Animaniacs: 15 points (1992)
Johnny Bravo: 15 points (1994)
Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X): 25 points (1994)
Evangelion: 20 points (1994)
Doom: 15 points (1993)
The Lion King: 30 points (1991)
Hercules: 15 points (1997)
Shaman King: 20 points (1997)
The Iron Giant: 15 points (published)
Power Rangers: 20 points
Trigun: 15 points (1995)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame: 15 points (1996)
Wolfenstein 3D: 15 points (1993)
Toy Story: 25 points (1995)
Recess: 10 points (1995)
Game of Thrones: 30 points (1996)
Ice Age: 25 points (1997)
Serial Experiments Lain: 15 points (1998)
The Walking Dead: 20 points (1995)
Billy and Mandy: 20 points
Hey Arnold: 20 points
Gargoyles: 15 points
Whatever Happened to... Robot Jones?: 10 points
Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi: 10 points
The Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper: 8 points
Pokémon: 55 points
Tomb Raider: 25 points
Crash Bandicoot: 25 points
Cowboy Bebop: 25 points
Fate Series: 40 points
Jeanne d'Arc: 10 points
One Piece: 60 points
Resident Evil: 45 points
Before Trilogy: 14 points
Forza Horizon: 30 points
Star Wars: 45 points
Ed, Edd n Eddy: 15 points
The Boys: 15 points
Hellsing: 20 points
Digimon: 25 points
Baldur's Gate: 10 points
Bob the Builder: 10 points
Jay Jay the Jet Plane: 10 points
Thomas & Friends: 10 points
…
Taking a black Audi with tinted windows to his destination, Billy watched the increase in his points, a growth that was always satisfying to see.
In the car, he received a call from Jim Waitt.
-We have a second audition. You passed the first film for Independence Day (Martian Invasion), - said Jim Waitt.
That sounds good. Did you meet with the people in charge of The English Patient? - asked Billy.
-Yes, I requested an advance. Filming could start in June, maybe even May, but they're still dealing with some issues. Responses will come in gradually, - said Jim Waitt.
Taking a breath.
-The most concerning news is from Warner. They've used their newspapers to run a smear campaign against your animated series, calling some of them satanic, - said Jim Waitt, with a worried tone.
-What did you say? - exclaimed Billy.
-Exactly what you heard. They're claiming that some of your series promote satanism and that they encourage children to act in cruel and demonic ways, - said Jim Waitt.
Billy took a deep breath against Warner. These guys would never stop acting deceitfully.
-I'll take key actions, - thought Billy, considering the entire situation. He didn't know which company was involved, but he wouldn't be merciful against the one behind these actions.
Shortly after, he reviewed some of the news articles labeling Lux Animation's content as indecent. He saw how Warner used vague language and replicated it in at least five low-class newspapers. The attack could be managed, but legal and public relations expenses would be necessary to turn the negative image around.
...
クリエイターの想い
rollo1019to
rollo1019to
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
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