章 144: different points of view.
Ideas are like seeds, deeply rooted in the minds of people from various angles. Humans can't help but engage in what we call worrying, preoccupying ourselves with thoughts that we can't control. But for our minds, it's impossible to avoid such ideas.
George Lucas, although intelligent, knows very well that the ideas proposed by the young man have merit, or at least as much merit as a bet with knowledge and some level of certainty can have. George doesn't dismiss the potential losses, but he's also not blind to the fact that there's a chance to make a lot of money if they execute a great plan. The popularity of Star Wars is not something simple and basic to discuss.
The young man's proposals are clear: a 10-year film production license for $30 million, with the condition that George oversees the projects to deliver the best possible product. While he has made multiple statements about the prequels, they are not key in his ideas, nor does he have the strength to make them happen.
The document states that Lux Animation already has a series planned, and it asserts that the timeline for a prequel is already established, pending George's approval and his tweaks. Furthermore, it outlines some basic ideas on how to improve production, explaining that the collaboration of a major studio is necessary to deliver the best product to this massive industry.
To call or not to call – he decided to take a trip to Pixar Studios. The result left him amazed. A beautiful building made of glass façade adorned the front. The old houses that were once in rows had now been transformed into a long two-story building with a particularly beautiful terrace. There were floral arrangements, a small café run by a young woman, and even an underground parking lot, from what he could gather.
-Good morning, Alvy. It's a pleasure to be greeted so warmly, - George said, greeting Alvy.
-Don't be bothered; we're working on some software improvements. It's always good to take an hour's break, -- Alvy replied, stretching. -- Come on, let's get something to eat. Jennifer makes delicious cheesecakes. -
-That's perfect. Let me treat you as a token of my gratitude for accepting my impromptu request, - George said.
-I'm sorry to say, but the store we're going to, everything is free. They set it up here to encourage us to get some fresh air. It was a brilliant idea when they hired an expert pastry chef to prepare desserts, -Alvy explained.
-How novel, - George commented.
-Yes, it is, but there's an unwritten rule – don't waste food. So, you have to eat everything you order, -- Alvy said, noticing George's face expressing some nervousness. -- It's not that bad; everything they prepare is exquisite. -
-In that case, you know I have a weakness for apple pie, - George said.
-Jennifer, a hot apple pie, two chocolate croissants, and two black coffees, - Alvy said.
Jennifer raised her hands in affirmation. She was reading a book on Spanish cuisine but heard the order loud and clear. She placed everything in the oven, not a regular microwave but a special reheating oven. She prepared the two coffees, moved to the kitchen, and the large oven was baking a dark chocolate cake, some cheesecake fingers, and fruit turnovers.
-It'll take another thirty minutes, - the young woman said aloud.
Meanwhile, George continued to ask questions about Pixar and its reliability.
-Is it reliable, Alvy? - George asked.
-It is. The kid is reliable; he's a better boss than you, - Alvy replied with a teasing tone he always used to lighten the mood.
-Oh, you're a bad worker, - George said, playing along. He ran his fingers through his slightly graying hair.
-He's a good boss and very brilliant. In less than three years, he's transformed the companies he's worked with. His drawing talent is unparalleled. And even though John Lasseter and the others get the credit, he's the real creator. He's so talented that only with a lot of hard work can others come close to matching him. I've seen how the creative team at the company works tirelessly, examining every scene in detail. But only after a long time can they make corrections. He's very talented. John calls him 'Mr. Walt Carson' behind his back. – Alvy said
-Like the founder. -
-Exactly. That's the scale we put his talent on, one that mere mortals can only dream of. To be honest, I believe it too. If he promised you something, he'll deliver. Work together. You interrupted your series due to personal issues. This is your opportunity. The kid will fulfill everything - Alvy said.
-I'm just curious about how he'll make money if we align ourselves with a big company, - George said.
-I don't think he needs it; he only does it to provide you with comfort. If you ask me, George, invest together and create magnificent things. At Pixar, we won't stop creating wonderful things every day. – Alvy said
-You've given me a lot to think about, - George said, as he sipped his coffee and savored the apple pie. -- It's good, very good. -
-Haha! Jennifer is an excellent pastry chef. Since she started working here, many things have improved. Although I've gained two kilos, it's better than skipping meals, - Alvy said.
-I can't doubt that. Can I get some takeaway? - George asked.
-Of course, I just hope there's some left. Believe it or not, that apple pie is quite famous in the company, - Alvy said, going to order more portions of apple pie for George, who was enjoying the dessert but still thinking about the future of his company. His days were cheerful, spending them carefully with his business, fixing some work here, and collecting profits as his massive franchise sold.
-They'll take twenty minutes, - Alvy said, pulling George's thoughts back.
-It's amazing how the days go by, and the new generation is getting involved in our ideas. Tell me, Alvy, do you think it's possible to make a 3D movie for Star Wars? - George asked.
-Of course, even an animated series. We're working to lower the costs, partnering with CGI companies to improve computer quality, along with Autodesk. Our technology might leap in less than three years. You'll be surprised, my friend, - Alvy said.
-I already am. Pixar's headquarters are nothing like they were ten years ago, - George said.
-Everything has changed, and we expect a second headquarters next year. We're creating the Pixar Series, a fantastic project. The San Jose headquarters is even more impressive. You can see the pastel aspect in the windows of the large building. It's undoubtedly something to remember in a few years, and everything has changed from the ground up, - Alvy said.
-Thanks, Alvy. I think I'll have some important things to think about in my upcoming meetings, - George Lucas said.
His visit was productive, though not quite as much as he had hoped. He saw, observed, and understood the obvious changes in the company. He left in his Cadillac, with renewed thoughts, and eventually stopped at a gas station, eating pie and searching for change. He called a good friend.
-Francis, I have a dilemma, - George said.
...
have a good day.
クリエイターの想い 
rollo1019to
rollo1019to Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
章 145: Adventures of a Geek.
Although for many people, reviewing stocks, accounting, and studying a person's companies who wasn't making much money seemed like a foolish endeavor, especially to his father, who spoke of the limited growth he was trapped in at his desk job, Raimon was content. Every day, he could play video games at the company, people respected him, and he could read comics without anyone questioning it.
The working hours suited him perfectly, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. He had many friends who shared his interests. He could watch the shows on the third floor, and now he had a best friend who supported him in every way. Billy Carson's shadow was large, and the light he radiated covered everyone. It was magnificent how someone could be so talented at everything, and even though Billy denied it, Raimon was consistently amazed by his knowledge. What was Raimon doing at this moment? He was reading all the Star Wars comics and watching the movies with a bag of popcorn. Billy allowed Raimon to be the official series consultant. He had to study the films, the reviews, and the fans' opinions and create a summary to be delivered to Raichel, Mr. Gorman the company archivist, and Mr. Cloud's group.
The company's analysis group was now divided into two teams: one focusing on entertainment and the other on business. The report also had to go to the animation department, but that department was Billy himself. So Raimon was solely concerned with doing the best possible work. He would do everything in his power to be a part of the Star Wars movie, even if he had to act as an extra, or even as a janitor. He was determined to be involved in the Star Wars film, regardless of the role.
-What are you doing during working hours? - Raichel asked, clearly irritated, as she saw Raimon eating popcorn, soda, and candy. He had been sitting for three hours without reporting to his workstation.
-Raichel, my dear Rachel, I'm working right now. You can come and keep me company, but this is something assigned by Billy himself, so you can't interrupt me, - Raimon said, trying to strike a cool pose. In Raichel's eyes, all she could see was the gummy bear stuck to his cheek and his ridiculous posture.
-Fine, don't forget that you have stocks to review. In March, Billy's financial returns from the stocks will arrive. It's not an easy job. According to the reports I have, you'll need to calculate several hundred million, different transactions, and perform the purchases Billy assigned to you, - Raichel stated with a hint of pride and a sense of "I know it all."
-Of course, I'll get to that after I finish watching how the glorious Luke Skywalker destroys the Death Star, - Raimon replied.
He continued jotting down what he considered to be the most epic moments in the movies, including epic space battles, starfighters flying in all directions like furious storms, lightsaber fights, and, of course, more secrets of the Force.
I'll leave the sixth and final movie for tomorrow; I have some stocks to review.
He went up to the third floor to see all the groups working intensely, remembering Anne's conversation. Animators and artists are addicted to doing what they love with unmatched intensity.
-Butch, how's it going, my friend? - Raimon said.
's pretty good around here. I'm working on a script for David Feis's series, 'Cow and Chicken.' But I take breaks drawing scenes for 'The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy.' Lately, this series has filled me with ideas I can't stop writing and drawing, - said Butch, stretching his back as if it were a memory. He had been writing for a long time.
-Well, buddy, I came for lunch. I was working, and, well, I think I'll have a busy afternoon this time, - Raimon said.
He heard Paul German's shouts of happiness. Behind him was a large poster of "Metoro" created by Paul himself, who was chatting cheerfully with Craig, the director, screenwriter, and artist for "Dexter's Laboratory," "The Powerpuff Girls," and "Rocko's Modern Life."
-It's two in the afternoon. Yes, let's go eat. I haven't had a bite since morning, - Butch Haman said.
-Well, buddy, finish up, and I'll wait for you to complete the scene, - Raimon said happily, watching the many projects. Among them, the one that captivated him the most was "Gargoyles," a mega-production that involved 40 animators working tirelessly on a single series. It had the best shots, deep stories, and dark touches. Billy himself had written the series and created the drawings. He hired a mythology and history professor and charged the story with such a wild plot that Raimon, whenever he could, watched the progress of the story. It was made in 2D with printed technology, watercolor backgrounds, and scanning techniques. It was undoubtedly an ambitious series.
-Hello, Raimon. What do you think, my friend? Are you satisfied? We'll have the fifth episode of the 'Gargoyles' series soon, and there are only 23 more to go, - Roy Graham asked, somewhat regretful and a little sad about the length of the series, which demanded all his work.
-Wow, aren't you a bit slow? - Raimon said.
-Not at all. We'll have this baby by June. We're improving with each step we take. In a few weeks, we'll be making episodes in less time. We might even be efficient enough to finish by late July. But the boss says he already has 15 new episodes prepared, so the project might be postponed to October, - Roy Graham said, rubbing his forehead at the massive project. He had already run through the first episode and couldn't help but be amazed by the program's quality.
-And you know where the muse is, - Raimon said quietly, approaching Roy Graham, who could only make a complicit face. He was talking about Anna Szymanska, the rebellious animator who had caught the eyes of many, and Raimon was one of them. He had been enchanted the day he saw her in a cropped Spider-Man top, exposing her midriff, slim hips, and confident stride, which struck Raimon just as Cupid had done back in high school.
-Well, she's working fervently on the 'Gargoyles' series. Joe Murray and Stephen Hillenburg are helping her with the script for her series about a family living on a train that crosses all of Europe until it reaches France. It tells of an event during World War II. We all believe it will be a miniseries. For now, there are three episodes finished, and, well, Billy promised her that if they were to make a series, it would be with the best available animation, - Roy Graham said, with admiration
-And what about you? Do you have a series you'd like to create? - Raimon asked.
-Of course, but it's not in that style. I prefer cartoons like 'Dexter's Laboratory' or 'Rocko's Modern Life,' - Roy Graham said.
-That sounds fantastic. I recently saw a request from a young man named Glen who applied for a license to create a 'Star Trek' series, something quite ambitious. Anne didn't let me review the brochure, but the competition is fierce, - Raimon said.
Before Raimon could say more, Butch Haman called him. - Roy, would you like to go to lunch? I'm going with Butch. We can also check out the new 'Evangelion' title that's just been scheduled for release tomorrow. The orders have been shipped, and they'll be on the shelves in less than 24 hours, - Raimon said.
-Sure, just let me call Jose. I promised to have lunch with him, - Roy Graham said.
-Perfect, - Raimon replied, only to find his goddess walking from the door directly towards him. His tongue got stuck in his mouth, and he tried to say something, only to see that she didn't even look at him. He raised his hand and decided to go with Butch Haman. He hated women, damn it, he needed some gummy bears to calm his anxiety.
-That was funny, - Roy Graham said to his back.
-Ha, the only funny thing is how an animator can't appreciate the glory of He-Man, - Raimon said.
-Well, I think it's fantastic, but it's overrated, and many people refuse to believe it, - Roy Graham said.
-Outrageous, - Raimon said.
-Well, I think what's outrageous is that Billy is considering buying a 'Star Trek' license. How many millions do you think it costs? -- Roy Graham said. -- Hello, Butch, how's the 'Cow and Chicken' script coming along? -
-I'm still working on it. David Feis is a strict man. And what's this about Billy wanting to buy a 'Star Trek' license? - Butch Haman asked.
-No, it's just that they submitted a request for a license. So far, only three requests have been approved, but 'Star Trek' is still under consideration, and there's a possibility of negotiations with 'Star Wars.' Everything is up in the air, - Raimon said.
-It would be amazing to create a series. My nephews would be thrilled. Their uncle is the creator of the 'Star Wars' series. Even my brother would stop bothering me about being an animator, - Butch Haman said.
-Billy will do it, but apparently, the cost is quite high, - Raimon said.
...
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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