November 9.
-The party got a bit out of hand, - said John Lasseter, along with Andrew Statan, both finishing a long day of work. Pixar's love for their work and the quality of their films, along with the initial rejection from the animation industry, has led most animators to have an outstanding relationship with each other.
-Well, I'll go say hi to Peter, - said Andrew, seeing Peter Docter belting out a Viking song.
John Lasseter sat down with Billy and Raimon, who seemed to be having a very spirited and intense discussion about a topic that only they seemed to understand and wanted to explain with their hands.
-Gentlemen, - said John.
-John, a pleasure. I want to make it clear that Billy believes that in the coming years, we will see different 3D films from different film companies, but I have serious doubts about that, - responded Raimon.
-I feel the same. When people see Ice Age and A Bug's Life, they'll be so distracted by the success of our films that they'll want to imitate our successes. It was the same in the 1950s when Pinocchio was released, and in the subsequent years, Hanna-Barbera was an initiative inspired by Disney, -said Peter Docter.
-See, that's why we need to expand to a third team, - said Billy determinedly.
-A third team? - John Lasseter stammered at Billy's audacity. How outrageous. Doing some mental calculations, the annual expenses for salaries, bonuses, and additional costs would reach an average of $40 million a year. Not to mention that every year, the movie required advertising, investment, and some extra details.
-Why are you surprised? When I bought the studio, I saw an unimaginable future. I knew there was gold in the vicinity. I promised you that we would grow, make movies, and have the freedom to choose what you like. Even if I lose some money, it doesn't matter. Pixar is a rising star. Plus, the demand for animators is increasing every day, - said Billy.
His ultimate goal was to emulate Japan in 30 years, with multiple art studios across the country.
-We're all thrilled. ED Camult has a complete software development team, and your ideas have been unbeatable. From humans to space environments, metal imitation, and structures, they work diligently to keep developing everything to limits that seem unbelievable, - said John Lasseter.
-Here's to that, - said Billy, receiving an introspective call from someone he had forgotten about for some time.
He answered, -Gwyneth, good to hear from you. -
-Oh, I thought you disappeared. At first, I thought I was foolish for wanting to start something with you, but then I saw your news. You graduated with Uncle George and are expected to revitalize the Star Wars saga. I think you've been quite busy, - said Gwyneth.
"I'm sorry, and yes, I have meetings every day. I'm flying to Kansas to deal with a matter with the video game company, along with some extra meetings with executives," said Billy.
-Well... I must say, I'm surprised by the life of a director, but I'm on my way to San Jose. I decided to surprise you when I arrived. I changed my mind when I saw that you're such a busy man. It's not good for your schedule, - said Gwyneth.
-How long until you're likely to arrive? - Billy asked.
-Two hours, I think, - said Gwyneth, laughing, realizing she couldn't undo what she had done.
-I'm in San Francisco; I'll probably finish up until evening. I can send someone for you, but I doubt we have any available drivers. I'll send you the address of my hotel, and my room number, and I'll arrange everything for you to stay there. See you tonight, - said Billy.
-No problem, I'll catch a flight in an hour. See you, - said Gwyneth.
This can only translate to one thing: trouble!
-I need to move up my meeting with Randall, - said Billy to the lively table.
Rachel was sitting in a taxi that took her to a small elegant restaurant in the city. She came on behalf of Billy and Lux Animation. The search for animated series, multiple animated series, has led the debate to end on two important points: hiring an animation company to act as their animation team.
Most notably, there's Kalky Csupo, an animation company that interestingly acquired the 2D animation studio promoted by Autodesk and Pixar.
-Thank you, - said Rachel, paying the $17 taxi fare and entering the restaurant. At a table reserved no more than 7 days ago, there sat Arlene Klasky, the producer, along with her husband Gabor Csupo, both prominent figures in animation.
-Good morning, Mr. Klasky and Mr. Csupo, - said Rachel, with all the courteous detail. As a director, she adhered to a dress code similar to Anne's: a wide black skirt falling below the knees, uniform heels, and a matching button-up shirt with a red sweater.
-Miss Sanders, - intoned the two founders of the animation studio.
-Thank you for your warm welcome. As a representative of Lux Animation, I appreciate your generosity in agreeing to a meeting at such short notice, - said Rachel.
-My dear, you were quite insistent and gracious, - said Árpad Klasky.
They ordered drinks and some appetizers, proceeding with the customary formalities of etiquette.
-Well, as you know from the offer contract we sent, we would like Klasky and Csupo to produce two animated series: one that is already in the works with our animators, although we believe you excel in this type of series; and an original series created by you. We would like this one to be based on sports. For the second series, creative freedom is yours, as long as it does not violate the rules of the National Television Commission, - said Rachel.
The format has been recently reviewed. As a private company, they couldn't reject contracts. With their drawing styles and their ability to structure animated channels, producing a series of 60 episodes was considerably cheaper than producing a series at any other company. With the purchase of a licensing subscription, time decreased but costs increased.
-We accept, my dear. These terms are very generous. As long as Nickelodeon continues to add series, and they decide to buy them, we won't break the relationship. However, a second option is a marvel for the network of animators, - said Gabor Csupo.
-Amazing. I'm very pleased that you can accept. Here's the script, and you can review it. My boss believes that the key to successful series production lies in finding the right balance between storytelling and animation quality. He strongly believes that your talent lies in producing programs for children aged 6 to 12. That is, your ability to translate deep moral lessons into child-friendly environments is outstanding, - said Rachel, excited.
-Well, your boss is quite remarkable. His cartoons are fantastic, even though I sense he likes a different kind of detail that the company doesn't provide, - said Gabor Csupo.
-Honestly, it was the Gargoyles series. It's surprisingly sinister for an animated program, with ideas more Platonic than ours, - commented Arpad.
Ordering a full meal, they exchanged thoughts with Rachel about animated content. The first contract between Lux Animation and Klasky Csupo began on November 9, 1994. They are the creators of numerous animated series that have triumphed on the airwaves of Nickelodeon.
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