Chapter 9: Toy Story released

November 21, 1995, 11.50 pm.

Los Angeles, Hollywood Chinese Theater Cinema.

"Man, take it easy, don't be nervous, it's not your first time watching," Zuke whispered.

"Okay, but no matter how many times I see it, I am nervous, you know." John Lasseter smiled wryly.

Zuke could not help but laugh and curse upon seeing this: "John, I have invested a lot of money in "Toy Story" peripheral projects. Is it acceptable for you to say that? It will disappoint investors."

"I apologize, friend." Lasseter waved his hand quickly.

That's right, Zuke made an appointment with John Lasseter to watch a movie today.

This is also Zuke's intentional win. After all, Lasseter will be the **** of animation in the future. We should have a positive relationship without spending money. Why not do it?

Well, what I watched today was "Toy Story" produced by Pixar Animation.

Are you the premiere?

Stop kidding, buddy, how can Pixar Animation have money now?

Otherwise, you thought Jobs would be anxious about Zucker's $800,000 licensing fee. He would use Dabel's company negotiator.

"I said Buddy when Pixar becomes public, don't forget to treat me to a big meal. I remind you to buy the full stock."

Zuke said suddenly.

Hearing this, Lasseter was taken aback. His face collapsed even more.

"Zuke, it's okay if you don't say this. When I say it, I feel distressed. All of my net worth, including my house and car, has been mortgaged for me to IPO. If Pixar fails to turn public, I will end up bankrupt."

Pixar Animation launched?

How can I fail?!

But to be honest, Pixar Animation Studios' decision to go public was very sudden.

A few weeks before "Toy Story", Jobs used his genius. He and Pixar's founding team said: Pixar will go public.

The team members were surprised. The movie has not been released yet. Where will it be?

In his judgment, Jobs's logic is this: if "Toy Story" is not successful, then Disney is going to shut down the company, but if it becomes a hit, Disney will realize the threat to Pixar and will restart negotiations (because Toy Story has Disney's investment). At this time, Pixar must have sufficient funds to prove that the company can operate without Disney. This will enable it to obtain additional benefits from the negotiation.

Facts have proved Jobs's judgment.

After "Toy Story" was released, Pixar Animation was launched in just one week. The market value was estimated at 20 million U.S. dollars at the beginning. It may not be less than that, but in just one month, it surpassed 1 billion.

Fifty times over!

"You feel badass!"

"If it weren't for the Steve Jobs people, the old tricksters, before the listing, only the founding team would be allotted shares. I would like to participate."

That's right, Zuke is full of envy for Lasseter!

Pixar Animation's full allotment of shares to Lasseter, although part of it needs to be bought by himself, is enough to ensure that he will become a rich man with a net worth of more than ten million US dollars in a month, far surpassing Zhuke.

"Hahaha, buddy, after listening to your envious words, I am relieved greatly. Don't worry, I will treat you to a big meal after the company becomes public." Lasseter laughed.

Soon, the movie began.

Although Zuke has watched "Toy Story" more than once in the future, when he saw the cowboy Sheriff Hudy and the astronaut Buzz Lightyear on the screen, he couldn't help but sigh.

"Although I can't participate in Pixar's internal allotment when it becomes public, I can also blend in. Not to mention fifty times the profit, but ten times the profit is always there, hehe."

Thinking of this, Zuke's mood became ecstatic.

As long as Zuke makes money, his mood is beautiful!

...

Zuke's mood is beautiful, but some people are sad.

For example Zucker's old leader James Shawn, including the employee who has not yet become a regular employee—Charlize Theron.

"Manager, do you think there is a problem with the boss's spirit? Are you planning to open a shop early?"

Sai Huang was upset.

Who came to work in the middle of the night, and Zuke, who was stingy, had not paid overtime?

When I think of this, the young Emperor Sai is full of grudges.

"Charlize, you can't say anything about our boss, don't look at him usually babbling and stingy, but... well, my **** thing doesn't know why he let us open for business in the middle of the night today."

James gritted his teeth and said, "Isn't "Toy Story" out already? I still don't want to believe how popular it can be!"

Yes, no one believes "Toy Story" will be a big hit, including Pixar Animation.

Los Angeles Esplanade SpongeBob SquarePants store, Rodeo Drive store, Hollywood and Highland Mall store, etc., the employees of the seven SpongeBob SquarePants surrounding chain stores all gritted their teeth towards Zucker.

Those who still have to work in the middle of the night are Zuke's employees!

...

Time was running out in Zuke's employees' grievances, and 90 minutes passed.

The first batch of United States viewers who watched the "Toy Story" movie walked out of the cinema. They all started a lively discussion.

"The movie is entertaining."

"Yes, I didn't expect that the original 3D animation movie was so beautiful!"

"Yes, it is twice as good as the previous animated movie, but no, it is ten times as enjoyable!"

"Cowboy Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Cowgirl Tracey, Spring Dog, etc. I like them all."

The audience's discussion shows that "Toy Story" is successful.

Hearing this, John Lasseter, including Zuke, who had just left the cinema, breathed a sigh of relief.

Succeeded!

With these discussions, it is a successful start.

"Husband, do we want to buy some toys from "Toy Story?" I like Buzz Lightyear."

Suddenly, a voice came into Zuke's ear.

Zuke looked over immediately, but it was an attractive woman in her 20s talking to her boyfriend.

The sound of buying a doll not only reached Zuke's ears but also many audiences.

"Yes, we can also buy HuDi and Buzz Lightyear dolls."

"If you can't buy a doll, it's not bad to buy a few buckles."

...

However, the audience who liked "Toy Story" had no choice but to be disappointed.

"Sorry, we don't have Buzz Lightyear and Sheriff Hudi dolls for sale."

The staff at the movie theater politely responded with helplessness. Isn't "Toy Story" saying that word of mouth is average? Why does anyone want to buy its peripherals?

"Ah, that's it! Forget it, it's a pity."

The audience was disappointed.

The movie theater doesn't sell it. Even if you like it, you can't kill the staff.

"Ahem... Dear friends, listen to me."

At this time, Zuke stood up and shouted: "Everyone, I know there are places selling toys around Toy Story."

"Uh, where?" John Lasseter cooperated.

Zuke said: "If you want to buy Sheriff Hudi and Buzz Lightyear, go to the SpongeBob Squarepants house. There are many inside, just down the street from the cinema."