181 conversations.

San Francisco, Location.

Pov George Lucas.

Lucas was undoubtedly an American cultural icon, with a brilliant idea that, by twists of fate, was developed in incredible ways. Was it luck? Luck is also a part of success. In the creation of the magnificent series, the company, since 1989, Lucasfilm launched a subsidiary called (initially Lucasfilm Entertainment Group and later LucasArts Entertainment Company), consolidating the business of Industrial Light & Magic, commercial productions, Lucasfilm games, and the Sprocket System.

The problem lies in the fact that despite the undeniable success of the initial films, the franchise still holds, but the money isn't flowing in as much as Lucas hopes. The company is being kept afloat with some successes, but nothing is enough to make money and expand the company in the desired ways. Only by applying intelligent formulas can it continue making money. However, there's a hindrance now: companies won't sign the terms for the first trilogy and are rejecting their contracts.

Therefore, Billy Carson's offer and Lux Animation are like a ship in a storm. Even Pixar has grown monumentally, leaving a certain temptation for George to grow his company as much as Pixar, which a few years ago was just a small software studio and now produces movies, creates software, and collaborates on commercials with multiple companies. The latest Pixar commercial, a big bet by the Coca-Cola Company, had an incredible reception from critics.

Two friends shared a friendly conversation about their new jobs, awards, and earnings from the last year. Like the new animation company that has been born, Lux Comics, with its excellent imaginative stories that have brought novelties to Americans.

-Steven, it amuses me that you've decided to create your own film company, - said George Lucas.

In front of him was the famous Steven Spielberg, who had come personally to Lucasfilm to make a second proposal, something that George Lucas wanted to hear even more than the offers made by Lux Animation. As they say, "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't," and for George, as for Hollywood, it applies with total grace.

-Yes, I've joined forces with David Geffen. We're hoping for another investment from a third party to help us pursue our dream. And you, George, are perfect for this. With you at the helm, our company can reach unparalleled heights, - said Steven Spielberg.

-That sounds incredible, - said Lucas.

-Well, it's more than incredible—a company that can position itself among the big seven, standing shoulder to shoulder. Fighting for a company that can make the movies we've always dreamed of without anyone telling us how to do the job and taking our profits. Of course, we'll have to invest quite a bit, but everything will be worth it, - said Steven Spielberg.

-I'm a fan. Explain the business, Steven, you know you don't need to talk to me any other way, - said George.

Steven's silence somewhat infected the room with the problem with the producers. Something that Steven knew very well. - It's the money. Even if they're your friends, they'll fight for every penny. -

-Between David Geffen and me, we've invested a total of 300 million dollars, and we'll invest a bit more. Luckily, my savings and earnings have been increasing with my latest deliveries. So, if you're willing, the entry price is 150 million, but you can use your company as equity, - said Steven.

-Then I should have a 50% stake in DreamWorks, - said George Lucas.

Steven Spielberg's glasses almost fell off his face.

-Come on, George, your company is not worth more than 90 million, - said Steven, who was completely objective. The blow to George was hard.

-An 18%, if I don't add 50 million in capital, is a bit exaggerated, don't you think, Steven? - said George, calming his anger. His company was worth at least 500 million, and any claim to the contrary could not be supported. But Steven was very meticulous, and he wouldn't lie. Still, George couldn't accept it.

-I don't think it's a very good proposal, Steven. Come on, you know the price is disproportionate. I have a good position in the industry. I have a library with great productions: Indiana Jones, Star Wars, American Graffiti, and Willow, - said George Lucas.

-Come on, George, they're fantastic, but their time has passed. Even the Star Wars comics have stopped selling. Their not-so-distant competition has started to monopolize the industry with their great series, and you know that times wait for no one, George. I don't want to upset you; think about it, - said Steven, concluding the conversation. Inside, he shook his head; Francis warned him about George's tendency to double or triple the price of his things. Not long ago, he was offered a price, and George decided to accept the offer only if Fox paid 800 million—a well-known price in the industry. And that's why there had been no negotiation with George.

-I'll think about it, - said George.

-Well, friend, let's have some patience. You have the next few months to think. We'll call the company DreamWorks; our dreams will go further. A space where our creative freedom and control over how to distribute and market the films will be part of us. We work without rest, with no obligations. You want to make a movie, you make it, and if you want to go to bed early, you do it, - said Steven Spielberg, concluding with a smile, grabbing his hat, which he used to shield himself from the harsh sun.

-We have to celebrate your birthday on May 14th, - added Steven.

-Gather the group; my ranch is available. My wife will handle the arrangements. Make sure to bring a bottle of your wine, discreetly, - said George, shaking Steven's hand.

George ordered a bottle of water and thought like he never had before. Now, even his close friends tell him that his company is not worth so much money. It's more painful for a businessman like him to feel that way. Reality hit him. He reread the first proposal made by Lux Animation: 100 million for 30% of his company and a promise of a giant investment, along with support for creating series and films from his franchises—a means of exploitation designed to enhance business existence and make Star Wars a part of pop culture.

He reviewed his notes and made a hopeful decision that Lux Animation would accept the proposal they initially published. The negotiation newspapers with the Star Trek series were on his desk. Now, he was the bidder, but there was nothing wrong with that, thought George Lucas.

Peripheral sales have been alarmingly declining since 1990, and the new wave of series created by Billy Carson has been one of the causes, as the new surpasses the old, maintained only by a cradle of die-hard franchise followers. The problem? Lux Animation has already created a cradle of die-hard fans with a broader spectrum, from avid readers, novices, noir novels, utopias, sports, fantasy, and science fiction, to children's stories.

The green numbers are there, and LucasArts has made good deals. In Jurassic Park, his company handled the visual and sound effects, thought George Lucas, with renewed vigor.

He just didn't expect the collaboration to come differently this time.

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