141 the future of pixar.

The silence was present for the members of the company, the back-and-forth words of George Lucas and Billy Carson are powerful, and the mysteries of Billy and his creative aspects are in question, a force, but more than that, a curiosity that people haven't forgotten. George Lucas's human appearance doesn't distinguish the sagacity with which he operates. The white lie about Pixar's value put the brakes on, but Billy can't play games with George at the moment. He needs at least greater control over Pixar. Although he knows the value of Pixar at $210 million, the $640 million represents the value of Lux Animation. However, the value could increase shortly. In contrast, Lucasfilm doesn't have very promising growth prospects, and the proposal for a large production hasn't even started.

-That was intense, - John Lasseter said as a way to break the silence.

-I think we have a lot of questions to think about, young Billy, - Ed Camult said, processing the discussion and the arguments Billy presented during the entire conversation.

--I know what you're thinking, and Pixar is also a part of that process. Although its growth has to be awaited, there are differences. But you can also see the future I'm planning for the company, -- Billy replied.

--What future? Isn't it about making movies? -- John Lasseter asked, not understanding the underlying meaning of Billy's words. Ed Camult adjusted his glasses and smiled. Someone as direct as John is undoubtedly a great person.

--Of course, but going beyond that is something we, as a company, should consider. Think of it this way, John: our benefits with ID Software have generated that our companies contribute to growth. 3D technology can be used for many things. If we keep investing, our business channels can expand, such as saving costs, optimizing processes, improving quality, and transplanting us to different matrices, such as creating architectural models, engineering, fashion, construction, games, and movie post-production, -- Billy explained.

--Not only that, we are ahead of other companies by perhaps 15 years. I don't see a company that can match our quality. If we continue to grow, game companies may start to be interested in our creations, such as movie production. Even Microsoft, a computer company, has approached us to ask about our designs and products, -- Billy continued.

The footsteps toward the parking lot resonated with complete uniformity. Billy's dark brown suit, light blue shirt, and properly tied tie gave him a certain air of sophistication. John tried to talk about some things, but he wasn't quite sure what to say. The silence was broken by the words of a curious mind.

-How much will Pixar benefit from all your ideas? - Ed Camult inquired.

-Billy noticed Ed Camult's suspicious gaze. "We'll be known as the leading animated film company with the best movies of the 21st century. After all, Disney holds that place in everyone's hearts, but Pixar will claim that title. I'll take care of it. Don't worry; my thoughts are well-defined. We'll become a sensation, - Billy explained.

Ed Camult nodded and continued walking, feeling the need to keep this information to himself. He doesn't talk much about things, but the feeling of being a part of a major project is unmistakable. His salary increased slightly, but the love the company had shown him, from top-notch facilities to substantial investments, freedom for development, and the importance of his work, meant more.

-I hope to be here to witness the growth, - Ed Camult said.

-Well, you'll have to conduct another talent search at my alma mater, Stanford University. We need better professionals to help us address the challenges of our computer system, - Billy stated.

The problem that Pixar has? Creating realistic human characters through computers. It's a challenge they've been working on diligently, such as developing the FITZ software[1] and the next animation model for organic elements like water, snow, and sand. A considerable amount has already been invested in improving all these everyday life processes. These small elements have been modeled and produced, and one of the major intervals between films is the slow progress that can be made as they work on animation.

-What does Autodesk do? They bring these processes together into a user-friendly, functional tool. -

-I feel relieved, - Ed Camult said.

-John Lasseter attempted to say something again, but business conversations were not his strong suit. "Let's go grab a bite, - John Lasseter suggested.

That sounds good. How about we make a quick stop at McDonald's? - Billy proposed.

-Kids' food? - John questioned.

-Yes, I received an offer recently. Our upcoming movie is expected to have a line of toys for the 'Happy Meal,' the kids' meal. That's what they've been talking about. However, I want to check the products. I know of it, but I want to evaluate the products and the food now. If you don't mind, - Billy explained.

-Not at all. I'll get a meal for my nephews; I'm their favorite uncle since I've taken them to see all the company's movies, - John Lasseter said, leaning over to Ed, who had mentioned going to a Greek restaurant earlier.

-Alright then, - Ed Camult said.

-We'll just place a large order. I want to see the menu and the toys, -- Billy said as he fastened his seatbelt in the front passenger seat. -- We can go to the Greek restaurant afterward. Anyway, I'll only try the burgers and fries. The rest we can give to your beloved nephews; they'll be happy to eat plenty. --

-True, the cool uncle has to keep being cool. And Ed, you won't be taking hamburgers for your dear children, - John Lasseter laughed.

-Please, they're just the kids Susan looks after, - Ed said, sounding particularly nervous. They've had a wonderful five-year relationship, and her privacy is an important part of her life.

-Well, I think we could get something for the kids on the way, - Billy suggested.

-You're crazy, there are 35 kids in Susan's classroom, - Ed replied, raising his arms and gesturing in denial, his back arching as he showed his disagreement with the idea.

-Well, I have the money. Come on, Ed, what's better than happy little tykes having a meal? Besides, I'll conduct a small quality survey to see if this toy business is profitable this year, especially in December, - Billy said.

-Perfect, McDonald's for everyone! If we take the fast route, we'll get to my nephew's place. The Greek restaurant is nearby, and, of course, Susan's beautiful place is just five blocks away. Hahaha, - John Lasseter said, accelerating the car.

Currently, the toys on offer are from the Baby Looney Tunes collection. Their cute and childish forms have been available since January, while during the Christmas season, they used the classic Ronald McDonald in a festive version along with a Christmas tree-shaped car. What's impressive about this franchise is the rapid turnover of toys, although the waiting time has increased over the years due to the extensive menu.

-Good afternoon, how can I help you? - said the automated cashier.

-We need... 38 Happy Meals. Give me two extra combos, one with Nuggets another with fries, and two different burgers. One of those big ones over there and one with bacon, -- Billy ordered. --And what would you like for yourself, John or Ed? -

-I'd like a large Big Mac with extra-large fries, -- John replied, with a finger on his mouth. -- Give me one of those small cheeseburgers as well and make it as fast as you can. Make sure all the boxes have their toys; we've got a group of kids eagerly waiting for their meals, -- he added.

The McDonald's cashier was surprised, but Billy paid the $190 and left a $10 tip for the young girl. Although she was older than Billy, she wasn't as fortunate, but the sincere smile he gave her was enough to take the order.

Despite Ed's dejected posture, which was quite evident, John had known him for a long time and tried to lower his energy. They took their seats, surrounded by plain chairs and plastic décor. There were a few kids having fun, with others playing around and screaming about the toys in the distance while parents watched them from their seats.

-How nice, - John Lasseter remarked.

-I never came to a place like this when I was a child. It's one of my first times eating something like this. I used to prefer street food over fast food, - Billy said.

-We have it all planned out. I'll head to my kids' place, stay and play for a while, and you guys can go to the kindergarten. Say hello to Susan for me, Ed, and we'll catch up in the carpool. I'm in the mood for some Greek crepes, - John Lasseter said.

-So be it, - Billy replied.

-Well, I hope all the orders will fit in the car. If I recall correctly, there's a giant box that can hold ten meals. Although nothing beats Mr. Fatty – it has three kilograms of meat in a burger with extra-large sodas. It's something we used to do when we weren't so focused on making movies. Every Saturday after work. Andrew was the biggest eater, believe it or not, - John Lasseter said.

-I already knew that. Peter Docter never stops inviting me; he's trying to plan a corporate outing. I'm considering it deep down in my mind, thinking of doing it after the release of The Lion King. I'll book the place and, if possible, celebrate with all of you and the Lux Nation team, - Billy said.

"42!"

-Here's our order, - Ed said.

They rushed out of the restaurant. Billy accompanied Ed to the kindergarten, a small school with only three classes, each containing 10 to 12 children on average, aged 6 to 7.

-I'll go down to the car and explain to Susan. I don't think she'll mind. I'll also talk to the principal. Find a parking spot; I'll meet you at the entrance, - Ed said.

Carrying four large boxes, each containing all the food he could order, Billy took a big bite of the beef burger, feeling the sauce dripping onto his taste buds. "Not bad," he thought as he checked the menu.

The parking lot was crowded. Billy spotted a few interesting spots along the edges, including a charming bookstore. He eventually found a spot between a large SUV and a tiny Beetle. Ed Camult was waiting for him at the main entrance. He was with a friendly-looking woman in her thirties, black-haired with a warm smile and a relaxed demeanor.

-Ed, I'm sorry, I had a long drive. It's impossible to find parking in these places, - Billy said.

-No worries, -- Ed replied calmly. -- This is Susan, one of the most important people here. Susan, this is the boss I told you about. Although it may not seem like it, he's a very pleasant young man. -

Susan's green eyes lit up with recognition, evidence of shared moments. --You're our sponsor. Thank you for the trip to Hawaii. I wanted to express my gratitude, but unfortunately, you didn't travel with the group. Even now, you've brought happiness to the kindergarten. Ed mentioned that you have a project to do with my little ones regarding some questions, - Susan said.

-I just want to make a note of what their favorite toys are, and if one of them happens to be the Happy Meal toys, - Billy said.

-Well, let's go. They all need to thank you for how you've acted, - Susan replied.

[1] This software automates character hair while they're running or jumping to improve the animation process.

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