phantom menace.

may 5.

In many instances, George Lucas has shattered Billy's hopes, as well as those of Lux Animation. Each time, Billy would sit and ponder for a while. The slowness of Lucas's decisions could drive Billy mad because it always left him feeling exasperated.

Firstly, many of the ideas for the script, originally written by Lucas in his earlier days, have been reworked three or four times. Billy renamed some scenes to improve two aspects: action sequences and the inclusion of more political plots. The character of Palpatine and his alter ego, Darth Sidious, can be used in various ways, all of which could create an explosive impact.

Billy added a more serious and darker tone. When the films were released, people failed to notice two issues with Lucas's approach. The fans had grown up, and many moments in the movie did not satisfy those die-hard fans. However, Lucas aimed to attract new children to the franchise, and he succeeded in that regard.

Secondly, the actors needed to convey the depth of their characters, an area where Lucas often fell short. He was frequently criticized for the lack of depth in significant characters like Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Padmé, preventing them from achieving the artistic touch that was desired.

Lastly, improving the special effects was crucial. To this end, a mega studio was built to accommodate nearly 20,000 people, featuring the 20 main sets from each film, along with additional sets for future and past sagas. Whether they use miniatures, effects, or reality, the cost has already exceeded $180 million, but it's a risk Billy is willing to take.

Small changes are minor adjustments: an extra fight, a stronger scene with some edited dialogues, and more subtlety in each word to enhance each scene with better actions.

-So, you think the script lacks the power to draw the audience to the theaters? - Billy commented, still disbelieving what George Lucas was saying. Sometimes people fight with everything they have, making others doubt.

-It's true. I've seen some issues with the development of all the scenes. I feel the character of Jar Jar Binks is overrated and used ineffectively, - Lucas replied.

-Overrated, - Billy commented.

-A bit. While he provides comic relief, we need a stronger character. The characters feel too strong for the film, - Lucas said.

-I see what you mean, - Billy sighed over what had just happened.

-You understand, - Lucas commented.

-What do you want to add? - Billy asked.

-Rather, I want to remove some scenes. For instance, in the beginning when the Jedi arrive at Naboo. We need a more basic start, one that says nothing, and I want to begin with Naboo and develop the story from there, - Lucas said.

Billy had an epiphany. The figure of Darth Vader is monumental, marking a before and after in the realm of epic movie villains. His presence weighs heavily on the viewers.

-What if we start with a lightsaber duel between two Sith? Each fighter has a red lightsaber, and one could be Darth Plagueis, the master of Darth Sidious, having a master-apprentice conversation. Darth Plagueis's face could be visible, but not Sidious's. Here we can humiliate Sidious, showcasing his master's mastery of the Force, then—boom—we switch to a scene on Naboo, followed by a space battle. The first twenty minutes would be a strong impact, leading to the common scenes, - Billy suggested.

-We can add some elements, - George Lucas commented.

-However, I would like to hire an art director to help convey the actors' emotions, perhaps as an assistant adhering to your ideas, - Billy said.

-I can accept that. Anyway, I don't want to film an extra Star Wars movie. I have a hidden viewpoint and feel prejudiced about making the film. We need a great director. Who would you hire? - Lucas asked.

-I'd like to hire David Fincher for the trilogy. However, I also thought about dividing the work: Steven Spielberg could handle the first and second films since he's a genius at narrating youthful, artistic, and commercial stories. Meanwhile, David Fincher could direct the third, which has darker tones, - Billy commented.

-It would be very expensive, - Lucas remarked.

Calculating that Steven's salary would be at least twenty million dollars, or even more if he didn't ask for a share of the film's profits.

-I thought the same. Even if I call in a favor, it would be very costly. I want David Fincher to handle it. As a second option, we have Anthony Minghella and Robert Zemeckis... I'm not good at picking directors, but I know from a good source that these are excellent directors, from my own experience and their latest films, - Billy commented.

They paused in silence.

-What about the character of Jar Jar? - Lucas asked.

-Let's keep refining the script. Along with the visual script and color palette, it should be enough, - Billy said heavily.

Lucas took his time to correct each part of the script in a way that wasn't encouraging. From the way the characters move to the description of new technologies, a special touch is needed for the scenes involving special effects.

-How did you build those robots? I like them. We need to be more meticulous with the negotiations depicted in the movies. We need to create a new culture, and I feel you're neglecting the culture of our Jar Jar, - Lucas commented.

-Let's do it. We have writers; let's create a culture for even the smallest details. Every detail needs that touch of love. We barely have weapons, lifestyles, and small political languages. We need better ideas, and I can't believe it all ends there. For the final battle, we need a better infantry strategy, among other things. People need to know ways to defend themselves, - Billy commented with some discontent. The trick to working with Lucas is reevaluating everything, one stone at a time, without getting bogged down by minutiae.

-The final battle needs to be simple, -Lucas said.

-No, they are warriors. They need to have great warriors, with Jar Jar being a charming, comic character, but with someone serious above all, - Billy said.

-I see the logic. Very well, we will have complex tactics, while the clones will have simple tactics, - Lucas replied.

The following hours were spent consulting their work. The most important thing is to define a complete audition that would allow them to have a strong idea. Actors with strong acting skills and others to align with the characters visually conceived or developed by Billy.

***

Anne Hall was furious with Billy Carson. His behavior could drive her insane, especially his recent refusal to deal with the heads of Microsoft.

-Yes, sir, we can arrange some meetings, - Anne said, handling the entire negotiation process for the email, which was a top priority for everyone.

-Don't worry, we will keep an eye on it. Billy's behavior may seem excessive, but he does not lie. If he says the company's value will triple, we're not ready for stock participation, - Anne commented.

She hung up the phone and sighed. Anne was deeply stressed and exhausted. But a strong stance was as necessary as the precise sales opportunity, which was at least two months away, with the launch of updates and renovations to the email, along with the new constitution and purchase of computers.

Anne picked up the phone and dialed Margot's number. Without giving more details, she needed to order Raymond to promote the small company in many businesses and perhaps attract the banking sector to adopt this technology. However, the success of attachments was a necessary request.

-The director has a meeting with Billy about Star Wars, - Margot said.

-Let him wait an hour. I'm cleaning up his mess, and if he has a problem with me, he owes me an apology for being rude. And no, I won't accept the bonus or any other nonsense, - Anne said.

-I can't tell the director all that, - Margot replied nervously.

-Tell him to go to hell! - Anne shouted from her office. Billy, who was listening through Margot's phone, could only smirk.

Billy moved his mouth in a familiar gesture when thinking, in a way he didn't quite understand. However, it was necessary to be tough. More than tough, his role as a young, arrogant person with power, being direct or obtuse around the edges, was his way of negotiating. It was to avoid political tricks. His passion and strength were his policies. In a way that is strange and questionable, it's his method. Everyone has their way; this helps him play gently around the edges and make subtle maneuvers. For now, he asks for others to find certainty in his words.

...