In the brief recaps of the memorable Golden Globe events, the fierce Pixar winner left much to discuss, even though he did not want to be relevant to people. Hollywood loved politics from various angles and fleeting stars.
-We believe the world of animation will stop being so straightforward, - commented Jeff Perkins, a film critic specializing in children's films, known for his wise gray hair.
-What's going to happen? Is there a mystery you can't stop chasing? As viewers, we have the right to know, - asked the interviewer, a pretty face whose job was to bring questions to the film world.
-Fox bought Blue Sky, Warner expanded Studio Cartoon Network, and there are signs that they might very well enter the world of animation. We have Amblin Entertainment and, of course, Disney. All these are famous companies with significant market presence, having been making films since their beginnings... but now a third player has entered the scene. In less than five years, they have everything needed—technology, creativity, and freshness. Their ideas are always aimed at transforming logic and giving a new meaning to science fiction. We've moved beyond princesses, knights, and usual characters like superheroes and villains, to a much more impressive level: toys that come to life but with much more complex personalities, three-dimensional characters... space giants, endearing aliens who love rock music, extinct animals with moral compasses, trains glowing with magical realism, Greek classics, complex stories. - Jeff Perkins' voice was firm, and steady, and demanded the concentration of those who could hear his intricate musings.
-We have multiple blends of animation, not just the traditional Disney style. 3D combined with watercolor that fades as if it were a Van Gogh painting, dark tones mixed with comic elements... they play with different animation styles. -
Charles Underwood's turned-off television was a sufficient gesture of the frustration crossing his ally Gerald Levin's features, which was crucial in ensuring they were not blocked by Warner's board members.
-I think I can now understand Terry Semel's idea of blocking the kid, - Charles Underwood commented.
-It's incredible how, as days go by, his threat to the animated world has left Disney in a tough spot. The steep drop in their stock due to this phenomenon is significant, - Gerald Levin remarked, disheartened about leaving things behind. Even now, he felt that the impending lawsuit from Lux Animation was a sharp blade over Hanna-Barbera's throat.
But there was a problem. Billy had stolen Friends and ER and even clipped the wings of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. Nevertheless, he was just a drop in the ocean, as his financial income last year was twelve times more than Lux Animation's, which had entered the medium-sized film production category.
Approximate revenue of $13 billion compared to the $1.1 billion collected by Billy. In some way, there was nothing to fear. But many film executives were moved by the kid... it was planned. He had sent his staff to speak with such passion.
-I'd like to get to know him better. It's said that he is serious and reserved, very bold in business, with a modern vision of how the film should be made. He invests heavily in technology and quality; his programs require significant investment... that's why he bought Pixar and formed an alliance with Autodesk. He has the team to continue developing informational animation programs, - Gerald said, stroking his stubbly beard, shifting in his seat.
-With the Turner and Warner merger, we're the largest media company. We already have some ideas that might be the most uncomfortable, but that doesn't mean we'll rest on our laurels. The highest-grossing film of the year was an animated film, - Charles said, throwing some documents on the table at Gerald.
There, illuminated like a sphere of daring, was the new budget for Cartoon Network and the new company he couldn't invest in. All Hanna-Barbera assets were frozen; they could be used but no new films or series could be produced, including Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, Johnny Quest, Yogi Bear, and The Jetsons.
-They approved this... $500 million for Warner Animation, three animated films for the next few years, and $200 million to refresh Cartoon Network. For the next three years, - Gerald commented. They would invest in a large production studio, newly built and recreated to have a new headquarters, team, and licenses, and invest in a new DC production series, acquiring stories and mixed ideas. Warner's World received between 300 to 400 scripts a day, while Lux Animation received 10 to 12 scripts a month from its animators.
But the giant red clause was biting: stealing animators, another attack that couldn't be considered the first. Billy had anticipated the theft of his employees a long time ago. For this reason and others, he had improved social security design, enhanced paid vacation, and small perks like meal vouchers, snack refrigerators, and a healthy creative environment.
***
On their last day in Hawaii, after extending their trip by four days, Billy woke up late. Throughout those four days, he had been wrapped in Monica's arms as they relaxed. The morning had just begun. As the Italian had informed him, she slept naked, only wearing lavender cologne and jewelry.
It was paralyzing and completely desolate, the way he showered her with kisses, a love that was utterly impressive. They both enjoyed the temporary beauty of their comfort, cherishing the deep kisses they shared each morning. If Monica were asked when she got tired of kissing, she would say she never did; she loved the deep kisses wrapped in a mask of romance. Her morning coffee was like an express ticket to heaven. Her mind and body worked differently.
The phone woke them from their utopia. It was a utopia, and for that and other reasons, he took it to the limit. It was a limit, violent and majestic, pulling them back to their Hawaiian room.
On the third ring, Billy decided to break from his usual routine. He answered the phone with a slight "hello," somewhat annoyed by the interruption. It was Jim Gianopulos, one of the few people who had his number, used only on special occasions. Only a small team of 25 people had Billy's number, and he tried not to spread it far.
-We have everything set for the distribution of Jerry Maguire. We're waiting for you to take over the publicity. The film is scheduled for release on February 15,- Jim Gianopulos said.
-We'll address that the next day, - Billy replied, thinking. - For now, continue with the regular course. -
-Now, the important news... we might be nominated for the Oscars! That's a positive point, even if it shouldn't be. The trial against Warner is tomorrow, and the case will be decided then. For now, there's a media wave, everything covered, but we've been sent a statement to keep quiet on both sides until there's a verdict, - Jim Gianopulos explained.
-I think that's how it should be, - Billy responded. He was indifferent, hoping it would turn out in their favor. However, Warner might end up paying money. He didn't think the company would lose its valuable series, but the interest payments were substantial.
-Perfect. Anne will notify you of the decision, - Jim said. He explained that in the event of a payment, they could negotiate for two series and a portion of the money. Hanna-Barbera's assets did not exceed $100 million, and the lawsuit estimated $460 million. If they obtained Scooby-Doo and Tom and Jerry, it would be considered a major victory. However, in an unusual case, it could rise to $670 or $789 million if they won completely, including the return of the Yuyu Hakusho series, which had been forgotten due to its meager budget, unlike Slam Dunk.
It was very likely they would win, at least according to the expensive legal team, who were typically the leaders in such contracts.
Monica hugged him from behind and kissed his neck lovingly. The fact that they were tangled together meant they barely left their hotel room.
-Let's go to bed together, my love, - the dark-haired woman said with intense desire.
-You're a constant trouble, my dear, -Billy said, hugging her tightly while lifting her legs to trap her between the mattress and himself. It was a majestic form of desire; their bodies collided with ignited passion. She pressed her delicate nipples against him. With just a touch, the continuous stimulation made her feel a jolt, but she attacked Billy with her slender hands, controlling the provocative gesture with an open mouth and eyes filled with explosive excitement... fugitives of exhilaration.
...