The Lux Animation company started early in the morning, and the work persisted from dawn until nearly dusk. Some entered in the early hours of the morning and left before mid-afternoon. Others came in late morning and left in the evening or at night. The work was intense, and the effort was always long.
Many knew Billy because he always came to check on others' work. He asked about their work, how they were doing, what they did over the weekend, about family, their free time, or hobbies. Then he proceeded to ask about the business environment, whether there were enough drinks in the refrigerators or enough snacks.
He knew the names of all the workers, so when he entered, most of them recognized him, a tactic that Billy had been using since he started studying at the university, advised by one of his teachers, who occasionally advised on work-related matters.
-Good morning, - he greeted, a bit hurriedly.
-Good morning, David, - said Billy, after giving a greeting to the warehouse members and those dedicated to printing runs and engaging in the factory industry.
The second floor was unoccupied, and he only had to change buildings. The new factory building was gigantic, and even if he wanted to, the morning greetings were not as efficient now.
The animators had recently returned from their week of paid vacation, made to commemorate not only the channel's launch but also the Lion King movie. These expenses were considered labor expenses that allowed for cross-charging with per diems. Billy, having hotels in Hawaii and fast-food centers, could cross-charge the accounts that benefited his business. It was a win-win situation. The decision to buy another hotel in a paradisiacal place or a big city was and remained tempting. It could be one in Florida, another in Madrid, perhaps another in Ireland.
He entered the new building. It was still the same guard, a cordial man who granted him entry as soon as he saw him and gave a long greeting.
In a swift movement, he took the elevator to the fourth floor. In his right pocket was a check for $2,300,000 for his next venture, Hotmail, along with other vague ideas he had and needed to resolve in the coming days. A visit to Stanford was in the plans.
The fourth floor screamed opulence, from the rich oak tables to the ethereal marble floor, and a rich red carpet; no expense had been spared. The best of the best had been used to cater to the people who would negotiate with Lux Animation. A position of wealth could simply be called arrogant and foolish, but it was still impressive. Anne's office was beautiful, almost as big as his, except for a giant library and special desks for her work activities, like a special computer for her animation activities, which had previously been on the third floor of the factory.
-Anne, - said Billy.
Passing by Margot, who didn't dare to stop him, the only one who had that privilege.
-Billy, I hope you're not here to interrupt my concentration, -said Anne.
-It's my favorite idea. I recently made a lot of money on some of my bets, the kind that always annoyed you, and I made some extra money again, -said Billy.
Anne continued typing on her computer without paying attention, waiting for a clear response about what Billy had in mind. Raimon had advanced many of Billy's ideas and explained his optimism and ambition. Now that he knew his studies had paid off, the second animated film was being prepared. The Iron Giant, with the team's ability, would take a full seven months to complete the run. They were even expected to hire a director to oversee the process, which, as known in the company, they were experts at. After two jobs in the medium, a third would come, as well as a fourth, fifth, and seventh. The convenient employment contract signed is very different from those signed with ID software.
Even the proposal for an authentic animated script was beginning to sound promising, provided by one of the experienced greats of the team, who was only asked to write a script at the same level as a series, even with some extra demands due to the film's cost.
Upon learning that Anne preferred actions over words, Billy placed four checks on the table. The first was for $5,000, the second for $20,000, the third for $1,000,000, and the fourth for $1,275,000.
-The first one is for legal registrations, which will need my father's signature for logo, trademark, and idea registrations. The second is your commission for a job well done. The third is an investment for the company, and the fourth we will invest in this new project I have in mind. Raimon will arrive and take care of it. I'll talk to Stanford University to hire a group of computer engineers who will see my work, and of course, I have the idea to explore new ventures, - said Billy, which to Anne's ears sounded somewhat capricious, like a child.
He took the checks, emphasizing that money kept flowing in so she didn't need to worry, and Billy's idea, according to Raimon, was revolutionary and very intelligent. An email system that would change the idea of fax and shipments was something very revealing.
Billy's ideas were at most revolutionary and powerful, very powerful, Anne had no doubt.
-So, you're giving me $20,000, I'll start with the work, Rachel will handle everything, there's space in the factory on the second and third floors, it can be a spectacular idea to start a company there. By the way, the RPG platforms video game company has worked very hard, and the Pokémon product you made has already been tested, and they will continue to modify the game and lay the groundwork for future models, - said Anne.
-I'd give you double, but your year-end bonus will be hefty. You should already know, Anne, that you check the accounts from time to time. I'll also be here tomorrow, I'll replace you in hiring the entertainment director, treasurer, and finance director, as planned, separating the work teams, - said Billy.
-Well, they start at 7:00 a.m., maybe until late at night. Three filters were made, the first with the agency, Jolie did a second filter, you have to conduct at least twenty-five interviews, - said Anne.
-I can do it. I have everything ready. I worked on the comics, and I have enough volumes for the next three months. I even have another one that will be a perfect video game, which may or may not be taken by Capcom under license and earn more money than we already have, - said Billy.
-What makes you think they'll take this under license? - said Anne.
-Well, because I know it's a good story. The license will be paid on a percentage basis, this game will make a lot of money, we won't give money, and we'll help with advertising, but it's already proven that we maintain high standards. I have a contact at Sony, I can promote the idea with Sony, - said Billy.
Now Anne was intrigued. - How would you convince them? - Anne asked.
-Two words, Mario Bros., - said Billy.
-The success of Nintendo is due to its games. If they don't have a game that resembles Mario, they can pick up the scraps for a long time. Why do you think Nintendo doesn't license its games? It's because it's beneficial for them to have exclusivity, - said Billy.
-And Lucas? - asked Anne.
-I'll reject him if he cancels our last proposal, - said Billy.
-Do you want to buy the film rights? - Anne asked, aware of Billy's last plan.
-That's right, all or nothing. If he wants more, he can go another route, - said Billy.
-I still don't understand you, but it's the best option. It sounds more logical than paying for nothing, - said Anne.
-Well, the next time Lucas rejects us, he'll think twice. I have to leave you now, my next destination is Stanford, - said Billy.
...