Jim Gianopulus's work was consistent; alongside Raimon and Armand Millester, they organized the entire place. Jim's presence lent credibility to the company; he had cultivated relationships at Fox and his most experienced work was in independent cinema. Moreover, he had a connection with the Sundance Film Festival. Quickly, all the details in North America were settled so fast that Armand and Raimon's work seemed futile.
-I think it was Anne's best hire. Leave me the numbers, but dealing with pompous people isn't my thing, - said Raimon.
-We do what we can, kid. It wasn't always this way. The person I am now is different from when I started my university career. I was younger and made many mistakes; I looked up and couldn't solve things easily. Reports were one of my big problems, son. Don't let that stop you. Now I have the perspective to lead a steadily growing company as a director and executive, answering only to the owner. I wanted success, and now I feel successful, - said Jim Gianopulus, patting Raimon, knowing that closeness, not disinterested advice, was all he needed throughout his life. His father advised him and wasn't ashamed of who he was and what he did.
-I hope so. Billy has many goals. There was that time we drank beer, and he said, 'I can go beyond just creating a simple company. In five years, we'll be competing for our place in the industry. First will be animation, then documentaries, followed by television series, and finally, movies,' -Raimon repeated, recounting an anecdote he only told to trusted people. His chubby arms moved up and down; he wore a new gray watch.
-It sounds like a bold assertion. Do you think it's possible to achieve what young Billy is claiming in the next five years? Don't tell anyone, but I even reduced my salary with the perspective of the company, directing my project, creative freedom, guiding the company, having a voice in my annotations, and of course, continuing to learn, - said Jim.
-100% with all my heart. Billy will achieve it; there's no doubt about that, - said Raimon.
So sure of Billy's success that it made an impression on Jim Gianopulus.
….
August 24
Vienna was an ancient place. The halls were lined with thick stone or concrete walls. They had taken numerous walks around Vienna, mapping out a route. For now, they were just getting used to organizing their time. Now the weather was turning colder; at night, you could feel the cold freezing your bones. Billy wasn't a fan of cold weather, and it showed as his body shivered every minute.
-I think just having a leather jacket as my only attire doesn't suit me, - said Billy.
-The Californian climate isn't as healthy as you think. You've become weak to the weather. Now we have to improvise for the next shot; there's a blanket store around here. I could use buying a blanket, - said Julie.
They had been filming for fifteen days, and the interference between Billy and Julie continued to accumulate, with numerous reverent encounters. They would start filming halfway through, in places where the night wasn't as uncomfortable without skipping many scenes. It was the linear moment that gave the actors continuity, but the fairground shoot could be done since most of it was filmed at night.
Although they forgot about the kiss, for tomorrow evening, it had to be at sunset when both poured their hearts into kisses and established romance. After they got off the train, both were overshadowed by fear and nervousness. Julie/Celine was always a very understanding person, but only with Jessi/Billy did the way they both begin to get to know each other open Celine to that sweet and romantic side. Celine was a woman who endured and tolerated; she endured.
Celine loved Jessi, his way of thinking, acting, and of course, his way of expressing certain thoughts that ended up astounding her. They caused certain sensations that Julie had to manage to resolve.
-Everything wraps up for today, - said Billy, eager to get into a bath and take a good shower. - We need to keep waiting for the next shots. –
-We should grab something to eat, - said Julie.
-I'm not really in the mood for food, - said Billy, exhausted.
-Plus, we have to get up early tomorrow, - the guy added.
-That's true. We have to get up early, but it's important, and now you've ruined the surprise. It's not fair. There's a band playing out here. They're not great, but there will be four groups performing, and we can go, to satisfy your lack of musical knowledge, - said Julie.
-Let's go, -said Billy.
Accepting his fate, he knew he would soon find himself in a small dive, with guitarists playing at full volume on their electric guitars, which didn't exactly excite him. Like a mysterious detective, Julie guided him the whole time, even taking a few turns. The architecture only encouraged Billy to observe; many images could be captured from this view. Animators who want to establish an image of an era or a city do this kind of fieldwork, something he has done little of, but now he understands, with his knowledge of existing memories.
-I should plan a tour of all the great cities, - Billy thought, remembering the book he wants to animate, a linear film of Frankenstein that adheres to the book. However, now that he's in Vienna, adding philosophy could be a significant consideration, life, Genesis, a science fiction birth of its own.
-We're here, - said Julie.
To Billy's surprise, they were jazz bands, jazz bands that opened up certain forms. The music began to play, a strong piano with colors playing tun, fast and powerful, disorderly and fast—it was wonderful.
They had Sturm, clearly two main things. This was a type of wine, fruity, almost certainly not aged much, sweeter, and partially fermented, it had a certain taste for people who didn't want to get drunk.
-What's this? - asked Billy.
-It's Sturm. But you can order beer if you don't want it, - said Julie.
-Beer would just liven me up, but I prefer to be clear-headed for tomorrow, - said Billy.
-Why are you being so mysterious? - Julie asked.
-I'm just enjoying the concert; it's my first concert, - the young man commented.
-Now you're acting condescending. The idea is to have fun, - said Julie, approaching Billy and placing her arms around his neck. - You need to relax; sometimes you seem like a robot, you keep your emotions, you don't get angry, you don't respond, you don't smile, and you're always in business mode. I thought it was silly, but then I saw you seriously, and you're the same all the time. Sadly, you do this. Let me invite you to fruity wine, beer, or gin and tonic, we'll record, and we'll take care of our business, - said Julie.
Billy tried to control himself, but he was doing everything Julie said, suppressing his emotions, and now he was just following a formal route, keeping his thoughts. Like his father, he kept things he did and had to do, he was a trapped person.
-You're a bit unfair, - said Billy.
-Oh, come on, stop being a child. When you want something, you ask for it; you don't just grumble like a baby. You're a bit silly when you play the dignified act. The silliest thing you do is if you have to say something, say it, or just be honest with your thoughts. You're a man, - said Julie, curiously, Julie was in an internal struggle; she wanted to see Jesse, that intelligent, sensitive, and critical guy who said all the things she liked, but Billy kept many thoughts that Julie wanted to know for herself.
-You're impossible. Let's have wine, just don't talk, - said Billy.
The night soured; they drank wine, but Billy was more preoccupied with himself and his thoughts.
...