Hollywood Art: System of sunnys

-John, I understand that you all are thrilled to be producing the movie, but I think you need some self-control. It's not healthy for you to work day and night without rest, - said Anne.

-I agree, but these folks don't stop. I even warned them that it's unsustainable for us to pay overtime to make the movie, - said Randall McArthur.

The commitment of Pixar animators is quite obsessive, working 12-hour days, with some only getting six hours of sleep on improvised mattresses in the hallway. They wake up in the early morning to continue working. Nobody ever said that the capitalist system was the best.

John Lasseter had dark, heavy bags under his eyes, like two office paperclips hanging from the underside of his eyelashes.

-I think everything is fine; only those who want to do it stay. We spend so much time commuting from work to home and back. It's just frustrating; sometimes I want to see that scene finished, and if I don't finish it, I can't even sleep, - said John Lasseter.

-I just hope they don't do this every day, --  Anne said. -- I'm a bit concerned about the employees' health at Pixar. -

-Just make sure to pay the employees on time. We're all happy and excited about the movie. Everyone working here has had a dream for several years. I'm enthusiastic; my wife knows it's my dream and understands. I have no other impediment stopping me from working 20-hour shifts, - John Lasseter said.

-We all agree, - said Ed Camult, happily.

-I disagree! - Anne exclaimed.

-Dear Anne, I'll manage the folks as much as I can, but I'm happy, even though I can't sleep on a comfortable mattress. At my age, my back starts to ache, but I like what we're creating, - Alvy Ravy Smith said.

Anne was on the verge of shouting. In her thoughts, not only was there the potential issue with the government agencies overseeing all of Billy Carson's companies but there were also possible legal disputes if an employee were to regret their decision and file a lawsuit, among many other possibilities.

Billy interrupted.

-Let's make the company better. We can set up the cafeteria like the comic company, with two large drink fridges, some dinners to reheat, coffee, sweets, pizzas—let's buy everything necessary to make sure our employees are well-fed. No one should come to work on Sundays, - Billy said.

-That's perfect; pizza takes a long time to deliver! - John Lasseter chimed in.

-Billy, I don't think it's right to do these things for us, - Anne said.

-Come on, Anne, I don't think it's a bad idea to buy some things for people to eat. This company has nearly 40 employees; it's enough for us to stock up at the beginning of the week with what's in demand, - Billy said.

-I'm not arguing about the fridges; it's the consequences that concern me, - Anne said.

-There won't be any consequences, Anne. I can vouch for it from my word that we're a committed team, and we're all doing it for our interests, - Ed Camult said.

-Come on, Anne, it's something you love, something inevitable. We'll take responsibility for everything that happens afterward, - Billy said.

The work done by Pixar employees is fabulous. The animators' restlessness is undoubtedly a key to making movies. The obsession of these individuals can only be reflected in the future success of these same workers.

-With that said, I have to get to work, - John Lasseter said.

-Today is Sunday. I've already given the order; we'll rest on Sundays, - Randall said.

-It's a pleasure to establish Pixar's new company policies. Since today is my day off, I'll rest a bit and have a meal at a restaurant, -  John Lasseter said decisively.

-Now, onto an even more important topic, - Ed Camult said.

-True, - John Lasseter said, shifting in his chair.

-Is this about?- Anne asked.

-We need some extra funds. The team needs to subcontract a company to help us develop a program with better features, - Ed Camult said.

-How much money do you need? - Billy asked.

-Two million dollars, - Ed Camult replied.

-We don't have that money, but there's an outstanding account payable from a company. We can invest that amount in five months or when it enters our funds. Is that fair to all of you? - Anne suggested.

-Subcontracting is possible with an advance of perhaps $500,000 and a promise of payment, - Ed Camult said.

-It's impossible, Mr. Camult. We have many investments, and we can barely pay off the debts we currently have. In five months, we can cover the subcontracting and invest some more. Give us some time; I assure you we'll invest more money, - Anne said.

Lux Comics generates $900,000 in monthly revenue, the toy company makes around $800 to $1,200 in profits, which we prefer to keep for the toy company. T-Box Burgers earns between $3,500 to $5,000 per month, which has been used for marketing campaigns.

The contracts with Nike bring in $34,000 every three months, and on special occasions, they receive over $40,000. A small contract with Hasbro yields $200,000 per year. Billy typically reinvests most of it in stocks or improvements in the companies under his control.

With the interest in paying off all the loans, investments have been reduced. At this rate, they might be able to settle two of the three loans by October.

-It's unfortunate for all of us, - Ed Camult said.

-It's impossible to inject capital, but please understand that you are a priority for us, - Anne assured.

-Thank you, Anne, - Ed Camult said. The trust among the partners is evident; when they promise something, they deliver, even beyond what's requested.

So, the meeting ended earlier than expected. It's not just the company's general issues but also all the points about the company's operations, given their short attendance. The glass-walled room never loses its significance in Pixar's life.

-Your 2D animation studio is going to face some obstacles, - Anne said to Billy.

-I don't think it will face many obstacles. My studio doesn't need as much money as these people. I'd be content with two employees. I just need some help from a small group of talents, - Billy replied.

-Hire talent first before assembling a massive team, - Billy said.

Retired artists from the industry, interesting promoters with talent, or people he knows through his network who know certain artists. For now, he'll focus on making the Hercules movie as much as he can advance. Considering the diversity of ideas at Pixar, asking for collaboration might not be a wise idea.

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