hollywood system: art

July 20.

The day of judgment arrived like a long-awaited meteor striking Earth. Pixar had poured a significant amount into this film. This time, Tom Hanks asked for $5 million, although he confirmed he wouldn't mind reprising his role as Woody in future movies. That was merely a consolation prize.

The other actors also demanded higher salaries, along with additional investments in equipment to enhance existing software. The process moved quickly, with a lively and creative pace. Veterans were brought in, some projects were delayed—like Shrek, which was pushed back nearly a month. However, with $80 million on the line, this was by far Pixar's most expensive animated movie, primarily due to software costs, especially FX for special effects added during scenes, serving as a third layer in the filmmaking process.

By 10 a.m., the franchise's iconic characters arrived on set, accompanied by people in costumes handing out wristbands featuring Buzz, Woody, or Jessie, the newest addition to the screen.

…

Anne returned from her trip to attend the premiere, bringing along four elegant women who had been invited. She wouldn't miss the publicity. Meanwhile, Monica showcased her emotional intelligence by inviting Jim Carrey, Amanda Donohoe, Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Claudia Schiffer, and Christy Turlington—friends from her modeling shoots. The premiere was already drawing attention.

Billy, absent and sought after by the cameras, was notably missing, but three directors and a line of prominent entrepreneurs made up for it. On one side stood George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese, gracing the event with their presence. On the other, business magnates like Bill Gates, Paul Allen, Steve Jobs, Arturo Moreno (model agency mogul and sports team owner), and Philip Knight, CEO of Nike, attended with their families.

It was a parade of stars, bustling about to witness an animated film—a rarity but a spectacle that delighted attendees. For children, it was extraordinary. Toy Story was a beloved movie, with its toy-themed storyline captivating kids who adored the characters' antics.

-So, Mr. Lasseter, - Anne said, sizing up the man. She hadn't forgotten she was in charge. Nearby, Randall McArthur updated her on company details, while Jim Gianopulos sat sullenly in a chair, speaking on the phone. Anna Washington remarked that the call was about Discovery Channel and not the movie.

-It's been amazing. We believe we'll break records, and earn some nominations. People will see something no one else can replicate for at least the next ten years. We're making history,- said John Lasseter.

-Anne, darling, let's be honest. John tends to exaggerate sometimes, but not this time. The movie is fantastic. The critics have given it glowing reviews. I particularly appreciated the piece in The New York Times, a superb critique. I think we've secured a solid A+ rating. The market can't deny quality when it's this good, - said Ed Catmull, grounding the conversation.

-I'm impressed by your guest list. I thought we were at the New York Film Festival—it's rare to see so many fashion icons here so quickly,- Lasseter said, glancing at Anne, who shrugged. Monica, acting as the perfect hostess, had orchestrated the gathering. The notable absentee was Billy, who, as Anne understood, was too busy to participate, despite this being an opportunity to recover some of the funds he had recklessly invested.

-Billy's called you? His silence is irritating, - Anne remarked.

John laughed.

--He's busy, but I bet we'll surpass Ice Age, last year's big hit. -

Anne frowned but remained silent. That confidence unnerved her, as it did everyone. It was almost a guarantee as if he didn't care about taking risks or breaking social norms. She decided it was best to approach Jobs to discuss advancing the agreements with Microsoft regarding components.

…

Jim Carrey, hand in hand with his partner, charmed the cameras with his signature wit.

-Well, no one invited me, but here I am. Let them try to kick me out, - he joked, striking a short karate pose that drew smiles.

-But why attend? - a sharp reporter asked.

-Why not? I think Pixar is amazing, and now no one can spoil the ending for me. A might spoil it for you—cover your ears if you don't want to know,- Jim quipped.

-Would you ever work with Lux Animation? -

-Maybe I will, maybe I won't. I'm open to possibilities, but I think picking roles requires that spark I'm looking for, -Jim replied. Internally, he admired Pixar's revolutionary approach. These films carried a fresh spark, presenting concepts in non-linear ways, and addressing themes previously untouched with such clarity and simplicity. It was the reward of striking first—all eyes were on Pixar, making animation a frontrunner in entertainment.

…

-He's always causing a stir,- Steven Spielberg commented, admiring the themed decorations—games, food, stickers, bracelets, and the red carpet, now white and adorned with balloons and toys. Companies like Mattel, Hasbro, Lego, and Fisher-Price were present.

-What are you talking about? -

-Oh, just that this event is funded by Hasbro and Mattel. They handled distribution and licensing. I think it'll set a new standard for premieres in the coming years, - Lucas explained, his eyes gleaming at the marketing genius behind it. Selling something others would give away for free—it was the hallmark of the young man who had tried to buy Lucas' company six years ago.

A bold move for a kid who slapped $100 million on the table like he was buying candy from a corner store. Now, Lucas agreed that $600 million for 45% of the company was a fair deal. The boy would take the company to where Lucas always dreamed of: Star Wars museums, observatories, planetariums… He made it happen.

-Oh, I see, - replied Martin Scorsese, looking at the event with newfound appreciation.

-Children's cinema is underestimated. Creating something good takes time, but their creativity always leaves me speechless—again, as a screenwriter," Martin added diplomatically.

-No doubt, it'll be magnificent,- Lucas affirmed.

The three veterans entered the theater.

…

The critics' reviews were another wave of praise. Some companies tried to block the comments, but you can't fight a hot iron with bare hands. Better to bend it slightly with a hammer.

-But what happened to Billy? - they asked Monica.

-He's working, as he always does, - she replied.

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