January 20.
The Golden Globes are often considered a precursor to the Oscars, a stage to form alliances and manage public relations effectively to keep succeeding. Sotis, a major win in one competition signals a bigger victory ahead, or vice versa — the success in one may beco a consolation prize for those who fall short elsewhere.
-I heard they sent you an invitation to the Golden Globes, - comnted Arnon Michan.
-They did, but it surprised ... They invited even though I’m just the writer and producer of Ice Age. They had already sent one to the Pixar team. After all, the production team is theirs, not mine. It’s not worth attending, and I don’t think it’s the right mont, - said Billy, smiling. Of the three films I worked on, none of them made it to the Oscars. Seven didn’t make it, Nixon was just a small role without much impact, and even Before Sunrise only had a minimal effect.
-I see. So that’s why you don’t like going,- asked Arnon Michan.
-Yeah, I divide my ti between the companies I manage, and it wouldn’t be fair to take credit for the work of those who spent the year creating the film. I’d go to the event, but even then, I wasn’t nominated for my contributions, like editing or writing,- explained Billy.
-I can understand that- replied Arnon, getting up from the table. They had been dining at an Italian restaurant for the second ti. This ti, they were joined by a third guest, the very popular Sigourney Weaver. The three of them laughed and discussed the situation with great ease. Their latest project was far more interesting than they had anticipated. While David Fincher was having a tough ti, they were enjoying themselves.
-I have high hopes for L.A. Confidential, - remarked Billy.
-I think that’s everything, - Arnon Michan said calmly, as he left the restaurant. A man with many talents, he had an eye for the classics... and for producing a certain type of film — gangster, police, military, cri, and suspense — that’s what Billy noticed while reviewing Regency with Jim Gianopulos.
-I wanted to go, - said Monica. Sotis all it took was a look from a woman to get Billy to agree, though he wasn’t too happy about it.
-We can always buy tickets. They usually sell so to people in the industry. What do you think? - Billy said, turning to the brunette.
-Would you really buy a ticket? Why not just go with the invitation they gave you? - Winona questioned.
-Sa reason as before — it’s the night for the animators who worked day and night. They’re a hard-working group; so of them even sleep in the office to avoid wasting ti or because they’re ntally exhausted... I respect their work more than just attending a gathering, - Billy replied, seeing it as a matter of principle.
-Looking at it your way, I guess we can wait a little, - Monica responded.
***
It was a done deal. Anne made a few calls and t with so key people. Within 48 hours, they had secured a contract for Happy al toys at McDonald’s. The Happy al was an idea from Billy, one that could prove to be valuable. With his contacts in Thailand, China, and Malaysia, they would handle the majority of the toy distribution. They were paid for making the toys, for allowing the sale of those toys, and for the advertising — all thanks to Pixar.
Even though Anne knew the fast-food company would secure its suppliers for movie-related toys, the collaboration itself wasn’t what mattered. What was crucial was leveraging that company to further her career towards the Golden Globes, without directly relying on it. The advertising deal included a small clause to ensure widespread distribution across North Arica, especially in key locations that Billy deed essential, such as Fifth Avenue, major cities, and comrcials on various television networks.
A publicity campaign without spending any money!
They even made so money—Hasbro would soon start paying royalties for Ice Age. The mammoth plush toys were nothing short of pure gold.
Pixar tirelessly got back to work, creating a short animated clip for Ice Age, capturing brief, key monts that could be showcased.
-I think this is the best way to use it,- comnted Jas Conniganh, adjusting the sequence of the comrcial. They had produced four 30-second clips in just one week—a record ti. But Jas loved satirizing his characters and playing with them.
The comrcial, along with two other videos for Ice Age, showed the famous squirrel chasing its acorn, only for the acorn to land in a Happy al box. The squirrel leaped after it, only to get trapped, with the scene transitioning to live action, where the toy was handed out at a McDonald's.
-The animation team has officially started working on the first scenes of Shrek, - remarked Peter Docter, visibly exhausted from the workload. Before they could begin animating, they had to first develop every possible expression and movent using a new developnt program.
Jas Conniganh grinned from ear to ear, as if he were a child receiving an award. He was eager to direct the Shrek scenes, and although they had an excellent storyboard, when music, voice, movent, and the calmness of the project were added, that’s when Pixar's magic ca to life.
-I can’t wait for us to finish, - said Jas, full of anticipation.
-And in other news, while you were locked in that room last week—by the way, it slls like cheese in here— - Peter joked, opening a window. - They inaugurated a new building dedicated to producing 3D series. They’re working on a Star Wars series that’s been in developnt since 1992. It’ll be 50 episodes, with a $20 million budget. They’re creating proprietary software for all the space representations and CGI. -
-I’m surprised they’re expanding so much... Now they’re doing a series? How am I just finding out about this now? - asked Jas, perplexed.
Peter Docter facepald.
-It’s been six months since this news has been circulating throughout the studio, - Peter replied, a bit bewildered and out of tune by the question.
-Wow, now it makes sense… I’ll have to stop by and say hi, - Jas responded, rubbing his head.
Even though the film production side wasn’t moving quickly, the animated world of Pixar and Lux Animation was buzzing with activity. So far, Pixar has two film teams, and one series team, while Lux Nation has three film teams, and Lux Toons has six series teams. They had launched two animation channels, with a third channel for adult audiences set to premiere next year.
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