The premiere of Mulan began with a new invitation extended to the entire social circle connected to Lux Animation and those associated with Billy. Though not particularly famous, he noticed that more people attended than expected—from the usual gang of directors, who were now almost a fixture on his guest list, to others whose presence was more surprising. For Billy, their attendance was practically a rule of his invitations.
Steven Spielberg arrived accompanied by George Lucas, who had postponed the release of the second Clone Wars film to 1998 during production, allowing ti for special effects improvents with the help of Pixar. In the coming months, the first ten episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars were set to be released—one of the finest animated series to date.
-It has exceeded our expectations for quite so ti now, - comnted Jim Waiit, alongside his nasake, Jim Gianopulos. Both had been working behind the scenes, handling production matters, managing bond rates, and securing financial interests driven by their lucrative successes.
But that wasn’t all—Martin Scorsese and Francis Coppola were also present, along with Coppola’s daughter. David Fincher and Robert Zeckis had joined as well. The atmosphere was buzzing for a simple reason: the new Oscars section was about to launch. It was interesting to see the cast of L.A. Confidential, including Danny DeVito, and even so actors from Gattaca mingling in the crowd. In another corner, Kate Winslet appeared with her boyfriend, while several mbers of the Titanic cast were in attendance.
-Well, this is starting to feel like a royal gala. We’ve got a lot of people looking to network—so of them are seeking production opportunities, - remarked Jim Gianopulos as he scanned the room for various actors and directors. Productions in L.A. were scheduled for December, Gattaca was set for March, and Fight Club was on track for the sa month. anwhile, The Matrix was gearing up for June, launching a trilogy to be fild within seven months—a major challenge for the Wachowski brothers.
Jim Gianopulos wasn’t far away when he approached Billy.
-You know what to do, kid. You need to talk to people, especially the Universal producers—they have a vested interest in us, Jim advised.
-Looks like I might have to put in so extra work over the next few years, - Billy muttered to himself, contemplating the challenge ahead.
Taking Monica’s hand, he made his way to the concession stand, ordering a large popcorn and a lemon soda. He focused on his snacks, doing his best to ignore the people approaching him. For Billy, the ideal scenario was if no one bothered him at all.
-You should say hello, - Monica whispered.
-I’m not in the mood right now. When you put all the pieces together and the sum turns out to be a mistake, I’d rather not engage. Though, to be fair, so of them are genuinely nice, - Billy admitted, watching as one of Hollywood’s most intriguing couples, Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, approached.
-You’ve got a packed schedule, - Ethan remarked.
-Sorry, I wasn’t around when you were filming Evangelion with all your dedication. I got caught up in other work, - Billy replied, shaking the man’s hand. anwhile, Monica was engaged in conversation with Uma, both of them drifting toward Quentin Tarantino, who stood slightly apart, appearing indifferent. Not far away, Uma spotted Natalie Portman and made her way toward her.
The dia frenzy had escalated to an almost unhealthy level—dozens of photographers had caught wind of the event, even though it was ant for children.
-Danny wants to see you, but he told you tend to be a bit grumpy at these kinds of events, - Ethan chuckled.
-Not at all. It’s just that I don’t have anything particularly noteworthy to contribute... and everyone seems so determined to engage in small talk, - Billy responded, taking a handful of popcorn. - Give two hot dogs and two slices of pizza. -
Ethan raised an eyebrow.
-Wow, that’s quite a lot of food, - he said, surprised.
-I need to know what they’re selling and try it out. I might buy this place… or sothing similar. Haven’t decided yet, but I want to own a major studio for my premieres, - Billy said. - “Want to invest so of your money? Being part of the production industry doesn’t exactly allow for these kinds of purchases.” -
-So that’s why you’re buying the entire nu... But let’s talk about sothing else. Funny thing—I wasn’t planning on coming tonight, but now it feels different, - Ethan admitted, leading Billy toward Danny DeVito.
-Andrew, great to see you, - Billy greeted, shaking hands with the forr director of Gattaca, where Billy had played a supporting role.
One of the downsides of these events was the forced smiles.
-Likewise! It’s a great feeling—landing a big role is no small feat. You’ve beco the master of hosting premieres, - Andrew said, acknowledging the spectacle.
-Any new projects? - Billy asked.
-I do have sothing new in the works,- Andrew replied.
-Maybe we should discuss it later…-
-It’s an allegory, sowhat similar to Gattaca,- Andrew revealed.
Billy spent the next hour weaving through a maze of greetings and conversations. Soon, it was ti for the audience to settle in for the screening of Fa Mulan, a new animated series. It was a bit overwhelming—so many people gathered just to see the premiere. As Billy approached one of his financial backers, the excitent was palpable.
-I hope we get the chance to collaborate on sothing similar. Lately, these premieres have been giving a certain motivation, - Steven Spielberg admitted.
-Then these monts must be essential… We’ve been toying with the idea of a massive production for a while now. Want to join in, kid? - Steven asked.
-Then I assu you have a new idea, - Billy replied.
-I do… It’s just that sotis, these ideas take shape, and I find them exciting. When I see sothing interesting… when I sense that success is on the horizon. n in Black made realize that so films require extensive groundwork, - Steven explained.
-It always works that way. Though I think you should set up a space to review so scripts... I’ve been thinking about a new series, Pirates of the Caribbean. I’ll give you my answer by the day after tomorrow, - Billy said, making use of his ti in L.A.
-I’m throwing a party for one of my goddaughters. It would be kind of you to attend,- Steven invited.
-Consider it done. Send a mo to my assistant, - Billy confird.
-I won’t bother you anymore, kid, - Steven said, strolling off to rejoin his group.
-Andrew Niccol has a great film in the works, - Billy comnted.
-I’ll talk to him,- ca the response.
It was a surprise to find himself surrounded by three won and a slightly overwheld Ethan, struggling to keep up with the conversation.
Amid all the overlapping discussions, it was Monica who stole the scene—her elegant Italian style, the way her form-fitting dress accentuated her curves, always had an almost hypnotic effect on people.
-A party, - Monica murmured.
-Co on, it doesn’t matter. We’ll make the event work, - Billy replied, stepping into the theater.
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