The journey had taken longer than anticipated for a recording session. July 20 would be the next big date for the company, which had already scheduled the premiere, and everyone was focused on two main things: the release of the Titanic book and the Toy Story trailer, which was now causing a stir in the industry. The improvement in graphics was a monumental leap, a 180-degree shift that made upcoming projects look dazzlingly promising.
-I saw the news, and I think Billy has done an amazing job, - commented Anne from her office while skimming through some newspapers. She usually read three to four papers a day to stay informed about significant events that could potentially impact the company. Now, her focus was split between the trailer, the praise it was receiving, the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, a looming oil war, and the meteoric rise of the Asian economy.
-So, darling, will you come with us to Italy? - Monica asked, sitting with Winona and Uma Thurman. The latter had recently become close friends with Winona and Monica. The three of them were stunning, and Anne couldn't help but feel like the ugly duckling in their company.
But she nodded. Maybe she could find herself a great man who wouldn't forget her come morning.
-I'd love to, - Anne replied. -I'll arrange the trips... -
-Billy bought a luxury apartment in Italy. There's room for all of us, - Monica interrupted, though Anne was more focused on her calendar. She needed to be back by July 18, but everything was already set, even the meetings with Microsoft that Billy had taken care of.
The two women entered through the door. Winona's hair, shoulder-length, had a violet flower tucked on the right side. She wore a white dress that ended just above her knees—enough to make anyone drool. Uma, on the other hand, had on tight jeans that hugged her hips and revealed just a hint of her curves, paired with a crop top exposing her toned abdomen.
-It's a remarkable company, - Winona said as she wandered through the halls, entering the director's spacious office, which even had a balcony. Her laughter always revealed a slightly sharp canine tooth.
-For you, maybe... I've been here so long it's become boring, - Monica added, looking radiant in black skinny jeans and a pink button-up shirt. Her hair was loose, giving her a Californian vibe.
Anne wasn't sure, but she craved some quiet in her office, even though she had already delegated all her tasks.
-Let's go grab something to eat, - Anne said, standing up, her thoughts already drifting to vacation. She had partially left things in Billy's hands, as well as Jim Gianopulos, while Raimon handled Apple, Lux, and Toys.
-It's about time, - Monica said, clapping her hands playfully as Anne wrapped up her work.
...
The Toy Story trailer was captivating. It showed Woody being discarded by Andy, who mentioned he was no longer needed. Then, a scene of him missing an arm, followed by a sequence in a car and another on a plane. It was all poetic in a way, contrasting perfectly with Pixar's essence.
-It's still an incredible image, - said John Lasseter, observing how every scene created by the animators was flawless—the shine, the colors, the development, and the 3D animation. It stood as a wall against those who underestimated the industry. Technological advancements were accompanied by significant investments and epiphanies born of necessity.
Meanwhile, James Cunningham was fully engrossed, brimming with hungry energy. His eyes, though tired from endless work, remained sharp. After finishing Toy Story 2, he moved on to the next project: Shrek. A film filled with dilemmas, yet far from complete. Still, he was determined to improve, to envision these stories, to create characters. He held his dream job in his hands and wouldn't trade it for anything.
-I feel like I got it wrong somehow... How do I put this without sounding overcommitted? It's just that if we made the movie now, it would have better designs. We've improved a lot in rendering human faces with the new software and doubled our special effects for fire and water. We've added better features. I think if we were to make it now, it'd be a superior film, - James said with a smile.
-We've planned the script up to Toy Story 6, along with a great spin-off about lost toys that explores Buzz Lightyear's life between movies five and six. Billy gave us seven scripts to refine, but they're already fantastic. We're also planning a twelve-episode series and writing children's books. The company's future is bright... And, of course, the nine scripts for Ice Age films, were all developed by writers. We have so much work ahead, - John Lasseter added, leaving James stunned.
-You mean you have that many movies lined up? - James asked.
-We do. Six Shrek films, plus various Halloween and Christmas specials, two spin-offs for Prince Charming in a ten-episode series, and five Puss in Boots films, - John Lasseter explained. It was all part of the long-term planning for the Shrek franchise.
-Let's grab a beer. I'm exhausted. This feels like a lifelong project, - James said, knowing full well that in the coming months, they'd be producing multiple films from the mentioned projects. Billy had promised four new projects for the two teams by year's end, with Monsters, Inc. already underway. It seemed almost impossible.
Andrew Stanton nodded in agreement. He and John were eager to branch out and create their television series. They wanted to make their film adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk, crafting an enchanting world filled with unique charm.
Another project, however, was The Incredibles, centered on superheroes. Yet there was also a desire to continue making original films. For example, John Lasseter dreamed of creating a Western.
A classic one, based on cowboy myths and stories.
-We have so many projects in the pipeline. But I think the best approach is to use what Billy has and turn them into great IPs. Billy always says that a world can be made bigger and that establishing something endless is a brilliant idea. To breathe life into it and not waste the opportunity, - John Lasseter remarked, confident they could achieve anything they envisioned.
...