Ideas are like seeds, deeply rooted in the minds of people from various angles. Humans can't help but engage in what we call worrying, preoccupying ourselves with thoughts that we can't control. But for our minds, it's impossible to avoid such ideas.
George Lucas, although intelligent, knows very well that the ideas proposed by the young man have merit, or at least as much merit as a bet with knowledge and some level of certainty can have. George doesn't dismiss the potential losses, but he's also not blind to the fact that there's a chance to make a lot of money if they execute a great plan. The popularity of Star Wars is not something simple and basic to discuss.
The young man's proposals are clear: a 10-year film production license for $30 million, with the condition that George oversees the projects to deliver the best possible product. While he has made multiple statements about the prequels, they are not key in his ideas, nor does he have the strength to make them happen.
The document states that Lux Animation already has a series planned, and it asserts that the timeline for a prequel is already established, pending George's approval and his tweaks. Furthermore, it outlines some basic ideas on how to improve production, explaining that the collaboration of a major studio is necessary to deliver the best product to this massive industry.
To call or not to call – he decided to take a trip to Pixar Studios. The result left him amazed. A beautiful building made of glass façade adorned the front. The old houses that were once in rows had now been transformed into a long two-story building with a particularly beautiful terrace. There were floral arrangements, a small café run by a young woman, and even an underground parking lot, from what he could gather.
-Good morning, Alvy. It's a pleasure to be greeted so warmly, - George said, greeting Alvy.
-Don't be bothered; we're working on some software improvements. It's always good to take an hour's break, -- Alvy replied, stretching. -- Come on, let's get something to eat. Jennifer makes delicious cheesecakes. -
-That's perfect. Let me treat you as a token of my gratitude for accepting my impromptu request, - George said.
-I'm sorry to say, but the store we're going to, everything is free. They set it up here to encourage us to get some fresh air. It was a brilliant idea when they hired an expert pastry chef to prepare desserts, -Alvy explained.
-How novel, - George commented.
-Yes, it is, but there's an unwritten rule – don't waste food. So, you have to eat everything you order, -- Alvy said, noticing George's face expressing some nervousness. -- It's not that bad; everything they prepare is exquisite. -
-In that case, you know I have a weakness for apple pie, - George said.
-Jennifer, a hot apple pie, two chocolate croissants, and two black coffees, - Alvy said.
Jennifer raised her hands in affirmation. She was reading a book on Spanish cuisine but heard the order loud and clear. She placed everything in the oven, not a regular microwave but a special reheating oven. She prepared the two coffees, moved to the kitchen, and the large oven was baking a dark chocolate cake, some cheesecake fingers, and fruit turnovers.
-It'll take another thirty minutes, - the young woman said aloud.
Meanwhile, George continued to ask questions about Pixar and its reliability.
-Is it reliable, Alvy? - George asked.
-It is. The kid is reliable; he's a better boss than you, - Alvy replied with a teasing tone he always used to lighten the mood.
-Oh, you're a bad worker, - George said, playing along. He ran his fingers through his slightly graying hair.
-He's a good boss and very brilliant. In less than three years, he's transformed the companies he's worked with. His drawing talent is unparalleled. And even though John Lasseter and the others get the credit, he's the real creator. He's so talented that only with a lot of hard work can others come close to matching him. I've seen how the creative team at the company works tirelessly, examining every scene in detail. But only after a long time can they make corrections. He's very talented. John calls him 'Mr. Walt Carson' behind his back. – Alvy said
-Exactly. That's the scale we put his talent on, one that mere mortals can only dream of. To be honest, I believe it too. If he promised you something, he'll deliver. Work together. You interrupted your series due to personal issues. This is your opportunity. The kid will fulfill everything - Alvy said.
-I'm just curious about how he'll make money if we align ourselves with a big company, - George said.
-I don't think he needs it; he only does it to provide you with comfort. If you ask me, George, invest together and create magnificent things. At Pixar, we won't stop creating wonderful things every day. – Alvy said
-You've given me a lot to think about, - George said, as he sipped his coffee and savored the apple pie. -- It's good, very good. -
-Haha! Jennifer is an excellent pastry chef. Since she started working here, many things have improved. Although I've gained two kilos, it's better than skipping meals, - Alvy said.
-I can't doubt that. Can I get some takeaway? - George asked.
-Of course, I just hope there's some left. Believe it or not, that apple pie is quite famous in the company, - Alvy said, going to order more portions of apple pie for George, who was enjoying the dessert but still thinking about the future of his company. His days were cheerful, spending them carefully with his business, fixing some work here, and collecting profits as his massive franchise sold.
-They'll take twenty minutes, - Alvy said, pulling George's thoughts back.
-It's amazing how the days go by, and the new generation is getting involved in our ideas. Tell me, Alvy, do you think it's possible to make a 3D movie for Star Wars? - George asked.
-Of course, even an animated series. We're working to lower the costs, partnering with CGI companies to improve computer quality, along with Autodesk. Our technology might leap in less than three years. You'll be surprised, my friend, - Alvy said.
-I already am. Pixar's headquarters are nothing like they were ten years ago, - George said.
-Everything has changed, and we expect a second headquarters next year. We're creating the Pixar Series, a fantastic project. The San Jose headquarters is even more impressive. You can see the pastel aspect in the windows of the large building. It's undoubtedly something to remember in a few years, and everything has changed from the ground up, - Alvy said.
-Thanks, Alvy. I think I'll have some important things to think about in my upcoming meetings, - George Lucas said.
His visit was productive, though not quite as much as he had hoped. He saw, observed, and understood the obvious changes in the company. He left in his Cadillac, with renewed thoughts, and eventually stopped at a gas station, eating pie and searching for change. He called a good friend.
-Francis, I have a dilemma, - George said.