Upon watching the pilot of Shrek, he raised his eyebrows in surprise at how impressive the animators’ work was. In some way, it showed him that he needed to be ambitious in his projects. Everything about it was perfectly crafted, among the finest. In 1997, he was ready to break the general rules of animation and leave all those companies who thought they had a chance to compete in the dust. With the recent news from Blue Sky and Disney joining the waiting list to produce their animated films, using subscription systems that were attracting more and more companies each day, the competition was heating up.
The business plan cost 8 million dollars and allowed access to 100 free computers for 3D work, including training systems so companies could learn to use the software. Alternatively, a more affordable option at 5 million offered 50 free computers. While this was a necessary and viable option, it was also heavier in scope: a 50-person team could make a film, but only if they were thoroughly trained. That’s where Pixar’s workers were invaluable—the kings of the market. Each of them was highly sought after, with companies offering them enormous salaries.
Universal, Paramount, and Warner were testing in small studios how to achieve similar results, while even Japanese, French, German, and British companies dared to invest collectively, using the system to produce 3D commercials. With just five ads per year, they could cover the software’s cost, and the rest of the year was pure profit.
–We tried modifying the framework to pave the way for a system that could help improve our film production pipeline. We explored a space to create an app that’s going to revolutionize the market – said Ed Camult, who had consulted with Autodesk and Id Software. The technological breakthrough was, without question, a true marvel.
–Pixar Video Production – Ed Camult added.
They had created a highly capable video editing application!
–So you created a video production system for movies? –Someone asked.
–Even better. We created a video system that lets us organize everything on a digital timeline, allowing for video rendering in the craziest way imaginable. We managed to merge editing tools, color grading, and sound into one. They're small suites – Ed Camult explained, taking a breath. – The problem is we don't have processors fast enough to handle it. We can do it on a smaller scale, but not to the extent needed for full film production. Still, the impact it could have on lighter industries like music, sound, and image processing for marketing and advertising is simply astounding. –
The words hit hard. Even with the extreme hardware they had from Silicon Graphics, they could only use 70% of the application’s potential. That alone was incredible because stabilizing animation frames, color correction, and syncing sound in a single suite reduced time and costs by 15% every 30 minutes.
–So Adobe and you are working on improvements? – Billy asked.
–We are, and here comes our second proposal – Ed Camult replied.
Randal McArthur stepped forward—previously out of sync, but now fully grasping the implications Billy needed to understand.
–We're going to split the company. Pixar Graphics will handle management and software, while Pixar Animation will focus on filmmaking. We’ll create a parent company, Pixar, which will be a subsidiary of Lux Animation and oversee both branches, Randal explained.
The data was massive.
–So you want a 20 million dollar investment to expand Pixar Graphics? – Billy asked, skimming through the details.
–We have a deal. Adobe is working on expanding into hardware production. Through a set of selective partnerships, they’ll develop microchips with Intel, Ed Camult said. The companies moved like tentacles.
–I approve, but Autodesk must not focus on hardware. That would be a complete mistake—entering that market when they could be using that energy to improve their software, Billy said, his words carrying deeper intent.
Nvidia was better suited to that kind of focus. If there was room for growth, it was through investment in that company, whose capital at the time didn’t exceed 10 million. His eyes drifted to the tiger cub still showing its claws and teeth.
Maybe I can connect Nvidia and Autodesk somehow. That’s out of the question for now, he thought, as he began to look more closely at Apple’s deals with Microsoft. What is Rachel doing to foster goodwill with that company? And when will the constant investments in the console market begin to bear fruit?
–Have you considered creating lighter versions for retail and more robust versions for wholesale? I want this product branded as Pixar, so we can recalculate the company’s expenses and investments month to month – Billy told Randall, already thinking about a potential acquisition.
The most pressing problems were memory, graphics processors, and engines—combining components and improving efficiency across tech ecosystems.
–Well... that’s not all. We’ve found more promising signs. Creating our own data company for our projects. The cost is high and the investment is significant, but with the alliance of Silicon Graphics, we could build a mega database for our work – Ed Camult replied.
–So the investment will be double – Billy laughed, looking at the next folder asking for 50 million dollars, as if it were just water and seeds to plant. This time, the project was about creating software designed to enhance essential areas of lifeLuxx processing and web graphics, with advanced systems tied to Autodesk. Everything began with a simple idea: acquiring a company shortly, specializing in special effects processing, database management, and web design transformation.
Billy left the meeting with a headache from Ed Camult’s ambition, only partially agreeing—up to special effects and improved web design.
For now, the idea alone gave him enough to reflect on. He saw that he had the foundation to eventually build a very famous company called YouTube, from video development and delivery improvements to better file and video processing systems… and databases.
A database built from scratch would require uniting several companies to create such an ambitious and relevant project.
–Good morning – Billy said. – I have an appointment with Mr. Lucas. –