Hollywood Art: System of sunnys

The Golden Globes were set to begin in the afternoon and continue into the night, with the after-party and public relations events allowing actors and producers three to four days to network and celebrate.

-You need to film in the next few days,- Billy said to Monica.

-Not much, just some invited members for rehearsals. They've given us a two-day break before starting again on Tuesday,- Monica replied.

Billy smiled, cupped her face, and gave her a slow, indulgent kiss—a kiss he reserved for moments of intense pleasure in bed, where his partner was eager and affectionate. Monica responded with all the love she could muster, feeling happy, cheerful, and ready to give more affection than necessary. For her, being carried away by love was never a problem.

Billy's tongue explored and entwined with hers in an intense battle.

-Let's go on a trip... This time of year, travel to Hawaii isn't very busy. We can use the general suite I have reserved for us, with an ocean view. Just you and me, three days on Hawaii's beaches, enjoying the breeze and the lovely weather,- Billy suggested abruptly.

-When?!- Monica questioned, surprised by the sudden proposal; Billy was not known for spontaneous trips.

-Yes, I have time, and you do too. I don't know when this will happen again, but in the next few days I'll be busy with launches, series viewings, and other matters that aren't worth discussing,- Billy explained, diving into another passionate kiss with the eager Italian.

-Let's go. They will understand my delay... a very loving boyfriend,- Monica said.

They took the flight with only a few bags and clothes for the trip. In a bold move, Monica suggested they sleep naked to avoid getting their clothes dirty. She said it so sensually and with such interest that Billy could see the desire in her eyes. He enjoyed how she could so easily captivate his passions.

Meanwhile, at the mansion, the housekeeper and a gardener—both elderly women—tended to the plants, food, and cleaning, preparing everything for the owners' return. The winter warmth had faded for the season, but January 1996 was unusually mild, with a cloudy sun making it the perfect weather for those sensitive to temperature.

...

Even on the trip, Monica's boldness was evident. She drank a bottle of wine on the first-class flight, and their shared seats were enough for them to exchange small, affectionate kisses.

-It's my first time in Hawaii, - Monica said.

-You'll love it, - Billy responded, taking her hand. - We have many destinations to explore—a promise to tour all of Italy, another to visit France. Any other places you'd like to add? -

-I don’t have many destinations in mind. Money can be great, but the consequences are the same. We could visit Spain, maybe Portugal... Germany and Switzerland, some places in the U.S., and of course, I've always wanted to see all of Greece, - she replied, sounding somewhat wistful.

-Well, I think we can plan a trip in March for four days—visit the Grand Canyon, take a trip to Las Vegas, and spend some time in Santa Monica. For July, a trip to Portugal, away from the cameras, would be wonderful. Five days would be fantastic, in Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, Faro... We can choose one to enjoy, - Billy suggested.

-In winter, Greece would be a great place. The summer heat is unbearable, - Monica added.

***

Billy and Monica were enjoying a brief honeymoon, both immersed in their romantic pursuits. In New York, the atmosphere was different. A surprised and exhausted James Cannigah and Peter Docter took the stage with the Pixar team. Only ten key animators climbed the podium, unable to believe they had won their first award. Even veterans like John Lasseter had failed with the acclaimed Toy Story.

-Go ahead, -Peter Docter told James.

Before him stood some of the top actors of the moment, including the handsome and acclaimed Mel Gibson, who was his younger sister's love interest, dressed in a gray suit with slicked-back hair. He was nervous.

-I don’t have words to express it! We didn't expect to win this award; I’m surprised, especially given the fantastic films we were up against... but here we are. I think the best I can do right now is to tell you how I ended up working at Pixar and why I believe people should go to the theaters to see Ice Age. What more can I say? I'm at a loss for words! -

Laughter followed. James was sincere, his elegant attire making him look endearing, like a young graduate.

-In two years, I've heard the most amazing speech a jobless animator could hear... a work contract with benefits and vacations in Hawaii. -

More laughter erupted, and even Peter Docter managed to smile.

-Then, less importantly. Billy Carson, the owner of Pixar, mentioned he would make one 3D and animation film a year and hoped to produce two in the next three years, and three in the following years, - James continued.

This stirred interest among the audience. Three 3D animated films from Pixar, as opposed to the 2D ones from Lux Nation, were different. Anyone who understood the significance of these words would pay attention. The rating increased by 10% as the young and uncertain animator spoke.

-I thought it was impossible, but last year there were two... this young man continued saying that we are the contemporary story of animated cinema and that we should do nothing but delight children, please teenagers, and captivate parents. Our audience is endless because we have all been children who once felt as our characters do: Halloween fright, Valentine's love, Christmas magic... Some stories need to be told, stories that should be celebrated, conquered, and shared with the world. - He paused to take a breath.

--Ice Age is: learning to tell simple stories with the significance of a great Western film, an unforgettable thriller. Pixar is the future of animation. I’m very happy to be here and have my work recognized. --

Applause! Not as loud as expected... Three animated films in three years. Disney was on notice.

The next day’s headlines were revealing: "Pixar, 3 Animated Films in a Year," "While the Lamp Plays, the Mouse Sleeps," "Success or Failure," "10 Years: The Best Animated Company in the World," "Challenge or Declaration." Innocently, James captivated the audience.

***

-This explains why... Michael Eisner had his eye on the kid, - Jeffrey Katzenberg murmured during a routine meeting with his close friend Ron Howard.

-If we take his words literally, it means the kid will release six animated films a year, - Ron Howard remarked. - What happens if he does it and breaks the box office? -

Ron was referring to Ice Age’s box office, which reached $780 million, breaking the record for the highest-grossing animated film in history.

-It’s the guilds, - Steven Spielberg replied.

-Guilts? - they questioned.

-Yes, Billy explained this concept to me with Harrison Ford, but this time, he simply made an analogy. If Pixar only delivers good movies, people will talk... and when people talk, you don’t need to fight to please the audience. Creating fans, creating niches, and winning them over, children love the movies Pixar makes; they are just right, almost like Disney but with a more innovative twist due to their stories, - Steven explained.

-Wow... do you think he can live up to what he said? - Howard asked.

Steven shrugged.

...