734. I only do what I must.
An old film, one of those considered great classics of humanity, played on while Billy watched attentively, taking in every detail. He was fascinated by that science, that magic overflowing from every angle. Taking a breath, he watched the final five minutes of the film unfold before him, right on the edge of ending.
-I guess I’m not very good with action movies.- Natalie commented. Though she had been somewhat lost in her thoughts, she had watched the entire film carefully and deliberately. A little earlier, with less care than remained, she had tried to tell whether the chair was leather or just cheap material. A knife could have cut the tension in the room if that were the case, but Billy, being experienced and knowing he needed to guide the conversation better so everything would flow pleasantly, took a glass and poured a sweet white wine to chat—nothing that would overwhelm the palate.
-I’ve loved cinema all my life.- he said aloud to the young woman.- But it seems I can’t avoid always thinking that I could do it better. The fact that I see something and want to improve it is a matter of pride, but sometimes I truly wish to do whatever is within my reach to make something better.-
Clever and astute.
-Well, I’ve read a bit of your books. Even though you work with comics, you have a certain attachment to science fiction. Maybe since our meeting at the hotel I decided to buy a few books for myself.- Natalie replied, her wide eyes full of delight, downing the white wine in a single sip.
-I hope you think well of them.- Billy commented. For months now, he had begun writing his own books, his own stories, driven by the urge to improve, an anxiety that never left him—something bright.
-I liked your acclaimed love story. I watched the film twice and, of course, I read the book. It was striking to understand the characters more deeply, but it gave me a clear sense that everyone did a great job.-
Billy poured himself another drink. Words flowed as she asked questions and he answered simply. The best way for chemistry to exist was through a bittersweet friendship.
-I agree.- Billy replied, amid the conversation.
…
-scene 63, take 2.-
ANAKIN stands on the balcony overlooking the gardens. A moment later, PADME steps out onto the balcony behind him. She sees him meditating and turns to leave.
ANAKIN
(eyes closed)
Don’t go.
PADME: I don’t want to disturb you.
ANAKIN: Your presence comforts me.
Brief pause.
PADME: You had another nightmare last night.
ANAKIN: Jedi don’t have nightmares.
PADME: I heard you.
ANAKIN opens his eyes and looks at her.
ANAKIN: I saw my mother. I saw her as clearly as I see you now. She’s suffering, Padmé. She’s suffering… they’re killing her!
(standing)
I know I’m disobeying my mandate to protect you, Senator. I know I’ll be punished and possibly expelled from the Jedi Order, but I have to go. I have to help her! I’m sorry, Padmé. I have no other choice.
PADME: Annie, I told you I wouldn’t let you give up your future for me.
I’ll go with you. That way you can keep protecting me and you won’t be disobeying your mandate.
ANAKIN: What about Master Obi-Wan?
PADME smiles and takes his hand.
PADME: I suppose we won’t tell him, will we?
-cut.-
Billy notices that her glow begins to improve with comfort and nods; that is all he asks for, and it gives him the strength to continue with another set, because there are hours and hours of work ahead together that will be a real headache.
He can already imagine staging the play Malena and serving as producer and, to a lesser extent, screenwriter. Respecting the social atmosphere of Europe is a good strategy to understand how truth is shaped.
-Good performance, partner.- Natalie commented, running a careful hand over his shoulder, a detail that would not go unnoticed. Her hands—always touching Billy whenever they could, in a closeness that grew brighter and brighter with reason and cause.
-See you for lunch.- Billy replied with a faint smile. Now it was only a matter of taking a small step toward a few scenes of two lovers playing in the meadows, sharing moments, taking a boat ride—everything meant for the scenes they would later shoot in Tunisia.
From a broader perspective, the work remaining in sight at Lux Animation, in its race to release films, involved carrying out certain promotions. Those promotions began to arrive gently: by mid-February came the release of Sinbad the Sailor, a classic ocean adventure in which a great pirate roamed the seas. It was a way of bringing Billy’s work into focus. By March, the puzzle would continue in animation, with tight budgets of thirty million; it could be said they were works simply worth it. The highest quality drawing was used, and each plot was developed with skill.
One adventure and one horror film—there was no doubt that Lux Animation would succeed. At the same time, Lux Atlanta would handle a daring release for One Piece: The Movie, a film that would bring to the forefront something fans would truly enjoy.
Four films for the first half of the year and six for the latter half, totaling ten films, extending the marquees with a diligence known only to the best companies.
-Billy, will he come?- asked the director of the Simba film. Though he was not the main screenwriter, for him it was important to attend as part of his pursuit to be included in the dream of the studio’s animated directors, focusing on what Lux Animation desired—ultimately, many films in the coming years, at a pace of five to six films per year. It was a slice everyone involved wanted, especially him.
An ambitious director pursuing a master’s degree in animation at the University of Los Angeles, aiming to refine his skills in the small world of animation.
-Probably. But you should be worrying about other things.- Anne replied, watching the film in meticulous detail, now that a small promotion still needed to be done.
...