510. rush
Breaking box office records often results in one of two outcomes: either it stirs criticism from those who believe a record-breaking film is automatically good, or it earns a somewhat unanimous approval that what is truly good will shine on its own merit. The success of Toy Story was bolstered by some well-placed investments, but the payoff was undeniable. Public sentiment around the film was mixed due to the dramatic spectacle surrounding it, but one thing was clear: Toy Story once again shattered box office records, previously held by Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
With $78 million in its opening weekend in the United States and $190 million in its first week, the numbers exceeded expectations. Disney's stock took a hit after yet another resounding defeat, one that couldn't be rationalized from any angle. Lux Animation was dominating in 2D, 3D, and animated series—it was exactly what American audiences craved and consumed religiously. Along with the $200 million grossed globally, analysts were projecting a total box office haul of $800 million, comparable to the first Ice Age movie. This performance far outpaced competitors like the animated musical adaptation of Les Misérables, which garnered $390 million following its June release but didn't compete with The English Patient in the adult film category.
Jerry Maguire also managed to pull in approximately $290 million, but most of that revenue stayed with the film companies. With Toy Story, however, the profit distribution was different—money flowed cleanly, covering debts and leaving ample funds for reinvestment.
-We've done it again,- Anne whispered as she reviewed the results. Now, Microsoft Games could move forward with Billy's $100 million investment, while Apple had secured $150 million. The sums were astronomical, and just seeing them on contracts made Anne's heart race under the weight of responsibility.
-Only two more movies to release this year, and everything will be wrapped up,- Anne said to herself as she refined her work. Lux Animation films were reliably profitable, maintaining balance with ease. Despite occasional doubts, the company had been investing in Atlanta to establish an animation production hub worth its name. With a small team of 25 people in a converted sports equipment warehouse, they operated on tight budgets and schedules.
-Margot, please send in Rumino and Rachel,- Anne ordered, arranging papers into two folders.
-This will be your project for next year,- she said, eyeing them from head to toe. –You'll have access to company resources to bring this plan to life. We own a large property there, which will be developed to support this project and elevate our standing. The local governance board is on our side, and Coca-Cola is offering its support as well. This idea comes from Billy, and we hope to replicate it in two more locations, one in Ireland and one in Spain. As for Asia, Korea and Japan are potential options, though the purchase of land remains uncertain for now.-
One of the reasons Billy held Anne in high regard was her understanding of his ambitions. His goal to create a virtual entertainment network that everyone could access and use local markets to expand the library was a key to his success.
-Call Steve Parks and have him head to the offices,- Anne said. She needed a negotiator for the next task.
Raimon sent out the final designs, feeling satisfied. All that was left was to tie up a few distribution agreements, and he could finally take a breather. His bachelor pad was a disaster, so he called for an express cleaning service. Then, he hopped into his car adorned with a Batman logo and headed out for pizza. Despite eating less, his anxiety remained, and he often channeled it into playing on Wall Street, an addictive pursuit. He also explored other ventures, like navigating CFDs without losing everything—something he managed to pull off—or trading currencies through minute-long operations and dabbling in options. Screwing people over was a regular pastime.
He managed Billy's account along with his own, earning $50,000 daily for himself and $500,000 for Billy. Afterward, he'd unwind by playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Raimon was a compulsive buyer. He gifted his entire group of friends Dungeons & Dragons kits and Baldur's Gate games, expenses that easily exceeded $50,000. But it made him happy to spend the money.
He bought a house two blocks from his mother's in Illinois and rented it out to cover the mortgage. A pure and unabashed consumer, his home was filled with action figures, costumes, posters, and collectibles—a geek's paradise that continued to grow. But he was content.
-I need to buy AOL shares without the board suspecting they're mine. Any ideas?- Raimon asked Gred, a genius who was undervalued by his superiors. Gred earned a modest $120,000 salary annually but tripled that by playing the stock market, betting small amounts and sending his winnings to his family in Pennsylvania.
-I've got it. How much do you want to buy?- Gred asked.
-Maybe around $10 million. Billy already owns a bit more, and his limit with the board is 5.5%,- Raimon replied.
-Here's the plan: make a contract with Billy to transfer the shares, valued at $10 million, whenever he deems fit—say, in a year or six months,- Gred explained, taking a sip of water. –Then hire someone to buy shares on his behalf under an anonymous investment fund agreement. If you're caught, it might be considered fraud, but who cares?-
Gred chuckled, amused at the thought of Raimon's boss trying to undermine the company. But he didn't mind.
-Thanks, I'll think about it,- Raimon said. –By the way, Billy mentioned that for the next Star Wars movie, he might introduce us to the cast. Apparently, he'll be involved, and we'll get to meet Yoda in person. And the real king himself—Mark Hamill—will be there too.-
Gred's eyes lit up. The small, windowless room suddenly felt warmer as the two found camaraderie.