pool of water.

August 17.

Toy Story 2" continued to dominate theaters, proving to be so exceptional that it was hailed as the animated movie of the decade, sparking countless debates. It grossed a staggering $1 billion at the box office, far surpassing any previous standards in animated film history.

Disney's stock dropped three points after witnessing its fledgling success with a $200 million grossing film. The triumph was so monumental that Lux Animation secured credit approvals with minimal interest rates—just 8.5% annually. It seemed like highway robbery, but the fair terms allowed Lux Animation to stay in the green with financial institutions.

–You've broken the general rule for animation. Cinema is changing, and it's all thanks to you,– Cameron said, raising a glass of whiskey in congratulations. He, more than anyone, understood how rare and complex it was to reach $1 billion. Two factors made it possible: first, the film's universal rating, appealing to all audiences; second, its ability to bring families together. If a child wanted to watch it, chances were they'd bring their parents and siblings along.

A third key point was the nostalgia of young viewers who had seen the first installment. The sequel, with its stronger story, resonated even more with them.

–Cheers to that. But let's not forget this movie. It's going to change cinema as well. It's a remarkable film—I believe it might even surpass "Toy Story."– Billy's kind words lit up the room, and Cameron felt reassured. Billy didn't just understand his creative process; his tireless attitude inspired those around him. Cameron was comforted knowing his efforts didn't go unnoticed.

"Toy Story 2" now ranked only behind "Jurassic Park" (1993), "Ice Age," and "Star Wars: Episode I" in the box office hierarchy.

–Here's to that. Though I don't like celebrating prematurely, I believe in your market vision. I had my doubts with my partners, but your recent moves have caught my attention. I'm prepared to offer you 30% of Digital Domain,– Cameron said, making Billy's eyes light up at the prospect of stepping into computer-generated effects. This new venture would completely revolutionize the films he was working on, pushing cinema closer to his vision with major franchises in the pipeline for the century's end.

–Rumor has it you bought Pixar at a near-laughable price,– James remarked.

–It wasn't. It was my entire fortune at the time. I emptied my wallet, took out loans, and injected capital. I saw an opportunity and seized it. Though people say I bought it cheap, Pixar back then wasn't even remotely recognized by the industry and had little market influence. We survived by creating commercials for brands, while our main animators worked tirelessly for their shot at something bigger.– He took a final sip of his drink. –When you planned "Titanic," you found an opportunity as a director. It's easier in some ways, but even then, you face challenges. Now imagine entering a sector considered taboo by Disney, spending ten years on the brink of bankruptcy, and investing everything into it.–

James narrowed his eyes briefly before shifting the conversation to the next topic: the final scenes of "Titanic," where Jack and Rose face the last moments of their lives.

–I've read part of your novel, and I wasn't expecting the depth you gave it. Jack wishing for Rose's happiness in his final moments is utterly enchanting,– Cameron commented.

–Literature has a way of adding depth. Words create layers that can't always be captured on film. Movies are beautiful in their way, but books allow for extended exploration of thoughts, feelings, and the consequences of actions.– The debate naturally turned to whether books or films were better at conveying stories.

–I love the way you think. I'm considering adding a moment where Kate cries as she arrives in New York, rain pouring down her face. It's poetic, and I've had that frame in my mind for a while,– Cameron replied.

...

Beneath the pool, Billy prepared for the immersion sequence. Each take was met with rejection from Cameron. He was shown the errors and instructed to dive deeper. The water tank wasn't very large, but the technique required precision. Billy braced himself, exhausted from repeatedly diving and resurfacing.

–You need to fall into the water as though pulled, drop backward, spin underwater... be lost momentarily, disoriented, and then rise slowly, gasping for air.– These were the directions from the crew.

Billy nodded wearily. After countless attempts, he finally managed to twist his body underwater, point downward, then upward, and break through the surface with force, gasping for air. They filmed two shots: one solo and another with Kate farther away to be composited later.

The maneuver took almost thirty seconds, leaving Billy breathless. He emerged from the water, panting heavily. For now, they only needed this moment. What happened after he surfaced could wait.

–Cut!–

The crew moved quickly to adjust for the next takes. Time pressed on, stretching the shoot an hour and a half longer than planned. Now, they had to shoot in the cold, providing minimal relief to extras with heaters before plunging them into the enormous pool. Even James dove into the water himself. The 25-meter-deep tank, paired with a green screen, created an expansive illusion. To perfect the scene, they planned additional shoots in other pools.

Billy was handed a towel and sent to his trailer, where Monica was waiting with a few lights on, reading his novel in English, carefully piecing together the phrases.

–You could wait for the Italian edition,– Billy teased.

–I don't want to miss the story. What if the book takes months to arrive?– Monica replied, fully engrossed.

–I'll get it to you next month, darling,– Billy said, kissing her lips and grabbing dry clothes. He'd have to wait another hour before everyone was back in position.

She smiled faintly, feeling appreciated.

–If you make me wait too long, I might just finish it in English,– Monica teased, running her fingers through Billy's long hair, which now reached past his nose after six months of growing it out for the role.

–I have to get back to the set,– Billy said.

–I'll be here reading. Maybe I'll nap. Come get me when you're done.–

...

Back in position, Billy joined Kate in rehearsing their swim for the next sequence.

–Cut!–

–Let's go again. Mind your expressions!–