March 11.
First came the Golden Globes, followed by the Oscars. They were in full swing—people were making their predictions, the lists were out, and decisions were being made, even when the competition for the Oscars seemed unexpectedly shifted. Then Billy, out of nowhere, decided to campaign for the Oscars so that The English Patient, which was already a major Golden Globe success, could make its mark there too.
–So this is the first time I have the pleasure of seeing you. –said Harvey Weinstein, sitting in a chair. Billy's best films, The Musician, and curiously, another, Jerry Maguire, weren't nominated for Best Picture this time. However, they landed nominations for Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor. One slot for another. Even though Billy was advised not to push for Best Picture and instead highlight the director's achievements, The Musician, with Winona, still had a show, alongside their campaign for Cate Blanchett, with her youthful appearance.
–Well, I don't care about anything that's not relevant… we're just here to talk business. –Billy said.
–Business?
–Of course. People say you've had a falling-out with Disney, that they're short on cash. And even if this isn't a proactive partnership, I believe there's some truth in the idea that an alliance could help us both. –Billy added.
The producer's wolfish grin was repulsive, vile—a wart creeping across his face. His way of defiling everything was vivid.
–Let's talk business. –Harvey said.
–You don't have a single film at the Oscars or the Golden Globes this season. It was a bad run—and rightly so. Disney has your Miramax team in shambles. I'm only offering work to some of your producers, as a nod to the value of independence. –Billy replied.
He knew well that Miramax's projects had completely flopped without the backing of a proper board to guide them with strong perspectives. Their ability to produce had dwindled. But it wasn't just that—Billy had taken a close look at every one of the films that might've been Weinstein's potential hits and watched them turn into preferred failures. The real blockbusters were Billy's. Even when there seemed to be nothing beyond the films themselves, he knew Emma—starring Gwyneth, oddly enough—was on the list of potential winners. A lasting rival that stirred hope.
–Business, then. –
–It's simple. I want my animated film to win Best Picture. I know from reliable sources that you can help me. But don't get worked up—I've got others helping me too. Still, I know you've got the kind of insidious tactics you've been flaunting for the past three years, and those could be useful. –Billy said, not caring much for Harvey's opinion, but they both knew negotiations had begun. In business, it's not just about throwing money around—especially when power or wealth is on the line. These are needs and positions that offer something no one else has. Offering them carelessly is counterproductive. It's better to let people feel they've earned it. When they negotiate for it, it may seem foolish or irrelevant, t—but it fuels ambition.
–I see you'll fulfill my desires. –Harvey responded.
He now knew what the job was, and it was clearly outlined in the contract they had signed. Billy's claim about "other people" backing The Musician was entirely false, aside from the DreamWorks production group, who used the opportunity as a glimmer of hope.
As each man tried not to force their version of the truth, Billy just wanted to see Harvey's practical methods in action: pay and steal, while maintaining appearances. When Harvey eventually showed his hand, Billy would be ready in the days ahead.
–Don't expect more than it's worth. Business is business. I don't care about the rest. –Billy said. He didn't care, but rumors were swirling that Harvey was a cheater. So, keeping tabs on the means used to secure awards became part of Billy's work. While overseeing everything, he used informants to monitor the channels and knew firsthand how difficult it was to master these strategies and identify the key leverage points. If used wisely, they could be turned to his favor. Next year, or maybe in two, Billy planned to use this same strategy to break Harvey's streak and claim it for his own company, now that he was finally in a position to lead his studio.
–The process always changes, and with that change, we need to focus on certain entries and films we're responsible for. –Harvey said.
With a quick review, the plan was for Jim Gianopulos to take charge over time. But the hiring frenzy continued, and Jim became a clear pillar of support, visibly involved.
Although The Devil's Advocate was only nominated because of Al Pacino, most others were left out, fading with the time that once favored them—no thanks given, and no intention of returning.
...
Taking a long breath, Billy picked up his notebook and began organizing his thoughts about which upcoming comics were relevant or not—a rinse-and-repeat process of sorting and seizing every case he had handled in recent months. He was also starting to make space for his writing. Even if it took time to revisit all the notes he'd written—characters, plot twists, abilities, and well-crafted developments—he knew this material wasn't just a good foundation for himself, but for others too.
–I already spoke with Harvey… for now, we'll help a few of his people get involved with the next productions. –Billy said.
–Then it's possible we'll double the number of films next year. –Jim said.
–That's exactly what we want. –
–It is, absolutely… I'll be at Lux Animation until the first week of June, and I'm confident that in the next four days Harvey will make his moves and try to help us shape the final piece of the puzzle—something no one wants to deal with. –
–Very little time left. –
–Voting began two months ago, true, but many people have voted in the last few weeks. It's not uncommon for several to cast their ballots in the final days. –Billy added. –So Harvey will act in haste, no, and when he does, we'll benefit. –
–We hired a private investigator to track his moves and tactics, but nothing illegal. –Jim Gianopulos's eyes widened.
–Well, that works in our favor. –Billy replied, knowing some of this might be morally gray. Investigating Harvey—and now involving William Domer, who, oddly enough, seemed to be someone of importance. Billy sent a phone number through his bodyguard as a way to keep in touch.
A hint of distrust.
–Then I won't keep you. I'll see you in San Jose in a few days. The entire production megastudio is officially complete—almost six acres long, four acres wide. And luckily, we'll have a great parking area. We'll speak to the state about providing some bus service, but I'm leaning toward a Japanese-style linear parking system—it could work well with support structures. –Jim said.
–Sounds amazing… does Lucas know? –Billy asked.
–Of course he does. And he's got a few good ideas for additions, too. –Jim replied.
–Then we'll talk to Lucas. –Billy said, fully aware that the idea was to turn the complex into something the young man had already envisioned.
–I've got a meeting with some TV producers. I've bought a few more shows, but now that ER and Friends are making a lot of money, these networks don't want us acquiring more rights. They want to take some back. –Jim said.
He had just added Charmed to the catalog.
–I like that. –Billy said, ever since Jim learned about his plan to build a massive library of films, animated series, live-action shows, and other content that would help shape a digital archive in his image.
...