"Chairman, now that you've kissed me, you'll owe me your responsibility from here on out!"
After emerging from the movie theater, with her arm linked through Henry's, Helen impishly teased.
"Responsibility? Absolutely! Count on me till the end! We should find a decent hotel!" Henry grinned, playing up his demeanor.
Helen's cheeks flushed with color. Rolling her eyes, she promptly replied, "Who said anything about going to a hotel? I'm going home!"
With that, she dashed away.
Henry watched her retreat with a smile on his face, pleased by the interaction.
Later that evening, after taking a refreshing bath upon returning home, Henry accessed his computer and opened his email.
His company kept him informed not just through phone calls but also by emailing necessary information. Skimming through the contents, Henry noticed with excitement that Pixar Animation Studios had officially completed and launched its RenderMan computer image rendering program.
This development sparked an idea—by recruiting a select group of talent from Industrial Light & Magic, he could readily establish his own special effects company!
He realized RenderMan alone wouldn't suffice to create a film special effects company, but it undoubtedly laid the foundation. All beginnings are challenging, yet securing RenderMan meant that his project would stand half a chance of succeeding.
The following day, Henry visited Pixar Animation Studios, engaging in discussions throughout the morning, during which he decided to proceed with establishing the special effects company!
Given the increasing prevalence of movie special effects technology in upcoming films, the success or failure of movies would increasingly hinge upon their effectiveness!
When one thinks of film visual effects, Industrial Light & Magic inevitably springs to mind.
Certainly, Henry had intentions to partner with Industrial Light & Magic by recruiting skilled specialized workers!
Given Pixar's history as a part of Industrial Light & Magic, Henry figured it would be efficient to acquire extra knowledge and resources from them before recruiting those well-versed in the field.
Within a week, Henry successfully onboarded over a dozen specialists from Industrial Light & Magic, each boasting their respective expertise in visual effects!
In addition to the talent sourced from Industrial Light & Magic, Henry pursued young graduates from schools to inject fresh innovation into the company! He also sought out Stan Winston, a master in the realm of film special effects. Stan's digital effects studio was ranked just below Industrial Light & Magic within the industry. Although the digital special effects company shuttered in 2012, it previously held impact until Stan Winston tragically passed in 2008.
Upon contacting Stan Winston, Henry learned he'd opened Stan Winston Studio, another firm focused on film special effects! Without hesitation, Henry made a generous offer to acquire the studio outright. Stan Winston eventually accepted, agreeing to join Henry's newly established special effects company on the condition that his friend James Cameron could also join.
"James Cameron?!" Henry thought, "Let's make this collaboration happen!"
Henry promptly agreed to Stan Winston's request. Shortly thereafter, both Stan Winston and James Cameron visited Pixar Animation Studios to meet with Henry.
Stan Winston, a behind-the-scenes legend, wore casual attire and glasses, appearing rather scholarly.
James Cameron, however, was a Hollywood titan!
His filmography—starring blockbusters like the *Terminator* series, *Titanic*, and *Avatar*—marked monumental points in cinema history!
Henry felt a rush of excitement at the arrivals of James Cameron and Stan Winston, offering them a warm welcome!
Following mutual introductions, Henry praised James Cameron, "Mr. Cameron, I sincerely appreciate your work on 'Terminator 1.' It was groundbreaking—especially Arnold Schwarzenegger's portrayal of the T-800! Absolutely iconic!"
James Cameron, flattered, responded, "Thank you! Knowing that *Terminator 1* resonates with audience members like you significantly pleases me!"
"Mr. Cameron, when can we expect *Terminator 2*? Movie fans are undoubtedly eager!" Henry pressed.
"I'm working towards it, but many aspects have yet to be finalized," James Cameron replied, the hint of frustration evident in his tone. The budget for *Terminator 2* was projected at a staggering $100 million, a risky figure for filmmakers, leaving studios hesitant to invest.
"Is it purely a financial hurdle?" Henry asked.
"Indeed. The projected budget of $100 million remains daunting. Currently, there's no entity willing to take a chance on funding me," James Cameron lamented, shrugging his shoulders in defeat.
"Worry not! I'll invest in you!" Henry assured immediately.
Despite James Cameron's expenditure expectations, Henry held the conviction that James would restore ample profits!
*Terminator 2* eventually grossed over $500 million, and combined with video sales and merchandise, yielded substantial returns! Investing $100 million could open the door to earnings upwards of at least $2 billion!
When James Cameron heard of Henry's willingness to fund the picture, his mood brightened substantially. He enthusiastically began discussing budgeting and casting, promising a phenomenal audience reaction.
"Mr. Williams, rest assured, as long as you're on board, your investments will be secure!" James Cameron vowed earnestly.
"Heh, I hold more faith than you do!" Henry chuckled, noting James' surprise.
Cameron was taken aback; Henry's demeanor was unusual for investors. Such confidence as he expressed amidst multi-million dollar propositions was rare.
With the investment deal for *Terminator 2* nearly finalized, Henry recognized he'd initially only intended to create a special effects firm, but having agreed to finance *Terminator 2* shifted his vision. He resolved to establish a film production company under which he could fund *Terminator 2*—both to mitigate taxes and gain notoriety within Hollywood!
He officially named his new film venture "Galaxy Film Company." Consequently, Henry's special effects company was titled "Galaxy Movie Special Effects," serving as a subsidiary of Galaxy Film Company!
Henry offered his plan, and both James Cameron and Stan Winston received it without hesitation. Their joining the special effects enterprise didn't conflict with their contributions to the overarching film company.
Upon the conclusion of discussions, Henry acquired Stan Winston Studio for $5 million while forming his new film effects company, which would leverage Pixar's RenderMan technology and insights from Industrial Light & Magic. The Galaxy Film Special Effects Company emerged!
Soon after, Henry invested $25 million, Stan Winston contributed $6 million, and James Cameron invested $4 million—a respective company shareholding breakdown of 75%, 15%, and 10%!
Following the signing of the agreements, a small celebratory gathering ensued.
Henry took the helm as chairman; Stan Winston would serve as CEO, with James Cameron designated as the film special effects expert. As Cameron succinctly stated, "I lack the time for management responsibilities; my focus lies in filmmaking. As far as I'm concerned, special effects are necessary for creating spectacle."