Chapter 158： Pixar

Richmond, California, a very humble coastal town. Steve Jobs officially moved Pixar here in 1990. Even after various measures including layoffs were introduced, it still could not change its destiny of successive losses, even though 91 An animation contract was signed with Disney in 1998, but because of Michael Eisner's obstruction and the strong advancement of the "Lion King" project, the funds were delayed.

Due to the long-term failure to make profits, instead of successive losses, Steve Jobs decided to sell Pixar since 1991, with some companies including Microsoft. However, in addition to his old rivals, other companies have made offers. Look at the future of Pixar.

Until 1993, Pixar was still in the hands of Steve Jobs, just like in the past few years, he was still looking for the next home for this animation studio, and there was still only one company that offered the price-Microsoft!

In the past two years, Pixar Studios had no choice but to provide computer animation production services for other companies. They produced TV commercials for brands such as Tropicana and Listerine, struggling to maintain the studio's operations.

At this time, in Pixar's single-story office area, in a conference room, several people are discussing the serious problems facing the studio.

"Ed, I heard that Steve wants to sell the studio again?"

The speaker is John Lasseter, Pixar's veteran and creative director.

"That's right!" Ed Kamel nodded helplessly, "Next computer business is not good, I think you should all be aware that Steve had some trouble with funding, and Pixar lost money last year..."

He made a gesture that everyone knew.

"What about Disney? The $26 million investment they promised hasn't arrived yet!" Jim Morris said angrily, "They signed a contract with us for an animated feature film, but they refused to invest money!"

"Michael Eisner said that before "The Lion King" is released, he will not consider executing that contract." Ed Kamel was rather helpless. Pixar, like its owner Steve Jobs, has been in bad luck since entering the 90s.

"I heard that Steve is currently negotiating with Microsoft, maybe we should be prepared..." Andrew Stanton was also helpless in his words.

"Don't blame Steve, he is a businessman first, and a computer enthusiast second. In the past few years, he has invested nearly 30 million in funds, but he has not received a return. Selling Pixar is a normal business practice."

Ed Kamel has no intention of judging Steve Jobs's behavior, after all, the other party is a profit-seeking businessman.

"We should save ourselves." John Lasseter waved his fist. "We should pool the remaining funds. Start the animated feature film and make a clip for Disney to see and let them understand that 3D computer animation is the future. !"

"John, I think you should have heard of Michael Eisner's arbitrariness, do you think that will change his mind? Also, "The Lion King" is a work by Ryan Jenkins, and you all know the name. The appeal of the representatives behind, do you think they will give up 2d animation and support us instead?"

"Ed. In fact, the animated feature film I want to make is also the work of Ryan Jenkins." John Lasseter seemed to have prepared for a long time. He took out a book of "Ryan Tales" from under his seat and quickly turned it over. open. "Toy Story! I think you should have seen this short story. Toys that have been given life are very suitable for computer animation."

Of course they have all seen this story, and those who are still at Pixar are all people full of imagination and childlike innocence. Whimsical works like "The Collection of Ryan Tales" suit their appetite best.

In fact, they discussed this project a long time ago, but later on due to funding issues.

The others smiled helplessly. Ed Kamel said, "Yes! We have discussed this project before, haven't we, John? But have you thought about another question?"

"Funds!" He pointed to the "Ryan Tales" in front of the other party. "Just last year, Sony Columbia wanted to buy the "Game of the Brave" in it for an asking price of US$4 million plus 3% of North America. The box office was divided, but his agent refused without hesitation...Well, what do we use to impress that super genius? Do you expect to get a free license?"

There was silence in the conference room. "Toy Story" was just a short story, and it was bound to be adapted into a script. Now who doesn’t know that Ryan Jenkins’s story is likely to become a hot movie without paying a considerable price. How is it possible to get it?

"Well, let's get in touch first. If we do it, we still have hope. If we don't do it, we can only wait." John Lasseter is obviously not giving up.

"If there is good news that Pixar is going to produce Ryan Jenkins, maybe we can get new investment, the pressure on Steve's side can also be less." Andrew Stanton added.

"okay then."

…………

Very, very unexpectedly, Ryan didn't expect that he was playing Pixar's idea, and the other party contacted him, of course, this has nothing to do with the acquisition.

Historical inertia has shown its power. The "Toy Story" written by him in advance has become a favorite of the other party. It seems that except for the people around him who are directly affected by him, the rest of the people and things are after a circle. , Will always return to the origin.

After receiving the phone call from Jinsli, Ryan thought about it a little bit and asked the other party to visit Pixar's studio. A day later, they happily agreed.

After getting out of the car, Nicole Kidman looked at the one-story studio in front of him, and couldn't help but curl his lips.

"Okay, Nicole, we are here to visit, not to provoke."

Ryan knew that Nicole did not have an opinion about the studio, but about the person in front of the studio. Obviously, she remembered the arrogant attitude of Steve Jobs two years ago.

"Hello, Mr. Jobs."

Saying hello to this well-known fellow in the past, and shaking hands with the two people he introduced, Ryan looked at each other one by one, much younger than the image in memory.

"Mr. Lasseter, I have seen "The Adventures of Andrew and the Power" directed by you. It is very good." The last one. It is the director of the previous life "Toy Story".

Originally, the people who contacted Ryan were John Lasseter and Ed Kamel, but it seems that Steve Jobs is the main one, even though the other party can be regarded as the godfather of business in his previous life. , But his arrogant personality and self-centered style make people unlikable.

I believe that if Pixar hadn't asked for himself, this guy would probably only show indifference and arrogance just like the last time I met.

Ryan is fortunate to say, after all, he has heard of him in his previous life.

Nicole was different, and he was quite polite in the face of John Lasseter and Ed Camel. When dealing with Jobs, the pointed chin was directly exposed.

Ryan knew very well that in the eyes of each other, he and Nicole were nothing more than entertainment stars. In front of business tycoons like him, they should be born at a lower level.

It's just that Steve Jobs will not understand that his and Nicole's assets may not be inferior to him. Steve Jobs is not even a billionaire.

"In Pixar, there is no distinction between upper and lower. Any employee can directly state his views when facing the boss. Our studio is actually an amusement park."

Walking in the oddly arranged studio, Steve Jobs introduced without a word. Ed Kamel will add a few words from time to time.

Ryan also looked at each of the workshops, each of them was different, some were like a football locker room, and some were like a video game room. Others are like a gypsies’ busker stall. It’s not like a company, but like a dazzling array of Chinatown.

More than that. Sometimes I could hear some computer programmers yelling, and he even saw the two people blushing because of a little disagreement. It seemed that they could fight at any time, but then it seemed that nothing happened. Continue to be close. Uninterrupted cooperation.

As for the “follow offense” mentioned by Jobs, Ryan had heard of it in his previous life, but he had not seen it. In fact, he could vaguely guess that there is no distinction between upper and lower, and the upper refers to Ed Kamel and Andrew Stanton. Wait, if anyone dares to choke with Steve Jobs, with his character...

Although the goal has been determined, along the way, whether it is Ryan or Nicole, they remain silent. I believe that as long as they show interest, this guy will dare to call a sky-high price in future negotiations with Scott. Come.

Never underestimate the desire of a successful businessman for profit! This is what Scott Swift said on the phone before he came.

"How do you feel, Ryan? Is Pixar different from other studios?" Ed Kamel asked with a smile.

"Um...how do you say it, it feels messy, don't mind, you should know that I am a layman about these, this is just a personal opinion."

Ryan showed off his acting skills when he won the Oscar Figurine. Even Nicole next to him thought he was really not interested in Pixar Next, the two sides went to the reception room and talked about "Toys Adaptation of "General Mobilization".

"3d animation is the future development trend. The first computer animation film will definitely be born in Pixar Studios. Although we are facing difficulties now, it will definitely surprise everyone in the future."

John Lasseter was talking endlessly, as if trying to convince Ryan from the other side that they didn't ask for a free license, as long as the other party was willing to lower the price.

"I'll consider it!" Ryan responded casually, which was not much different from a tactful refusal.

After half an afternoon, he and Nicole took the initiative to leave, when Ed Kamel and John Lasseter had already shown disappointment on their faces.

"Ryan, are you not interested in this messy studio?" Nicole Kidman asked when returning to the car in Los Angeles.

"No, Nicole." Ryan shook his head and said firmly, "Let Scott start the acquisition negotiations." (To be continued...) ()