King of Hollywood-Chapter 228 - 227 The Presentation in the Conference

Chapter 228: Chapter 227: The Presentation in the Conference Room

Chapter 228: Chapter 227: The Presentation in the Conference Room

In the office, a heated conversation was unfolding. Despite the good soundproofing, passersby outside could still hear the agitated voice of the technical director, which only deepened the worry on their faces.

“You can’t do this, Steve!” Ed Catmull, hands braced on the desk, leaned forward, gazing with a burning intensity at the slightly balding middle-aged man behind him, “We’re on the brink of success, just give us enough time, and we will make it, Steve. You can’t just give up at this point.”

Steve Jobs did not utter a word, simply removing his glasses from the bridge of his nose and began to clean them.

“Think about it, Steve, how many obstacles have we overcome since we started?” Catmull continued to plead, “Step by step, we’ve made it here, and now we can finally see the dawn, yet you want to sell the studio? That would mean all these years of our effort going down the drain! Remember, Steve, those long nights you, John, and I talked? What did you say then? You said our convictions and enthusiasm moved you. Has your passion run out now?”

“I understand how you feel, Ed,” Jobs spoke slowly and deliberately, “To this day, I still admire your passion and belief. But, Ed, more often than not, I’m a businessman, and businessmen are realists. Since ’86, I’ve been losing over a million a year. And with all the marketing in recent years, I’ve spent almost ten times what I originally paid for the studio!”

“But… but…” Catmull tried to argue, but Jobs raised his hand to stop him: “You know, Ed, my business is in personal computers. When I bought the studio, it was your development capabilities I saw. And now, I need the funds to expand my NeXT company, so…”

He spread his hands in a “regrettable” gesture, and Catmull sat stunned for several seconds before slowly sinking down, then despondently covered his face: “Is it all beyond salvation?”

“Come on, Ed, take heart,” Jobs immediately softened his tone, trying to console him. After all, they had worked together for many years, building Pixar together; he had some affection, “I wouldn’t just sell Pixar to those who have no interest in computer animation. I’ve put my sweat into this too, and I won’t let it fall apart. You’ve met the person, Adrian Cowell, who visited the studio last time. He’s very optimistic about the future of computer animation.”

Catmull opened his mouth but eventually stood up with a wry smile: “I understand, let it be.”

Resigning himself to the situation, Catmull left Jobs’s office and returned to his own cubicle where Rast, Stanton, and others had been waiting for a long time.

“Is it no use, Ed?” Rast asked with deep concern, seeing his expression.

“Steve has made up his mind,” Catmull managed a forced smile, “But it’s all right. The person buying Pixar, we’ve seen him. It’s Adrian Cowell who came by for a visit, the ‘Miracle Director.’ Steve says he’s very optimistic about the prospects of computer animation, so everything’s going to be fine.”

Though he spoke reassuringly, the core members present could only muster wry smiles. They said nothing more, sighed a few times, and then left, after which Catmull despondently took off his glasses and rubbed his head.

The “Knights” knew this was a normal business transaction; after all, Pixar was entirely funded by Jobs, and nobody could stop him if he decided to sell. What worried Catmull and the others was that the promising enterprise they had carefully cultivated over the years might now fall short of success.

Jobs, while acting as CEO of the studio, largely spent his energy on his computer company, so the day-to-day affairs were handled by Catmull. They knew each other well from years of cooperation, which is why Jobs had always confidently left Catmull in charge. But with ownership about to be transferred to somebody else, a complete stranger, who knew if that person would remake Pixar to his own liking?

Catmull could still recall the indifference of Adrian Cowell’s demeanor when he had visited, which Catmull believed to be the best atmosphere for producing computer animation. If only…

“Come on, buck up, it might not be that bad,” Catmull murmured to himself, trying to find solace as he stared blankly at the computer screen. It was as if he was transported back to more than a decade ago when he and Rast worked at Disney together, united by a common passion and striving for it, moving to Industrial Light Magic after facing failure, and then fortuitously meeting Jobs, with whom they built Pixar with friends who shared the same dream. And now, everything was facing an uncertain future. What would happen?

Several days later, after the relevant legal procedures were completed, Pixar officially became a part of AC Media. Adrian, who had been shooting a new movie in New York, also returned to Los Angeles and made a special trip to visit the Pixar Studio.

As before, Catmull and Rast were waiting outside the studio early, but this time, Jobs was not with them.

Adrian was still so young, with sharp facial features and a spirited look, exuding an uncommon confidence. However, he was not as formally dressed as the last time, choosing instead to wear a casual T-shirt and trousers. Despite still being accompanied by his stunning secretary, his nonchalance made him seem more approachable.

Catmull hoped the worst-case scenario wouldn’t unfold. While shaking hands with Adrian, he thought this to himself.

They spared the pleasantries. After a few exchanges, Adrian immediately called all the studio employees to the conference room.

“I’m delighted to be working with all of you,” began Adrian. “I visited the studio just a few days ago. Do you know what left the deepest impression on me? It was Mr. Spade sailing down the hallway on his skateboard, Ms. Lexi’s loud calls, and Mr. Stanton’s harsh questioning of Mr. Lester.”

Adrian’s tone was very calm, without any hint of criticism, yet Catmull, after exchanging glances with Lester, still frowned slightly, and those mentioned couldn’t help but shift in their seats a bit.

“From all this, I saw…” said Adrian, slowly sweeping his gaze across the conference room, “disorder, frivolity, excessive freedom, lack of self-discipline, absence of hierarchy, and…”

With each word he uttered, the faces around him grew more uneasy, and Catmull’s heart sank a little more with each one. Was the feared scenario finally unfolding?

“And boundless energy!” At that moment, Adrian suddenly raised his voice, stood up, and planted his hands on the long table in the conference room, exuding an imposing aura. All the staff present—including Catmull and Rast—were surprised by this sudden change of tone.

“I’m sure you’re aware that I am an investor as well as a director. Some of you might have seen my works. As a director, I fully understand the importance of imagination. Without sufficient imagination, one can never create exceptional work. While film requires imagination, it also restricts it in many ways. Animation is different; its mode of expression, its production process, demand passion, energy, and a richer imagination from its creators!” Adrian waved his arm emphatically, a confident smile on his lips. Listening, Catmull couldn’t help but smile as well, realizing that Adrian’s earlier comments had been deliberate.

“In animation, we can depict our imaginations freely, which gives animation great vitality. Therefore, an environment that nurtures imagination is crucial. Even the most imaginative person will wither in stagnant water. Disney’s 2D animation, although still on the rise, is facing imminent decline due to its conservatism. Now is the time for 3D animation to take off!” Adrian, commanding the room with his arms, spoke with captivating power, “I like Pixar. I don’t speak falsely. I love the lack of hierarchy here, the freedom, the energy, and hope that fills this place, which inspires people to aspire and strive upwards! When I learned about Pixar’s history and saw all that you’ve worked so hard to achieve, I knew your success was only a matter of time. So I didn’t hesitate to buy in. I believe the first 3D masterpiece will be born in your hands and will flourish through you!”

Hearing this rousing speech, everyone in the conference room was agape, seemingly overwhelmed, and then the clapping began. At first, it was just one person, but soon others joined in until the room reverberated with enthusiastic applause.

“Thank you, thank you all,” said Adrian, gesturing for quiet as the applause died down, then continued, “I know what you’re worried about. Rest assured, I won’t interfere with any aspects of the studio. Everything will continue as before—I believe my previous words clarified my thoughts. Of course, a small change is necessary—Mr. Ed Catmull will assume the role of CEO of the studio!”

The room was momentarily stunned, then burst into warm applause again, with some whistling and others high-fiving in celebration. If the first round of applause was merely to appease the new boss, now it was sincere; Catmull’s appointment as CEO was the popular choice and also indicated that the new boss truly had no intention of changing the studio.

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“Thank you.” Catmull, who exhaled in relief, then stood amidst the applause to offer a few words of encouragement. He hadn’t completely let go of his concerns. Although Adrian’s clear stance had reassured everyone, there was still an immediate issue that needed addressing.

With that, the general meeting concluded, and the majority of the people left the conference room—only a few core members remained. Adrian had casually expressed his position, but Pixar’s related business still required attention, and Catmull and the others were indeed seeking his support.