hollywood system: art

June 2.

He woke up with a slight hangover from all the excitement of last night's party. The mansion was empty, and he thought he might need a dog to care for or something to make the days more bearable. Even in San Jose, his apartment felt like a waste of time. He stirred with a bit more energy but a lingering sense of restlessness—a trip to San Jose seemed like a decent idea.

-I have a bit of a headache,- he muttered, turning over in bed and glimpsing sunlight seeping through the cracks in the curtains. Still seated, he tried to stand but decided to stretch first. It was 8:20. His flight was at 10. A trip of less than an hour—a quick jaunt, barely worth considering timewise.

He took a long shower. His suitcase was packed with comics, storyboards, drawing guides, and production materials. What used to take him a week to draft now only required four days, thanks to the steady improvement of his skills in drawing and design.

As he selected a light blue suit, clearing his mind with the cold water, his phone buzzed with a voicemail—it was his secretary reminding him about the flight and that she would be there at 8:40 to get him to the airport by 9:00. Traveling with Billy, she thought, was just another challenge; keeping his tight schedule in order was the only way to bring structure to his life.

...

-You have a meeting at 2 with Mr. Lucas about the second production. Most of it is already settled. Then, at 4, there's another meeting with Raimon Green regarding the stock market. He'll report the results and the investment accounts' status. Today, you're expected to deliver the final volumes of Real, Hunter x Hunter, and also handle a call with ID Software about the upcoming series,- she informed him. Billy always allowed some creative chaos at the company—it was vital not to stifle innovation, even if security could sometimes be a concern.

Without giving much thought to the details, they boarded the plane, and Billy dozed off shortly after takeoff. He was jolted awake upon landing. The time spent traveling, fleeting yet filled with intensity, felt like an instant. He blinked, and they were in San Jose. A van awaited them outside.

He had dreamt of two things. One was comics: brushstrokes slipping through his mind, golden and radiant like a sunrise. The imagery painted a vibrant scene that consumed him. The other was the relentless pace of the days ahead. With a looming deadline for 300, he needed to finish the series and start working on The Boys and Invincible, as well as another Resident Evil volume, which ID Software was using as inspiration for a game.

He also had plans for Van Helsing, a comic far shorter than the original series with just 60 chapters. The story blended manga, video games, movies, and anime. Each chapter spanned at least 70 pages, and with 38 published and 43 already written, the series was nearing an end—a monumental task despite its realism. His focus and effort on Real made it clear that every project required its distinct intensity.

-Once you've delivered everything, organized the print runs, and spoken to Anne, you can head home. We'll be busy in the coming weeks,- Billy said, stepping out of the van, visibly exhausted from the party and the trip.

-That would be nice,- Rosa replied. Despite being the same age as Monica, Rosa looked ten years older—an attribute that reflected her hardworking nature. Billy had had three secretaries before her, but none could keep up with his demanding schedule.

-Well, that's settled. Tomorrow we start at 11 a.m. I hope you get enough rest. I'll start filming next week. You'll be more useful working with Anne, so for the next few weeks, coordinate with her. I'll hire a production assistant to handle my calls,- Billy added.

Time passed quickly, alternating between moments of decorum and relentless work. Manuscripts poured in from people eager to showcase their ideas. Billy received ten proposals, each meeting all the criteria and intricately crafted.

Craig sent in a series about children aspiring to be cowboys—a mix of classic animation and heartwarming episodes. The script reminded Billy of beloved series that transcend their initial concept, becoming something richer, blending American folklore with unresolved cases, animated battles, and endearing moments. It was reminiscent of Billy and Mandy, infused with a Western spirit.

Another proposal involved a historical animated film trilogy aimed at adults. It depicted fast-paced sword fights, Greco-Roman combat, and conspiracies. Initially intended as a series, it was condensed into three films. The story follows a soldier battling Hannibal, serving under Scipio Africanus, and later fighting Macedonians, Gauls, and Persians—a saga of epic struggle.

-You're finally here, - Anne greeted him.

-I have an interview with Mr. Lucas, and then I'll meet with Raimon tonight to discuss the accounts,- Billy replied.

Anne looked uneasy, burdened by a mix of personal and professional troubles. Her thoughts spiraled—failed pregnancy, mounting deadlines, and the looming shadow of infertility. Tomorrow marked her infertile period, yet the timing felt heavy.

-I understand,- Anne said. -We'll talk in the coming days. Tonight, I'll review everything.-

Her demeanor was distracted, though she tried to stay composed. Work was work, and pleasure was a pleasure. Contracts needed attention, but emotions often crept in.

Is-Anything to note about Lucas? -Billy asked.

-He's been negotiating solid contracts. He wants to discuss support for the game development and the second film,' Anne replied, her voice tinged with doubt but resolved not to misstep.

-Thanks, Anne. Your help is always appreciated,- Billy said.

...