The Best Director

Chapter 158: Chapter 158 Blue Sky Studios Rise

In the spacious offices of Blue Sky Studios’ headquarters in White Plains, New York, festive ribbons and balloons adorned the space. The casually dressed employees all wore happy smiles, gathered around and counting down together, “3, 2,1!”

Wow!” Mike Arlinghaus, the returning Animation Production Supervisor and Technical Director from Los Angeles to New York, exclaimed as he popped the champagne. With a “pop,” the sparkling wine sprayed into the air. He shook the champagne bottle back and forth, causing the people around him to dodge, filling the office with laughter, and the animators screamed, “Oh my God! Don’t come this way,” ”

No, no, I really can’t take this!”…

Grossing over sixty million in box office receipts in its opening week, “Ice Age greatly exceeded market expectations and deserved a grand celebration from Blue Sky and Fire Flame. Throwing a little party in the office was one way to celebrate.

Guys, guys!” Mike Arlinghaus called out several times, and slowly everyone quieted down. Mike smiled excitedly, looked around at everyone, and said, “I’ve got to announce some great news!” At the mention of good news, everyone immediately burst into joyful applause and whistles. Mike Arlinghaus laughed drawn-out, “As far as I know, it’s actually confirmed! Our dear, lovely ‘magical’ Wang Yang, together with Fire Flame, has decided to invest in and shoot two CG movies!”

Wow, is that true?!” Animator Austin couldn’t help but widen his eyes. Other people who reacted asked one after another, faces full of surprise and disbelief. Expecting new projects was logical, but two at once was somewhat unexpected. Female animator Marg was so excited she was gasping for breath, asking, “Really, really? Are we going to make two movies right away?”

Mike Arlinghaus nodded seriously and said with a cheerful laugh, “I’d stake my blog on it, it’s true! One is ‘Ice Age 2’, and the other hasn’t been decided yet.” He paused, thrilled, “But it’s not just us working on it, Blue Sky is going to hire even more buddies!”

YES! Wow, cool!” Austin and Marg, among others, began jumping and shouting excitedly, with some so exhilarated that they even used profanity, “Fucking awesome!!” “We’re going to kick the asses of the newbies!”

Projects for two CG movies, company expansion to hire more staff, they all knew what that meant! First, it meant that Blue Sky wouldn’t be laying off employees, and their lucrative jobs would continue. In fact, the position of an animator is quite precarious; once the film is finished, they would be idle and the company naturally wouldn’t want to pay people who had nothing to do, especially when those people were replaceable.

However, at the end of last year, once “Ice Age” was completed, Fire Flame didn’t fire any animators; instead of leaving them idle, they joined the special effects team for “District 9”, contributing to a portion of the scene rendering. With Chris Wedge’s connections, they even secured a few TV commercial projects to tide things over, a win-win for the company and its employees. (Originally, Fox had laid off more than a hundred animators as soon as “Ice Age” was nearing completion.)

But now, not only were there no layoffs, but there would also be an expansion. This meant they had opportunities for promotion, as they were all old hands with experience in making a CG movie. If assigned to the team for the new animation, they would obviously be more important than the newcomers, unless those were people who had come over from Pixar or DreamWorks. But what of that? Blue Sky was in no way inferior to any animation studio; they were just starting out on their journey!

Wang Yang had a message for me to tell everyone,” said Mike Arlinghaus with a smile, raising his champagne. Gazing at the many familiar faces, he declared loudly, “Let’s create a big scene together! Haha!”

Blue Sky, Blue

Woohoo!” The office immediately erupted in applause, everyone clapping like mad and exclaiming with multiple voices, “Yes, we can do it!” ” Sky!”

At that moment, Austin grabbed a bottle of champagne from the table, shook it violently, and with a “pop” began spraying the crowd with it. A chorus of cheerful exclamations rang out as people dodged while laughing and cursing, “Don’t spray me, damn it, I really can’t stand it!” “Oh my neck, you’re dead!”

Facing the North American and overseas markets that were showing a mutation trend, the senior partners at Fire Flame unanimously agreed on the production of “Ice Age 2”; and as for starting two projects at once, several people had reservations. However, Wang Yang convinced them by saying, “If we are timid and fearful, there would be no Fire Flame Films today! If you are scared, I will take on the investment myself.” His magical investment insight alone, plus the main shareholder not being afraid, meant they had nothing to fear.

Once it was confirmed, Flame Films couldn’t wait to announce to the media that Blue Sky would be embarking on two CG movie productions. “Ice Age 2″ was tentatively scheduled for release in the summer of ’04; the other project was to remain a secret for the time being.

Crazy!” Even though Flame and Blue Sky had come a long way, this move still elicited exclamations from many film companies and media outlets. “Ice Age” wasn’t even finished with its second week of release, and even if it was a huge hit, what was the rush with Wang Yang and his team? Weren’t they afraid of jinxing it? But everyone knew that sort of thing would never happen to “Ice Age”…

Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha, the directors of “Ice Age,” became the darlings of the film industry. In an interview with Variety magazine, they said, “The fact has proven that our initial decision was right. Flame Films is full of vitality and youthful energy, and we’re truly grateful to it for providing Blue Sky with a stable, generous, and free creative environment that has allowed us to grow.”

The technology in ‘Ice Age’ is definitely based on a style of simplicity, and maybe it doesn’t look very refined,” Chris Wedge said with a happy laugh, exuding confidence, “But we’ve always been developing new technologies, whether it be the 3D engine or the rendering system. We’ve made a lot of breaks through now, and everyone will see them in ‘Ice Age 2’. I believe it’ll take you all by surprise, ‘Is this still the rough Blue Sky?’ Ha ha!”

When it came to the topic of Wang Yang, both men couldn’t stop singing praises to the reporters. Chris Wedge stated, “He’s amazing! Unbelievable for such a young man. You know, it’s kind of weird to work with someone 23 years younger than you, especially when he’s only 22, and was just 19 before that, but he’s got the ability to break all your old-man arrogance and prejudices.”

Carlos Saldanha agreed and said half-jokingly and half-seriously, “If I had a daughter that age, I would definitely introduce them. He’s one of the best people in the 20-year-old age group.”

“He’s given ‘Ice Age’ a great deal of help, you could even say he changed everything. At first, our idea was to make this story into a drama,” Chris Wedge said with a smile and a shake of his head as he reminisced, “And then he said, ‘Don’t you think this story could be very humorous and funny? The kind that’s fit for a family to watch while eating popcorn, laughing—a family comedy.’ We got a bit panicky when we heard that, oh my goodness!” Carlos took over, chuckling with a frown, “Is this little guy going to overturn everything? He wants to meddle in the production of ‘Ice Age’?”

Reporter Fernando knew that “Ice Age” was now a family comedy, and asked with a laugh, “So what made you change your minds?”

Chris Wedge shrugged with a smile, “Because it made a lot of sense. Our initial thought was just ‘make a story about the animals in the prehistoric ice age,’ and then to add to the sense of immersion, we added a human baby to it, but nothing was fixed. So we asked, ‘How’s that?’” Carlos spread his hands and continued, “He said, ‘Give the characters interesting personalities, especially their dialogues. For instance, give that mammoth a sarcastic way of speaking? Guys, our technology might be rough, but humor doesn’t need computer technology.’”

And then, discussion, discussion…” Wedge gestured as if they talked for ages, finally nodding with a smile, “We were convinced, and we became very interested in the family comedy-style story.” Carlos laughed, “Then we said, okay, let’s do it! I think now, if ‘Ice Age’ had been made into a serious adventure drama, it would have been a disaster.”

The creators of “Ice Age” were busy with promotional interviews during its release period; and Jessica, whose popularity was high but overshadowed by the blockbuster, still got media coverage for “Sweetheart” because it went head- to-head with “The New Guy” starring Eliza Dushku. During an interview with People magazine, she was asked again about the casting incident from years ago on “Idle Hands”. Journalist Claudi asked, “Have you ever thought about what it would be like if Eliza Dushku had done ‘High School Musical’?” Jessica replied, “That ‘what if isn’t very interesting. Eliza and I are good friends, and we’re both doing well right now.”

How’s your relationship with Wang Yang? A lot of people used to say it would all be over within a year, but now it’s almost been three years,” Claudi asked another gossipy question. Jessica couldn’t help but show a sweet smile and said generously, “Every time I see him, I get that heart-fluttering feeling. What does that tell you?”

After attending the premiere of “Ice Age,” Wang Yang continued his routine of spending each day in the editing room, dealing with the miles of film reels. It was past 9 PM before he got home again, lounging on the fabric sofa in the living room and closing his eyes slightly, instantly relaxing. But in front of him was not darkness, but the image of “District 9″.

Hey, little fella.” Feeling Danny moving around at his feet, he reached out to stroke its short fur for a while before opening his eyes and picking up the vibrating phone from the coffee table. It was a text message from Will Smith, “Buddy, call me when you’re free!” He was somewhat puzzled and immediately called back, saying, “Hi, Will, what’s up?”

Will Smith laughed heartily from the other end, “Good evening, MAN!” He had already congratulated Wang Yang on the success of “Ice Age” over the phone, so this call had nothing to do with movies. He organized his thoughts and said, “Actually, it’s like this, ever since Jaden saw your impressive Kung Fu, he’s been saying he wants to learn. You know he’s not even 4 years old yet, kids love one thing today and another tomorrow, so Jada and I didn’t pay much attention.”

Wang Yang gave a grunt, accepting the beer Jessica handed to him, “Here you go, Yang.” As he popped open the can, he listened to Will Smith laugh and say, “These days he’s watching kung fu movies every day, the ones Jada bought for him, Bruce Lee, Jet Li… Now he’s always ‘ha-ha’ and ‘hah-dah,’ haha!”

Haha, that’s really funny.” Wang Yang immediately laughed as well, guessing the purpose of Will’s visit, he asked, “Does Jaden really want to learn kung fu?” Will Smith, still smiling, replied, “Now he’s obsessed with kung fu, crying and fussing about wanting to learn, and he wants to learn from you. So buddy, can you teach him a bit?”

Oh! Learn kung fu from me?” Wang Yang was somewhat taken aback by the request. He had assumed Will was here to seek advice on topics like whether it’s suitable for a four-year-old child to start martial arts, and what kind of kung fu would be best. From the phone, Will’s laughter came through as he said, “Yes, he says your kung fu is the coolest, and best for fighting!” Wang Yang chuckled, then thoughtfully said, “Will, learning kung fu is very hard, especially Bajiquan like what I practice.”

He glanced at Jessica reading a magazine beside him, recalling the hardships he had endured in martial arts since childhood, he said earnestly, “It’s very tough, very tough. If Jaden just wants to learn some superficial moves and postures, I can teach him. I guarantee he’ll look cool, even fit for making movies, but I won’t acknowledge him as my disciple. Will, please understand, this is about tradition.” Will Smith responded, “I completely understand.”

But if he wants to learn real kung fu, Bajiquan, I have to say for a four-year- old child…” Wang Yang couldn’t help laughing. He remembered how he used to bang against the locust tree in old Wu’s courtyard every day to practice Tieshan Kao, thump thump thump… He always felt that he could have grown taller than 190cm, a standard point guard’s stature, if not for all the hitting stunting his growth.

Of course, a four-year-old child wouldn’t start with advanced techniques like Tieshan Kao immediately; they would only practice appropriate basic skills, taking care of ligaments, muscles, and bones to avoid affecting their development. However, Bajiquan is a powerful short-range boxing style, where even the basic skills required for entry are more demanding than other styles. Considering this, Wang Yang jokingly said, “I could be sued for child abuse and end up in jail again.”

Will Smith, however, felt Wang Yang was exaggerating. After all, wasn’t he well-built and handsome as could be? Will laughed and said, “Yang, Jada and I aren’t the kind of parents who spoil our kids rotten. What’s most important is their own will. But if you ask Jaden, he’d surely say he wants to learn the real deal. Buddy, I think you wouldn’t actually mistreat him, haha! Hm, let me ask him, here he comes running now… Jaden…”

Soon, Wang Yang could hear Jaden’s excited clamoring, “I want to learn real kung fu, I want to learn real kung fu!” Wang Yang took a sip of his beer and said with a laugh, “OK, OK, I got it! Little guy, let your dad listen first.” He then heard Will’s ‘hey’ sound followed by Wang Yang frowning as he considered the situation, taking a moment before saying, “Will, I think Jaden is still a bit too young.”

He’s not even four years old yet. If he starts learning real kung fu now, he might not stick with it for two days before bawling, saying ‘I don’t want to learn anymore.’” He shook his head, continuing into the phone, “And he would lose interest in kung fu, maybe even grow to hate it, which wouldn’t be fair to Jaden.” Jessica, hearing the reason for the call, nodded in agreement.

MAN, you’re right.” Will Smith immediately agreed on the other end, asking, “So you mean we should wait until he’s older?” Wang Yang thought for a moment, then said, “Let’s do this, I’ll teach him some movements and stances to make him happy and satisfy his kung fu craving; when he’s 6 or 7 years old, if he still wants to learn real kung fu, and everything is suitable, I will accept him as my disciple.”

Will Smith was delighted, “Wow, that sounds great! When will you have time to teach him? Whew, this kid’s been driving me crazy. Ow, Ouch!” From the phone came the faint sound of Jaden ‘ha-dah ha-dah,1 seeming to be beating up his dad.

Haha!” Wang Yang laughed as he swung his fists, saying, “You know I’ve been busy every day with editing ‘District 9,’ just got home today. So either we wait a while; or, I usually get up around 6 a.m. to practice boxing and go for a morning run… might be a bit too early.” Will hastily said, “Oh no no no, he can’t wait a minute, can we come over tomorrow?”

Sure, that’s fine,” Wang Yang said, secretly marveling to himself that though Will didn’t spoil his children, he certainly doted on them. He laughed, “You don’t need to come that early, just get here by 7 a.m. tomorrow.”

The morning air was crisp and refreshing, the lawn’s grass wet with dew. Wang Yang, wearing a ‘Ice Age’ woolly mammoth Manny T-shirt and a pair of shorts, with no air of a martial arts master, was practicing his Bajiquan. His punches whooshed vigorously, fierce as a tiger, and his speed leapt like a leopard, yet the strength carried the weight of a rhino. With every accelerating punch and thudding step, sounds of “whoosh,” ”

pop,” and “huh” filled the air.

Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, and their little guy Jaden watched with continuous exclamations of awe, with Jaden’s eyes shining brightly and his tender face filled with excitement. He swung his little fists too, feeling like he was about to become a Kung Fu master himself! Jessica, with her arms crossed, wore a smile of familiarity—since living together, she had lost count of how many times she had watched him practice his punches.

Phew!” Having completed a set of moves, Wang Yang brought his feet together and pressed his palms downward, gathering his energy back into his dantian. The Smith family and Jessica all started clapping and laughing, and Jaden shouted excitedly with a youthful voice, “Cool! Kung Fu, Kung Fu! So awesome!” As he wildly swung his fists, he imitated the sound of the air being sliced: “Whoosh whoosh whoosh! Huff hah—”

Wang Yang took the clean towel Jessica handed him, wiping the fine sweat from his palms. Looking at the excited Jaden, he said with a calm breath, “What do you think? Want to learn?”

Yeah yeah!” Jaden nodded vigorously, saying, “I want to learn! I want to learn!” Suddenly, as if he had remembered something, he asked, “Can you break a piece of wood?” Will, Jada, and Jessica couldn’t help but smile at his question; Wang Yang too was amused. Kids practice martial arts to look cool, and hadn’t he been the same? He shrugged and said with a smile, “Depends on how thick that board is. If it’s one of those standard performance boards, yes, I can break it.”

Teach me, teach me! Yang, teach me, please!” Jaden’s face was full of excitement and pleading. Wang Yang said with a smile, “OK,” passed the towel back to Jessica, and stomped on the green grass below to brace himself. He made a curved arm position with his right fist and jokingly said, “Today, I’ll teach you a few moves. Follow me.”

Jaden quickly straightened up, bending his arms in imitation of the pose, his expression meticulous. Will and Jada looked on at their son with warm, affectionate smiles.

So watch closely now, I am about to punch!” Wang Yang swung his fists slowly, glancing down at Jaden’s learning process. Seeing the serious effort from the kid, he couldn’t help chuckling, reminded of his own childhood days learning to punch. It’s great for kids to like Kung Fu—it strengthens the body, improves willpower, and yes, it looks cool… Getting more kids to like Kung Fu?

That thought suddenly struck him, and then he remembered another undecided movie project at Blue Sky Studios, murmuring to himself, “Kung Fu, Kung Fu…”

When the week of May 17-23 came to a close, “Ice Age” had been hailed by the media as “this year’s milestone CG animated film.” The reason was simple: the North American box office for this animated film had exceeded 100 million US dollars!

On the weekly box office chart, the top spot was occupied by the widely- released and unstoppable “Star Wars: Episode  – Attack of the Clones,” which crazily raked in 110 million US dollars from 3,161 theaters; while the second- place “Spider-Man” added another 51.28 million that week alone, quickly approaching the 300 million mark for the North American box office; the second week of release for “Ice Age,” in third place, collected 4.5.49 million US dollars across 3,056 theaters, bringing its total box office earnings to 108 million!

Why was this considered a milestone in film history? Just look at the CG animated films that have crossed the 100 million dollar mark in North America: $267 million, “Shrek,” DreamWorks; $255 million, “Monsters, Inc.,” Pixar; $245 million, “Toy Story 2,” Pixar; $191 million, “Toy Story,” Pixar; $162 million, “ABug’s Life,” Pixar; $137 million, “Dinosaur,” Disney.

Then the seventh place was DreamWorks’ “Antz” with 90.75 million, and the eighth spot went to Paramount & DNA’s “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius,” which garnered 80.93 million.

Apart from Pixar and DreamWorks, no other company’s self-produced CG animated movies managed to be well-received and commercially successful, but now everything was different! Because “Ice Age” had become the seventh CG animated film to cross the 100 million dollar mark in North America! And it did so in just two weeks! Blue Sky Studios had also become the fourth company after Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks to achieve this kind of success, breaking the market monopoly of Pixar & DreamWorks, and becoming the talk of the town at that time.

Rise of Blue Sky Studios!” — From a feature article headline in The New York Times.

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