It was difficult, complicated, and full of colors. The animation of Treasure Pnet was calcuted using a mix that some found unsettling. The production incurred extra costs, but two new techniques were tested—one of them being the integration of certain 3D environments alongside 2D drawings. It was the undeniable form that hammered away with caution, in dark ways. The animators weren’t too keen on getting involved, but the cost savings were significant.

  A well-utilized technique could be a major achievement compared to other films. Now, it was beginning to be used in upcoming productions, like Narnia, which incorporated 3D-modeled environments drawn from multiple angles.

  – Then I fear it may be true that hand-crafted animation, made by us animators, is coming to an end, – said Roy Graham, a former Disney animator, sighing inwardly. Things always started this way—captivating and appealing in the way they could almost sense the future. However, it was a mistake to believe this shift was truly necessary. The beautiful artistry of traditional animation was being repced by something cheaper, less bor-intensive, and simply automated.

  – People resist change, but you're being dramatic. We work for a company where the pay is good. At Disney, the lead animators always get the biggest share of the money, or those producers are just spoiled kids, only knowing how to demand things without any real knowledge or work. Without merit, they make twice the sary. It’s almost futile. They always bme the infted budgets, but those so-called promoters end up punishing us in the press—the rotten system that underpays us and judges us too quickly. – responded Bob Schools, speaking about the real struggles of animators. Some did their jobs well and then were forgotten. Though DreamWorks seemed to be doubling saries—a grand gesture that attracted many employees—he could see through the deception. Jeffrey Katzenberg took a 10 million paycheck, while everyone else’s pay was reduced to minimal project-based earnings, a fact that disgusted Roy Graham, who firmly believed they weren’t being valued.

  – We work for passion, but they try to rob us. That’s the nature of this business. Sometimes, I consider leaving Lux Animation, but at least here, a ‘producer’ isn't necessary. We use a different system, one that allows me to rex. It makes me want to keep managing these coordinators and animation agents. They’re Billy’s best invention, and the compensation is undoubtedly better than anywhere else. – Roy Graham replied calmly, taking a deep breath after everything that had happened.

  – I think I’ll have a drink tonight. I’m exhausted. – Roy added, watching as everything was finally coming together. Treasure Pnet was nearing completion—a story that had made its mark on American screens, capturing audiences with its stunning visuals. Space adventures, explorations of uncharted universes, and shops brimming with treasures—treated with the same finesse as Star Wars, unknown worlds, and long-sought riches. The film blended novel and old-fashioned ideas about technology, featuring star cruisers designed to resemble ancient seafaring vessels, navigating the starry ocean without disturbing the natural order of things.

  – I think I’d like that. Baxter’s been wandering around here, eager to get an up-close look at Lux Animation… Narnia has caused quite a stir among the old guard. It’s a real mess. – commented Bob Schools, fully aware that the project was the envy of many. Seven books, seven films, and limitless creative freedom for each animator, working tirelessly like puppets in an endless training cycle.

  – I don’t compin about my sary. My cousin is a surgeon—he makes 600,000 a year. He says med school was a complete disaster for him, not to mention the responsibility of every surgery. The stress has left him partially bald… I look at myself—I make half of what he does, I work a lot, but I do something I truly enjoy, and it doesn’t stress me out. There’s no constant race against the clock, and next year I’ll earn more because I’ll have been with the company for five years. So, yeah… I consider myself lucky to be at Lux Animation. – said Jamal.

  Another former Disney member, a background artist, now worked from home, creating ndscapes that he sold to Billy’s companies at good prices, as Anne particurly liked those kinds of images for the hallways.

  – So, you’re talking about your Pied Piper of Hamelin idea. – asked Sarah Kino. The story revolves around the power of emotions left behind in objects and the treasure the Piper had hidden in an old Danish castle. Archaeologists discover the Hamelin Flute, long thought to be a myth, only to find it holds truths beyond what people can comprehend—until it’s stolen by a collector thief who ends up testing it in a game, summoning rats to his aid. He then embarks on a journey to uncover the real story behind the legend.

  – You’ve got it all figured out. My wife teaches kindergarten, and she’s been helping me refine the details. We’re pnning a trip to Europe—if I get the bonus, that is. – said James.

  – Oh, or you could just wait for the kid to buy a hotel in Europe and go there. He’s been expanding his operations at an arming rate. – Bob Schools remarked.

  – You’re right, but even with an Italian girlfriend, he still hasn’t made the move to Europe. – Jamal replied.

  Craig arrived, drenched in sweat.

  – The Goo Goo Dolls… they’re here. I can’t believe they got them for Treasure Pnet. – he said, on the verge of what could only be described as a panic attack. He had been a fan for ages, and now, breathless, he couldn’t contain his excitement.

  – Oh, he paid a fortune. There are rumors that Hardman Ssh might even get Metallica for the miniseries. – Roy Graham commented. Though not a fan himself, he understood how difficult it would be to secure such a deal. What would someone do to achieve such things?

  – That’s just epic. – Craig breathed out, listening to the Goo Goo Dolls in action. His signed t-shirt, his enormous smile—it was the expression of a man in love.

  …

  Children watched from different angles as the sun rose. People took their time in the afternoons to watch their favorite programs without interruption. It was Treasure Pnet that opened their eyes. In the ‘90s, deciding to watch a movie meant not getting stuck wondering what was happening—it meant going to school the next day and talking to all your friends about how much you loved being part of that cinematic experience.

  Monica did so while working out.

  A young man on a hoverboard, executing daring jumps, warships battling a bck hole, and a grand pnet filled with gold. Quick, 30-second transitions, evoking allegorical vibes of an unknown world.

  The children’s eyes lit up like fireflies, like two sides of the same coin. It all fit perfectly as if it had always belonged.

  – I love that movie. – Monica said, taking a sip of juice. She was drenched in sweat—her intense workout routines left her body exhausted. Now, she had incorporated yoga sessions, performing incredibly uncomfortable poses.

  – Just watching you work out over and over again makes me feel exhausted and anxious. – Winona commented, reading a book by the window. But she took a moment to watch the trailer. Once again, she was amazed at how each scene managed to move children so profoundly. Even critics wanted to be part of the praise, though they did so in silence.

  – I think we should go to the beach now that it’s a bit colder. The weather is mild and probably won’t st beyond next week. These chilly days are perfect for rexing. – Monica said, taking a break.

  – I want to read all day. Resting doesn’t satisfy me—going to the beach… I don’t know. Lately, I’ve been thinking about making my movie, something that explores these issues I sometimes feel are important. Just standing before people and being invisible to them. – The girl sighed, closing her novel. The first steps of her career as a producer were already taking shape.

  – Staying home is boring. Let’s have some fun. What’s the harm? Breathe in the fresh air, call some friends, go to a nice restaurant, and have a gss of wine with a good song in the background. – Monica replied.

  ....