189 Pixar Animation Project

In December, various US media outlets reported on the KiShin-Apple alliance. Upon learning of this news, companies had mixed reactions.

Microsoft, for instance, was aware of the KiShin-Apple alliance as early as November.

Around the same time, news of the Tora-Suzuki alliance in the video game sector also reached Americans. Excitement grew among ordinary American video game players who enjoyed both Tora and Suzuki consoles.

Meanwhile, the 'Jurassic Park' domestic box office in the USA reached an impressive $632 million, and the international box office soared to a whopping $341 million, continuing its ascent.

As the domestic box office for 'Jurassic Park' experienced a gradual decline, KiShin reduced the number of screening cinemas from 3,000 to 1,209. This decision was driven by a decrease in box office profits, although tickets were still selling, though not at the same rate as before. On the international front, the scenario differed. Instead of declining, the international box office saw a gradual rise. The widespread distribution of 'Jurassic Park' to various countries contributed to this increase, fueled by the global hype surrounding the film.

Given the immense popularity of 'Jurassic Park,' Amblin Entertainment, founded by Steven Spielberg, expressed interest in collaborating with KiShin on the sequels of the film and future joint ventures in filmmaking. Shin, finding no issues with this proposal, had KiShin Pictures enter into a collaboration with Amblin Entertainment.

Shin, recognizing the talented directors at Amblin Entertainment, aimed to harness their skills for his envisioned future film projects, particularly those tied to his previous life's movies.

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Amid the establishment of the KiShin-Apple alliance, Shin recalled Pixar, the company behind Toy Story, the fully animated computer feature film.

While still in the USA, Shin contemplated the idea and decided to call Steve Jobs to inquire about the animation project.

Using his KRS 1 phone, Shin dialed Steve Jobs and asked, "Mr. Jobs, is Pixar currently working on any animation projects?"

At that moment, Steve Jobs exclaimed, "So you've caught wind of the animation project Pixar is working on?"

Shin smiled in relief, realizing that Pixar in this world was indeed creating Toy Story. He then inquired, "Haha, being a shareholder of Apple now, can you share the name of the animation project?"

Steve Jobs didn't find it surprising that Shin was aware of Pixar's animation project, especially considering its significant scale. Steve Jobs simply replied, "Indeed, Pixar's animation project is titled 'The Toy's Life Story.'"

Upon hearing the name, Shin couldn't help but smile at the project's title. Although it seemed unlikely for Steve Jobs to endorse such a name, Shin understood that it might not be the final name for the animation project.

Noticing Shin's silence, Steve Jobs added, "Let me assure you, this animation project is unlike anything before. It's poised to change the world." Steve Jobs chuckled and exaggerated, anticipating that Shin might find his statement hard to believe.

Unbeknownst to Steve Jobs, Shin simply smiled and genuinely believed in what he had just heard. Having originated from a parallel world, not vastly different but closely resembling the current one, Shin expressed to Steve Jobs, "I can contribute to Pixar's animation project. I have a subsidiary company specializing in computer-generated imagery and a motion capture company, if collaboration with Pixar is possible..."

Upon hearing Shin's proposal, Steve Jobs hesitated momentarily. However, considering the potential acceleration of the project and Shinro Suzuki's significant stake in Apple, he saw no major issues. Given Steve Jobs' occasional clashes with Pixar's creative team, he agreed, saying, "I'll agree under certain conditions..."

Shin smiled and inquired, "Oh, what is it?"

Steve Jobs replied, "I want your KiShin company to refrain from exerting excessive influence or control over my plans for Apple. Additionally, if I require some support, I need assurance that you'll provide it."

Upon hearing these conditions, Shin couldn't help but remark, "Mr. Jobs, these conditions seem quite demanding for a mere collaboration between my companies and Pixar." He paused, noting Steve Jobs' evident silence, and continued, "However, if you expect me to agree to such terms, then you should propose a corresponding price for the conditions you've set."

Holding his phone to his ear, Steve Jobs fell silent in contemplation before suggesting, "I'll offer you one-third of my Pixar shares, approximately 16 percent. How does that sound?"

Upon hearing this, Shin remained silent. While surprised by Steve Jobs' unexpected offer, Shin recognized that complying with the condition not to influence or control Apple contradicted his own vision. He didn't find the proposed share allocation sufficient, considering his own plans for Apple. Shin responded, "Can shares from such a modest company truly sway me into relinquishing my influence over you and Apple?"

Upon hearing Shin's skepticism, Steve Jobs anticipated the resistance and proposed, "I'll offer you half of my Pixar shares, amounting to 24 percent. All I ask is for you to ease your influence on Apple and support me in the board of directors through your proxy and directors elected from KiShin when required." He hoped Shin would find this offer agreeable.

However, he faced disappointment as Shin replied, "It's quite impossible for me to entirely relinquish my limited control and influence in Apple, but I'm prepared to offer my support. What do you think?"

Upon hearing Shin's response, Steve Jobs, having expected it to some extent, simply said, "Alright." While he couldn't entirely prevent KiShin's potential influence in the company, he found reassurance in Shin's commitment to support him. Steve Jobs continued, "I'll draft a contract for this agreement, and the collaboration between your companies and Pixar will commence. My Pixar shares will also be transferred to you, with the condition that you support my ideas in the board of directors."

Shin smiled and replied, "Alright."

Steve Jobs felt he had made a wise decision, especially considering that Shinro Suzuki's company, KiShin, currently owned 15% of the shares, equivalent to 465 million.

As time passed, Digital CGI and ASC Motion Capture companies collaborated with Pixar, contributing to the progress of the animation project.

Later, when Shin visited Pixar and discussed the project with the creative team, he suggested naming the animation "Toy Story." Initinally, the creative team expected Shinro Suzuki, as a major shareholder, to assert dominance and influence like Steve Jobs. However, they were pleasantly surprised to find that Shinro simply wanted the animation to be named Toy Story. Additionally, Shin requested that his KiShin companies be featured in the animation film, a request the creative team readily accepted.