Riley Dream Park
“Smiley” area
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Nene
It seems pretty ordinary, you know...?
The merry-go-round's about the only thing that really sort of stands out.
The merry-go-round's about the only thing that really sort of stands out.
Riley
Truth be told, your grandfather, Rakunosuke, and I worked together on “Smiley”, the very movie that this area is based off of.
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Riley
However, I still wanted to be involved in the entertainment industry, so I joined a film production company.
Riley
I spent years and years working my way up the ladder, and finally received a chance to produce my very first film.
Riley
I was looking forward to making something that could bring smiles and joy to everyone...
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Young Riley
We had the budget, stayed on schedule and hired an excellent staff. On paper, nothing could've gone wrong...
Young Riley
No...!
Our deadline's right around the corner, but it's still not good enough...!
Our deadline's right around the corner, but it's still not good enough...!
Young Riley
What am I supposed to do...?
We had a massive budget, but having to redo everything's already put us over...
We had a massive budget, but having to redo everything's already put us over...
Young Riley
I just wanted to produce a movie with the same sort of wonderment that I saw growing up... Why can't I just do that...?
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Film Industry Friend
Hello, Jean.
Your current project seems to be giving you quite a bit of trouble.
Your current project seems to be giving you quite a bit of trouble.
Young Riley
Oh, it's you...
I heard that you've been doing very well for yourself as a director.
I heard that you've been doing very well for yourself as a director.
Young Riley
While I'm up a creek...
I had the perfect plan for producing this movie, but it's all gone to waste.
I had the perfect plan for producing this movie, but it's all gone to waste.
Film Industry Friend
I see...
What if you hired a consultant?
What if you hired a consultant?
Film Industry Friend
Yes, everyone's been talking about this genius who gives people just the advice they need.
Film Industry Friend
Not much more than him being an elderly Japanese man. Apparently, he gives out the perfect advice if he enjoys what he sees.
Film Industry Friend
A friend of mine should be able to get a hold of him... What do you say?
Young Riley
(I can't say that I have high expectations, but it's better than doing nothing at this point...)
Film Industry Friend
Great. I'll get right on it!
One week later
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Young Riley
No, I should be the one thanking you. My name is Jean Riley... And you are...?
Rakunosuke
But enough of that! Let's see this movie of yours! I can't wait to have a look at what you have for me!
Young Riley
What do you think needs work?
Suggestions that keep us within budget and on schedule would be ideal.
Suggestions that keep us within budget and on schedule would be ideal.
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Rakunosuke
Is this all your imagination can muster, Jean?! There must be more dreams and ideas in that head of yours!
Rakunosuke
The place where the main character, Smiley, lives is supposed to be an “island paradise” that's full of dreams and smiles, right?
Rakunosuke
That means you should present it as such! More glitz! More glam! More fun! More excitement! Am I wrong?!
Rakunosuke
I mean, are you satisfied with the island's denizens being computer generated?! You wanted to show people in a state of pure bliss, no?
Young Riley
(Still, he's supposed to be some sort of genius. What if he's right? What if there is some grand plan behind all his talk...?)
Rakunosuke
Hmm... This scene needs to be spiced up a little more. What if you made a set with an actual castle?
Young Riley
A castle?!
You're right that I initially hoped to have a castle made of white stone... But still...
You're right that I initially hoped to have a castle made of white stone... But still...
Rakunosuke
Ah, if this is what you call a climax, then you're going to leave a sour taste in everyone's mouths...
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Rakunosuke
What's this? This looks like a list of ideas. It even mentions your island paradise crumbling apart!
Rakunosuke
And the ending needs to be full of glee and joy! By doing so, you'll have a wonderful...
Young Riley
You've been going on and on about wonderment and dreams, but we're trying to run a business here! We have a schedule and budget to think about!
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Young Riley
Yes, I want to make all these things happen! I want the world to see all of my ideas come to life!
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Rakunosuke
Yes, reality's a harsh mistress, and she'll be waiting for you to wake up from your dream.
Rakunosuke
But believing in your dreams and feeling that sense of wonderment will help keep that at bay. At least, that's what I think.
Rakunosuke
To be fair, I've been doing this a lot longer than you have, so I'm used to dealing with reality's cruel tricks.
Rakunosuke
But I'll be more than willing to help with schedule changes and such, so feel free to ask me for anything.
Rakunosuke
And when we do have to come back down to Earth, we can work through that together.
Young Riley
(He's right about me placing reality above my aspirations. I'd nearly forgotten all about them.)
Next Chapter: Dreams & Reality