I originally aspired to become an actor, but that didn't end up working out...

However, I still wanted to be involved in the entertainment industry, so I joined a film production company.

I spent years and years working my way up the ladder, and finally received a chance to produce my very first film.

I was looking forward to making something that could bring smiles and joy to everyone...

...

Why...?

It always turns out so plain...

We had the budget, stayed on schedule and hired an excellent staff. On paper, nothing could've gone wrong...

And yet...

We have to start over from scratch.

No...!

Our deadline's right around the corner, but it's still not good enough...!

What am I supposed to do...?

We had a massive budget, but having to redo everything's already put us over...

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...?

Hello, Jean.

Your current project seems to be giving you quite a bit of trouble.

Oh, it's you...

I heard that you've been doing very well for yourself as a director.

While I'm up a creek...

I had the perfect plan for producing this movie, but it's all gone to waste.

I see...

What if you hired a consultant?

A consultant?

Yes, everyone's been talking about this genius who gives people just the advice they need.

I see... Can you tell me more about this person?

Not much more than him being an elderly Japanese man. Apparently, he gives out the perfect advice if he enjoys what he sees.

A friend of mine should be able to get a hold of him... What do you say?

An elderly Japanese man...?

(I can't say that I have high expectations, but it's better than doing nothing at this point...)

Alright...

Mind setting us up?

Great. I'll get right on it!

Hello there!

Thank you for asking to see me!

No, I should be the one thanking you. My name is Jean Riley... And you are...?

Nice to meet you, Jean! I'm 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!

Y-Yes, of course...

(He seems awfully childish for someone his age.)

(Is this really the consultant he was talking about...?)

Hmm...

If you don't mind, I'd like to hear what you thought about it.

What do you think needs work?

Suggestions that keep us within budget and on schedule would be ideal.

Well... If I'm going to be honest...

This movie... It requires more wonderment!

Huh?

Is this all your imagination can muster, Jean?! There must be more dreams and ideas in that head of yours!

Um... What do you mean by that exactly...?

For example, take the opening!

The place where the main character, Smiley, lives is supposed to be an “island paradise” that's full of dreams and smiles, right?

That means you should present it as such! More glitz! More glam! More fun! More excitement! Am I wrong?!

Y-Yes, I see...

But...

Again, this needs more and more wonderment!

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?

Yes, we originally planned on hiring extras...

I knew it! How about we hire a thousand?!

A... A thousand?!

But we don't have the time or resources to hire extras...

Anything goes when you're making a masterpiece! Hah hah hah!

(Wh-What's he talking about...?!

We can't all have what we wish for!)

(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...?)

Alright, Jean!

Let me hear more about your dreams!

Y-Yes, of course...

Hmm... This scene needs to be spiced up a little more. What if you made a set with an actual castle?

A castle?!

You're right that I initially hoped to have a castle made of white stone... But still...

Ah, if this is what you call a climax, then you're going to leave a sour taste in everyone's mouths...

Jean, there must've been more that you wanted to do here! Am I wrong?

Well...

What's this? This looks like a list of ideas. It even mentions your island paradise crumbling apart!

What a spectacular idea!

This is what you should be doing instead!

...

And the ending needs to be full of glee and joy! By doing so, you'll have a wonderful...

No... I've had enough...!

Huh?

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!

Yes, I want to make all these things happen! I want the world to see all of my ideas come to life!

But reality just isn't that kind!

You have your head in the clouds...

You call yourself an adult...?

Yes, I'm very much an adult.

And my family does often call me childish.

If you understand that, then...

Is it wrong for us to have dreams?

Huh?

This is what I tell people.

Only those who dream big can give others a sense of wonderment.

...

So let's start by dreaming big again, Jean.

Yes, reality's a harsh mistress, and she'll be waiting for you to wake up from your dream.

But believing in your dreams and feeling that sense of wonderment will help keep that at bay. At least, that's what I think.

So how about it? Feel like dreaming big, together?

Dreaming big, together...?

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.

But I'll be more than willing to help with schedule changes and such, so feel free to ask me for anything.

Despite how I look, I have some friends in high places.

So let's just start with your dream.

Worry about the consequences later.

...!!

What do you say, Jean?

Can you show me what your dreams are made of?

And when we do have to come back down to Earth, we can work through that together.

Rakunosuke...

(My dreams...)

(He's right about me placing reality above my aspirations. I'd nearly forgotten all about them.)

(No wonder things weren't going well...)

Thank you, Rakunosuke...

You're right. It's high time I started dreaming again.