"These are companies that create intellectual product," a top Hollywood executive said.

"At some point," a Hollywood executive said, "it's not about the money anymore."

"They both need each other now," a Hollywood executive said.

Another reason that top Hollywood executives continue to fly so well is to maintain their image and status.

But no other Hollywood executive or studio has tried anything quite like it.

Hollywood executives say they have never before heard from so many groups trying to shape the way characters are drawn.

But not to this extent, both analysts and Hollywood executives agree.

"George sees it as a challenge," said one Hollywood executive closer to the show.

"He had made good commercial movies," said one longtime Hollywood executive.

Hollywood executives are already thinking about new financial wrinkles in the Oscar race next year.