Chapter 213: If We Lose Money
Although Aaron had officially become one of the NBA's team owners overnight, the news didn't cause much of a stir.
After all, the NBA's 1992–93 Finals had just tipped off—
The Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns, led by Charles Barkley, versus the defending champions Chicago Bulls, headed by Michael Jordan.
---
Lower Manhattan, West Village
Dawnlight Pictures – New York Office
Aaron leaned back in his chair as Jack Wells excitedly poured two glasses of wine.
"So that's it—you really bought the Houston Rockets?" Jack said, grinning.
"We have to celebrate. I'm a huge Hakeem Olajuwon fan."
Aaron took a sip.
"Want to get involved in running the team?"
Jack shook his head immediately.
"Me? You know exactly what I'm capable of. The most legitimate job I ever had was working with you back at CAA."
Aaron's eyes lit up.
"Then how about this—you start a sports agency."
"In the future, athlete representation is going to be a massive business."
"There's a company called IMG—International Management Group. Keep an eye on it. They started out focused on golf, but they're already branching into other sports."
"It was founded back in the '60s by agent Mark McCormack and golf legend Arnold Palmer."
Jack nodded.
"I know IMG. Most professional golfers are signed with them."
"You're thinking of buying IMG?"
"Not me," Aaron said calmly. "You."
"Find a way to acquire it slowly. McCormack and Palmer are getting up there in age—they won't be running IMG for many more years."
Jack laughed helplessly.
"Isn't that a bit much for me? IMG's doing pretty well—won't be easy to buy."
"Start with minority shares. Eat away at it gradually. If money's an issue, I'll back you."
At this stage, IMG was still a relatively small sports agency, largely centered on golf. Its valuation wasn't especially high.
"Once you control it, expand into football, baseball, and basketball," Aaron continued.
"Sports representation is absolutely big business."
"Honestly, it's not that different from Angel Security—one provides athletes, the other provides security personnel."
Aaron shrugged.
"Later on, you can even move into soccer, tennis—everything."
---
After Jack Wells left, Aaron flipped through the latest box-office reports:
The Crying Game: $62 million in North America
Scent of a Woman: $63 million domestic, $71 million overseas, $130 million worldwide
Schindler's List: $96 million domestic, $225 million overseas, $320 million worldwide
The three prestige films released at the end of last year had all achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Box office alone brought in over $200 million, not even counting home video and television rights.
That was Aaron's real confidence—why he could buy the Rockets and still consider acquiring AMC from Rainbow Media.
---
Meanwhile, Universal's blockbuster Jurassic Park finally hit theaters.
After earning $3 million from Thursday midnight previews, it opened nationwide in 2,407 theaters, pulling in $47 million over the weekend.
---
That Night – An Apartment Near the High Line
Winona Ryder came by specifically to see Aaron.
"Aren't you supposed to start filming Little Women?" Aaron asked, holding her on the couch, enjoying her warmth.
"It's still in preparation," Winona replied.
"Probably won't start until October."
"Oh—Reality Bites should be releasing overseas soon, right?"
Reality Bites—Winona's first project as both producer and lead actress—had earned $24 million in North America.
For a film with a $12 million budget, it was respectable.
"It'll be released in Europe," Aaron said.
"The reception's been good—it's considered a solid coming-of-age film."
"And Ben Stiller's directing was definitely praised."
Commercially it wasn't a huge hit, but at least it didn't lose money.
With Winona Ryder's popularity, it would still draw some audience overseas.
Winona looked at him with a smile.
"So… Reality Bites didn't cost you money, did it?"
Winona Ryder leaned in and kissed Aaron affectionately on the cheek.
"Fortunately, the film's budget wasn't very high."
Aaron chuckled, unbuttoning her blouse as he leaned close and breathed softly by her ear.
"Even if it lost money, it wouldn't matter. You could always… pay me back in person. As long as I'm around, Dawnlight is very hard to run at a loss."
"Oh?" Winona smiled teasingly. "Then since I've been keeping you company for so long, does that mean every time I have a new project, you'll invest in it?"
For a producer, the hardest thing was always securing funding.
With Aaron behind her, projects like Reality Bites would no longer feel so daunting.
"What do you think?" he replied.
"Mmm…"
Winona wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.
Aaron lifted her effortlessly and carried her into the bedroom, pressing her down onto the bed.
"So," he asked with a grin, hovering over her, "thinking about becoming a producer?"
"If I get the chance, sure," she said softly. "Now that you're here. You're Hollywood's golden boy—I could learn a lot from you."
At this stage, Winona Ryder was highly ambitious and serious about her career.
"There's not really any great secret," Aaron said casually.
"Take on more commercial films—build visibility and influence."
"An actor's salary is tied to box office performance. Art-house films just can't compete with commercial ones."
Unless, of course, you had someone like Aaron—someone who could spot breakout prestige films before anyone else.
"You mean films like Bram Stoker's Dracula," Winona said. "I get it."
That film alone had grossed over $200 million worldwide, more than the total box office of many of her earlier projects combined.
Along with Edward Scissorhands, it had significantly elevated her profile.
By comparison, films like Mermaids, Night on Earth, and Reality Bites leaned heavily toward the art-house side—critically respected, but limited in audience reach.
"They're more about awards than numbers," Aaron continued.
"The Age of Innocence and Little Women are both adapted from famous novels, with acclaimed directors. They should do well during awards season."
"But after that, you should take on more commercial projects. At the very least, the pay is better."
As he spoke, his hands slid down and unclasped her bra.
"Mm…"