Hollywood starts with a broker

"Schindler's List" was handled by Spielberg himself, and "Indecent Proposal" was another CAA package project, so Aaron didn't need to worry too much.

Now, besides "Sleepless in Seattle," which was currently being filmed, Aaron needed to focus on the Italian remake, "Scent of a Woman."

For "Scent of a Woman," the most important thing was, of course, the male lead, Al Pacino, and he recommended director Martin Brest to direct it.

At the same time, Aaron also invited Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore to serve as the producer of "Scent of a Woman!"

At the end of September, "My Own Private Idaho," which had won awards at the Cannes Film Festival, began its public release.

Dawn arranged the film's release using a low-budget art film distribution model, with basically no publicity and a very limited number of theaters.

At the premiere of "My Own Private Idaho" at the Wiltern Theatre in Hollywood, director Gus Van Sant and actors River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, and other key members of the cast and crew were present.

Stars such as Nicole Kidman, Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, and Patrick Swayze also attended the premiere.

Whether it was "My Own Private Idaho" or "Raise the Red Lantern," which was recently purchased from the Venice Film Festival, they would be released in this way.

Whether the release scale could be expanded and the screening time extended mainly depended on whether the film's reputation could attract an audience.

Aaron originally attended the premiere with Nicole Kidman, but he was invited by Winona Ryder to meet with Francis Ford Coppola at a nearby hotel.

"Oh, the adaptation project of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula,' I did hear Winona mention it before!"

Aaron had previously interacted with director Coppola; after all, Aaron owed him a favor during "Phone Booth."

This time, Francis Ford Coppola was filming "Bram Stoker's Dracula" and approached Dawn, hoping to invest a portion. Aaron would not refuse.

"I've already talked to Columbia, and they are willing to invest $30 million to support the filming, but the budget for this film is $40 million;"

"So, I hope Dawn can invest, and I sincerely hope that you, Aaron, can serve as the film's producer and assist me in completing this film!"

Francis Ford Coppola said with a smile.

Aaron nodded, "No problem, Dawn can pay the remaining $10 million, and I am also very willing to assist Mr. Coppola in completing this film."

Not to mention that "Bram Stoker's Dracula" was a commercial success, just considering director Coppola's previous recommendation, Aaron had to step in.

Columbia served as the distributor and investor, Francis Ford Coppola's American Zoetrope was responsible for production, and Dawn Pictures participated in the investment!

Seeing that Aaron Anderson agreed, Francis Ford Coppola and Winona Ryder were relieved.

After all, Dawn Pictures now had its own distribution channels, and they were worried that Aaron would not be willing to be a mere film investor.

Now, the main actors for "Bram Stoker's Dracula" were almost confirmed, with Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder as the male and female leads, respectively, and Anthony Hopkins and Keanu Reeves as supporting roles!

"Anthony Hopkins will play Van Helsing, and Keanu Reeves will play the female lead's fiancé;"

"Pretty good," Aaron smiled. Keanu Reeves was recommended by Winona Ryder, and her fame in this movie was not small.

"Aaron, the role of the female lead's fiancé is a relatively important supporting role. I don't think Keanu Reeves is young and sexy enough, and he doesn't seem to have much chemistry with the girls?"

Francis Ford Coppola seemed somewhat dissatisfied with Keanu Reeves.

"Ah?" Aaron was first stunned, then looked at Winona Ryder next to him.

"Keanu Reeves is not young and sexy enough?"

He's only 27 years old, right? He's much more handsome than River Phoenix!

"Director Coppola, Keanu performed well in this year's action film 'Point Break.' Although he was a supporting actor, he was very attractive;"

"Moreover, 'Point Break' also achieved a total box office of $43 million in North America and $83 million worldwide!"

"Keanu has a positive effect on the film's commercial appeal."

Obviously, Francis Ford Coppola definitely wanted to invite Johnny Depp to play this role.

But after being rejected by Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder conveniently recommended Keanu Reeves, and Columbia definitely supported it.

After all, Gary Oldman and Anthony Hopkins can't be said to have any commercial influence. Adding a handsome man and a beautiful woman in a love story is more likely to attract audiences!

Besides, it's already good that Keanu Reeves is taking this role. He is, after all, a popular young actor.

Francis Ford Coppola nodded, "The cast and crew will rehearse at the Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City;"

"Aaron, if you have time, you can go and take a look!"

Aaron smiled, "Of course."

After the discussion, Aaron Anderson and Winona Ryder returned to the premiere party for "My Own Private Idaho" together!

"Aaron, I didn't expect you to agree to invest so quickly?"

Winona Ryder was a little surprised.

Aaron shook his head, "I already owed Director Coppola a favor. Even if he didn't look for me, someone else would have invested!"

"Well, that's true." Winona Ryder agreed.

"'Bram Stoker's Dracula' will be filmed in London, Paris, and other places. Director Coppola will also build several sets that meet the requirements;"

"I also heard that a lot of money will be invested in the film's props."

Listening to Winona Ryder's words, Aaron certainly understood that "Bram Stoker's Dracula" didn't have any superstars;

It was considered a horror film, but it had a production budget of $40 million, so a lot of money must have been invested in set construction and costumes and props!

"Winona, I just saw your costume photos and you look really beautiful. Your classical costume is really stunning;"

"No wonder Director Coppola chose you to play this role!"

As Aaron spoke, he couldn't help but look at Winona Ryder a few more times.

Winona Ryder smiled, "Aaron, why don't you wait a while and, after we go back, you praise me in front of Nicole again..."

Two days later, Dawn Pictures signed an investment agreement with Columbia and American Zoetrope to become a co-producer of the film.

"Bram Stoker's Dracula"'s main investor and distributor was Sony Columbia, with American Zoetrope and Dawn working together!

Francis Ford Coppola, as producer and director, received a $5 million advance payment, plus 18.5% of the film's profits;

Dawn invested $10 million and also enjoyed a certain percentage of the investment profit sharing. Aaron himself, as the producer, received a $1 million advance payment, plus subsequent post-release bonus dividends!