Chapter 200 – This Is What Legacy Looks Like
New York City, Manhattan — The Pierre Hotel.
Aaron sat down for afternoon tea with Charles Johnson of Franklin Templeton, the two discussing Victoria's Secret's future direction.
"So, Aaron," Charles said thoughtfully, "you're planning to work with television networks as well—live broadcasts?"
Charles was fully supportive of Aaron's ideas for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and the concept of cultivating a new generation of Victoria's Secret supermodels.
"We can start talking to networks," Aaron replied calmly, "but not this year. For now, we'll test the waters by holding the first Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York."
He continued, already envisioning the scene:
"We'll invite top international supermodels—Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and the like. First, we build prestige and visibility."
Once the brand buzz reached a certain level, television networks would naturally come knocking.
Charles nodded in agreement.
"I'll move quickly to separate Victoria's Secret from Limited Brands."
After a brief pause, he asked,
"When do you think the fashion show should be held?"
Aaron considered it for a moment.
"November. Perfect timing to warm things up for the Christmas sales season."
---
That evening, Aaron returned to an Upper East Side townhouse with Christiana Reali.
"Once Pulp Fiction finishes shooting," Aaron said casually, "we'll look into acquiring a modeling agency."
He glanced at her.
"One with strong Brazilian or South American operations—or we can even make a trip back to Brazil."
Christiana had been closely involved in the Victoria's Secret discussions these past few days and understood exactly what he was planning.
"Is this something that needs to be done immediately?" she asked.
Aaron shook his head.
"No rush. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show needs time to establish itself anyway. It'll probably take one or two editions before it really draws global attention."
He smiled lightly.
"So you can take it slow. Think of it as a side venture."
Christiana poured him a glass of red wine.
"Ace Ventura is about to start filming in Miami," she said. "The crew seems fully assembled now."
She paused, then added with a hint of admiration,
"That comedian you're so confident in—Jim Carrey—really is something special. I've met him. His facial expressions are incredible, and his talent for mimicry is outstanding."
Aaron took a sip of wine, his expression relaxed and assured.
Aaron pulled Christiana onto his lap and smiled.
"That guy started out performing at comedy clubs," he said. "He played the clown, lived off exaggerated expressions, and existed purely to amuse the audience."
"When his films hit theaters, they'll create a completely distinct style—something unmistakably his. A brand of comedy that belongs to Jim Carrey alone."
"Mhm," Christiana murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him softly. "But Dawnlight's Forrest Gump is about to begin production too. You should be paying close attention to that one."
"A sixty-million-dollar budget," she added. "That's huge."
"Of course," Aaron replied, setting down his wine glass and gently running a hand over her back. "Forrest Gump is Dawnlight's core project for next year. Its importance surpasses even Interview with the Vampire."
---
April 11, 1993 — Easter Sunday
New York City, Manhattan, West Village.
Inside Dawnlight Pictures' office.
Aaron, Don Steel, and Quentin Tarantino were deep in discussion over the script for Pulp Fiction.
"Madonna Ciccone is absolutely viable for a role," Don Steel said. "Her influence and media presence alone guarantee attention."
"And Quentin is set on casting John Travolta as Vincent."
Truth be told, Don wasn't particularly fond of the idea.
At this point, John Travolta was little more than an overweight, washed-up former star—better suited, in her opinion, to television melodramas than a serious film comeback.
Quentin Tarantino shrugged confidently.
"Trust me. Vincent runs in John Travolta's blood."
"He's going to surprise all of us."
Aaron didn't object.
"With an eight-million-dollar budget," he said calmly, "Quentin, I expect a result worth that trust."
Reservoir Dogs had been far too niche, and Tarantino's influence was still limited. Even though Aaron knew how successful Pulp Fiction would become, there was no reason to inflate the budget.
Quentin nodded, his expression serious.
"Don't worry. I'll give it everything I've got."
By now, most of the cast had been finalized:
John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Madonna Ciccone, and Christiana Reali were all confirmed.
Bruce Willis—who had admired Reservoir Dogs immensely—had also agreed to appear at a very modest salary.
"And Mia will be played by Uma Thurman," Quentin added.
Aaron smiled faintly and cast a discreet glance at Quentin.
"Where are you planning to shoot?"
"Los Angeles. Burbank," Quentin replied without hesitation. "There's a bar in an industrial area near Dawnlight Studios. I've been there several times—it's perfect."
"You've already picked the locations?" Aaron asked.
"Yes."
Aaron chuckled.
"That industrial zone might be demolished soon. Dawnlight's building a studio complex and headquarters there."
Quentin froze.
"Wait—already?"
Aaron shook his head.
"Not that fast. We're starting with the headquarters building, soundstages, warehouses, and recording studios."
"Exterior locations are Phase Two. Demolition has only begun at the headquarters site."
Quentin finally relaxed.
"That bar's old—real vintage. It has a strong sense of history."
"And it shouldn't fall within the demolition zone. Timing won't be an issue."
Quentin was well aware that Dawnlight had purchased land for a new headquarters, but construction was currently focused near the Los Angeles River—future home of the main complex.
"Alright," Aaron said, standing up. "Then start shooting as soon as possible."
An eight-million-dollar film didn't require his constant supervision.
After all this time, Quentin Tarantino was finally about to break through.
Next year, when Pulp Fiction hit theaters—with its black humor, stylized violence, fractured narrative, and postmodern sensibilities—it would send shockwaves through Hollywood.
Quentin Tarantino's name would echo across the industry.
A mainstream American epic like Forrest Gump, paired with a radical, genre-defying film like Pulp Fiction—
Just imagining Dawnlight releasing both in the same year made Aaron's heart race.
This year alone, Schindler's List had propelled Dawnlight into global prominence.
With The Silence of the Lambs and Schindler's List both winning Best Picture Oscars, Dawnlight had already established its pedigree.
Next, Forrest Gump would follow suit—without controversy.
These films would become Dawnlight Pictures' true foundation—
its legacy.