Doesn’t mean it wasn’t a multi million dollar deal. Rory wanted to clear up that they weren’t handed that money to go in their pocket. It’s a production deal so whatever total number they got went towards paying their team, hiring new people, buying equipment, creating or purchasing studio space, etc. It’s almost like when guys like Gotti/Cole/Top/etc get a label deal and the major label fronts then a shyt ton of money to build a brand (sign artists, producers, build studios etc).
Rory and Mal now have the ability to pay themselves nicely, and support their staff. They’re doing good. Flip side Joe is probably bleeding his own money and not really seeing much revenue or profit.