1 00:00:07,340 --> 00:00:10,575 Narrator: In this episode of "american greed," 2 00:00:10,644 --> 00:00:13,912 The shadowy world of film financing, 3 00:00:13,981 --> 00:00:16,348 Where fortunes can be stolen. 4 00:00:16,416 --> 00:00:19,852 Wolf: We are just dying to make this movie, 5 00:00:19,920 --> 00:00:21,453 And we put so much into it, 6 00:00:21,522 --> 00:00:23,722 And now somebody's stolen it away from us. 7 00:00:23,791 --> 00:00:27,258 Narrator: And good names dragged through the mud. 8 00:00:27,328 --> 00:00:30,028 Browne: Their reputations, and in some cases, their careers 9 00:00:30,030 --> 00:00:31,997 Were destroyed by this fraud. 10 00:00:32,065 --> 00:00:35,000 Narrator: Jason van eman and ben mcconley 11 00:00:35,068 --> 00:00:36,234 Are up-and-coming players 12 00:00:36,303 --> 00:00:38,837 In hollywood's independent-film scene, 13 00:00:38,905 --> 00:00:42,875 Producing and financing movies through weathervane productions. 14 00:00:42,943 --> 00:00:47,079 Van eman is a former b-list actor who finds the deals... 15 00:00:47,147 --> 00:00:48,380 Browne: He was the salesman. 16 00:00:48,449 --> 00:00:50,749 He was charismatic. He was smooth. 17 00:00:50,817 --> 00:00:52,717 Narrator: ...And mcconley uses social media 18 00:00:52,719 --> 00:00:55,187 To show off his life as a wealth manager, 19 00:00:55,255 --> 00:00:57,155 Married to an instagram model, 20 00:00:57,224 --> 00:01:00,659 And he uses his family's money to fund them. 21 00:01:00,727 --> 00:01:05,964 He was all over social media, flashy lifestyle, 22 00:01:06,033 --> 00:01:08,400 Drove ferraris and bentleys. 23 00:01:08,469 --> 00:01:12,037 Ben mcconley was all about his image. 24 00:01:12,039 --> 00:01:13,238 Narrator: In a few short years, 25 00:01:13,307 --> 00:01:14,873 The partners build a list of credits 26 00:01:14,942 --> 00:01:19,278 For financing films starring a-list celebrities, 27 00:01:19,346 --> 00:01:21,546 But the feds tell "american greed" 28 00:01:21,615 --> 00:01:23,515 That these so-called financiers 29 00:01:23,584 --> 00:01:27,352 Use other people's millions to fund some films 30 00:01:27,421 --> 00:01:29,021 And steal the rest. 31 00:01:29,089 --> 00:01:31,924 Papadopoulos: Every day you had a cancerous knot just wondering 32 00:01:31,992 --> 00:01:34,026 If this project is ever gonna be realized. 33 00:01:34,094 --> 00:01:37,029 Narrator: But what these bad actors haven't counted on 34 00:01:37,097 --> 00:01:41,233 Is getting caught up in a timeless hollywood storyline -- 35 00:01:41,301 --> 00:01:43,402 The revenge plot. 36 00:01:43,470 --> 00:01:45,037 Pierce: You messed with the wrong guys. 37 00:01:45,105 --> 00:01:48,173 I'm gonna make it my life mission to put you in jail. 38 00:01:48,241 --> 00:01:50,242 Martino: You know that the whole house of cards 39 00:01:50,310 --> 00:01:52,377 Has now collapsed on itself, 40 00:01:52,446 --> 00:01:54,446 And that's when I got the bright idea 41 00:01:54,514 --> 00:01:56,981 How to go after these guys. 42 00:01:56,983 --> 00:02:03,956 ♪♪ 43 00:02:04,024 --> 00:02:11,230 ♪♪ 44 00:02:11,298 --> 00:02:18,469 ♪♪ 45 00:02:18,471 --> 00:02:21,973 Narrator: In the spring of 2015, production is moving along 46 00:02:22,042 --> 00:02:25,777 On the independent feature film "inside game," 47 00:02:25,846 --> 00:02:29,381 The story of an infamous nba betting scandal 48 00:02:29,449 --> 00:02:30,916 And the passion project 49 00:02:30,984 --> 00:02:35,087 Of venture capitalist turned filmmaker paul martino. 50 00:02:35,155 --> 00:02:36,555 We've scouted locations. 51 00:02:36,623 --> 00:02:38,156 We have our -- we have a director. 52 00:02:38,224 --> 00:02:39,824 You know, we're ready to go. 53 00:02:39,826 --> 00:02:43,996 Narrator: Martino has put up $1.25 million of his own 54 00:02:44,064 --> 00:02:47,633 And believes those funds have been matched by jason van eman 55 00:02:47,701 --> 00:02:51,436 And ben mcconley of weathervane productions. 56 00:02:51,505 --> 00:02:53,572 We thought we had found a perfect partner 57 00:02:53,640 --> 00:02:57,342 To go fill in the other half of the financing to make the movie. 58 00:02:57,410 --> 00:02:59,944 Narrator: But before the cameras can roll, 59 00:03:00,014 --> 00:03:01,780 There is trouble. 60 00:03:01,848 --> 00:03:03,381 Martino: The line producer calls me up. 61 00:03:03,450 --> 00:03:04,983 He says, "paul, why is there no money 62 00:03:05,051 --> 00:03:07,552 In the production account?" 63 00:03:07,621 --> 00:03:10,455 Narrator: It's not just a mystery. 64 00:03:10,524 --> 00:03:14,426 It's a crime that will take three years to solve, 65 00:03:14,494 --> 00:03:16,061 Leaving the cast, the crew, 66 00:03:16,129 --> 00:03:20,299 And martino's $1.25 million in the lurch. 67 00:03:20,367 --> 00:03:21,733 Wolf: They had found this sweet spot 68 00:03:21,802 --> 00:03:24,636 Where they wanted to make the movie and then, 69 00:03:24,705 --> 00:03:29,141 As they were closing in on getting production started, 70 00:03:29,209 --> 00:03:31,943 That money was gone. 71 00:03:32,012 --> 00:03:37,149 ♪♪ 72 00:03:37,217 --> 00:03:42,120 ♪♪ 73 00:03:42,189 --> 00:03:45,490 Narrator: This is a hollywood crime story that starts 74 00:03:45,558 --> 00:03:48,760 About as far from the movie biz as one can imagine -- 75 00:03:48,762 --> 00:03:52,497 In the midwestern town of bartlesville, oklahoma, 76 00:03:52,565 --> 00:03:54,733 Where a young man named jason van eman 77 00:03:54,801 --> 00:03:57,902 Grows up in a solid, middle-class family 78 00:03:57,904 --> 00:04:00,505 And appears to have a promising future, 79 00:04:00,573 --> 00:04:03,442 According to his attorney, neil karadbil. 80 00:04:03,510 --> 00:04:06,645 Karadbil: He was a good student. He was a good athlete. 81 00:04:06,713 --> 00:04:11,650 He, early on had an ambition to be a fighter pilot, 82 00:04:11,718 --> 00:04:14,519 And he actually got into the air force academy, 83 00:04:14,588 --> 00:04:16,655 Which is no small accomplishment. 84 00:04:16,723 --> 00:04:19,390 Narrator: But after a year at the air force academy, 85 00:04:19,392 --> 00:04:24,228 Van eman decides it's not for him. 86 00:04:24,230 --> 00:04:27,599 There is another dream calling. 87 00:04:27,667 --> 00:04:30,802 The kid really wants to be in pictures. 88 00:04:30,871 --> 00:04:34,339 Like so many aspiring young actors before him, 89 00:04:34,407 --> 00:04:36,574 He heads to hollywood. 90 00:04:36,643 --> 00:04:39,644 Karadbil: He actually achieved some success as an actor 91 00:04:39,646 --> 00:04:40,879 By getting a number of roles. 92 00:04:40,947 --> 00:04:43,582 And, in fact, had two starring roles 93 00:04:43,650 --> 00:04:47,019 In some smaller-budget films. 94 00:04:47,087 --> 00:04:48,553 Billy, billy, billy. 95 00:04:48,622 --> 00:04:51,223 Narrator: In 2005, van eman lands a leading role 96 00:04:51,291 --> 00:04:55,493 In a low-budget feature called "regarding billy." 97 00:04:55,562 --> 00:04:57,695 The coming-out story of an air force pilot, 98 00:04:57,765 --> 00:05:01,132 Coincidentally, and his best friend. 99 00:05:01,134 --> 00:05:03,902 Would you relax, billy? Get over here. 100 00:05:03,970 --> 00:05:05,604 Let's catch up. 101 00:05:05,672 --> 00:05:08,540 But van eman is still waiting on his big break 102 00:05:08,608 --> 00:05:12,010 And struggles to make a living as an actor. 103 00:05:12,079 --> 00:05:15,247 By 2006, he leaves los angeles to get married 104 00:05:15,315 --> 00:05:18,016 And start a family in oklahoma, 105 00:05:18,084 --> 00:05:21,520 But one foot remains firmly in hollywood. 106 00:05:22,956 --> 00:05:26,457 He wanted to transition from acting 107 00:05:26,459 --> 00:05:29,061 Into actually making movies. 108 00:05:29,129 --> 00:05:30,795 Narrator: Van eman starts a company 109 00:05:30,864 --> 00:05:33,498 Called weathervane productions. 110 00:05:33,567 --> 00:05:36,701 And works his l.A. Contacts from bartlesville, 111 00:05:36,770 --> 00:05:39,338 Trying to make movie deals. 112 00:05:41,975 --> 00:05:46,745 Around 2011, van eman meets 29-year-old miami investor 113 00:05:46,813 --> 00:05:50,548 Ben mcconley through a mutual business associate -- 114 00:05:50,617 --> 00:05:52,884 A hollywood producer who has worked with van eman 115 00:05:52,953 --> 00:05:54,286 On film production 116 00:05:54,354 --> 00:05:57,689 And with mcconley on film investing. 117 00:05:57,757 --> 00:06:01,259 Ben mcconley owns forrest capital partners 118 00:06:01,327 --> 00:06:04,329 And claims to control an inherited portfolio 119 00:06:04,397 --> 00:06:05,797 Of massive wealth 120 00:06:05,866 --> 00:06:09,233 Run through his so-called "family office." 121 00:06:09,303 --> 00:06:11,169 Karadbil: He had the fancy clothes. 122 00:06:11,237 --> 00:06:13,772 He had the fine jewelry. 123 00:06:13,840 --> 00:06:19,010 He had all the ferraris and maseratis you would want to see. 124 00:06:19,079 --> 00:06:23,448 He was flying on private jets, trips to las vegas. 125 00:06:23,517 --> 00:06:26,418 He appeared to be someone 126 00:06:26,486 --> 00:06:30,054 Who could finance film and other projects. 127 00:06:30,123 --> 00:06:32,624 Narrator: The high-flying florida financier 128 00:06:32,692 --> 00:06:34,292 And the oklahoma producer 129 00:06:34,360 --> 00:06:39,097 Decide to partner up with a business plan and a dream -- 130 00:06:39,165 --> 00:06:43,535 To become well-known players in the indie-film world. 131 00:06:43,603 --> 00:06:46,037 Browne: Mr. Van eman spoke the language of hollywood, 132 00:06:46,106 --> 00:06:49,607 And he could assure the investors and the producers, 133 00:06:49,676 --> 00:06:51,109 Who were, you know, looking for money, 134 00:06:51,177 --> 00:06:55,046 That he was going to be able to match or finance 135 00:06:55,115 --> 00:06:56,548 About 50% of the budget. 136 00:06:56,616 --> 00:07:00,352 He told them that his financial partner, ben mcconley, 137 00:07:00,420 --> 00:07:03,221 Was going to be the one who actually put the assets 138 00:07:03,289 --> 00:07:06,658 Into the deal. 139 00:07:06,726 --> 00:07:08,260 Narrator: The partnership produces 140 00:07:08,328 --> 00:07:10,895 A series of low-budget, straight-to-streaming, 141 00:07:10,964 --> 00:07:13,031 Christian, faith-based projects 142 00:07:13,099 --> 00:07:15,534 With titles including, "the sparrows" 143 00:07:15,602 --> 00:07:18,370 And "fishes 'n loaves: Heaven sent." 144 00:07:18,438 --> 00:07:22,707 These get little traction but serve an important purpose -- 145 00:07:22,776 --> 00:07:25,777 To build van eman's reputation as a producer, 146 00:07:25,845 --> 00:07:29,647 As well as building producing credits. 147 00:07:29,716 --> 00:07:32,717 Browne: The more projects, the more movies they made, 148 00:07:32,786 --> 00:07:34,786 The more reputable directors, producers, 149 00:07:34,855 --> 00:07:36,788 And actors that they had on board, 150 00:07:36,857 --> 00:07:38,390 The more legitimacy they had. 151 00:07:38,458 --> 00:07:43,862 In a real way, their credibility was their imdb pages. 152 00:07:43,930 --> 00:07:46,664 Narrator: What no one yet knows, however, 153 00:07:46,733 --> 00:07:49,333 Is that weathervane productions' business model 154 00:07:49,403 --> 00:07:52,938 Is riddled with lies. 155 00:07:53,006 --> 00:07:55,740 Browne: Jason van eman's background as an actor, 156 00:07:55,742 --> 00:07:57,275 And, you know, to a lesser extent, 157 00:07:57,277 --> 00:07:59,143 As a movie-business veteran, 158 00:07:59,145 --> 00:08:02,580 Really made him ideally suited to become a fraudster. 159 00:08:02,582 --> 00:08:04,048 He was good at pretending, 160 00:08:04,117 --> 00:08:07,151 And that's ultimately what the success of the scheme 161 00:08:07,153 --> 00:08:10,755 Depended on was him pretending that he and his partner 162 00:08:10,824 --> 00:08:13,825 Had the money to finance these movies. 163 00:08:13,893 --> 00:08:15,327 Narrator: The only assets 164 00:08:15,395 --> 00:08:17,962 These so-called financiers really have 165 00:08:18,031 --> 00:08:21,299 Is money brought in from unsuspecting creative partners 166 00:08:21,367 --> 00:08:22,567 And investors. 167 00:08:22,636 --> 00:08:23,902 Browne: The way it worked was, 168 00:08:23,970 --> 00:08:26,337 The money first hit ben mcconley's account. 169 00:08:26,406 --> 00:08:29,040 And then ben mcconley would decide arbitrarily 170 00:08:29,109 --> 00:08:32,010 And kind of on his own how much he was gonna pay himself 171 00:08:32,078 --> 00:08:34,012 And move into his other accounts 172 00:08:34,080 --> 00:08:36,848 And then how much he was gonna send to jason van eman, 173 00:08:36,916 --> 00:08:38,517 And it was van eman's responsibility then 174 00:08:38,585 --> 00:08:41,052 To decide which movies got paid 175 00:08:41,121 --> 00:08:44,255 And which ones were left hanging. 176 00:08:44,257 --> 00:08:46,524 Narrator: For eight years, van eman and mcconley 177 00:08:46,593 --> 00:08:48,826 Are able to keep their scheme going, 178 00:08:48,895 --> 00:08:50,461 While weathervane productions 179 00:08:50,463 --> 00:08:54,799 Parlays its ever-growing reputation into more deals. 180 00:08:54,868 --> 00:08:56,468 And they are meeting with producers 181 00:08:56,536 --> 00:08:58,102 From all over the world 182 00:08:58,171 --> 00:09:02,406 Who are searching for funding deals for their indie films. 183 00:09:02,408 --> 00:09:07,879 ♪♪ 184 00:09:07,947 --> 00:09:13,017 ♪♪ 185 00:09:13,086 --> 00:09:15,954 Sol papadopoulos is a uk-based producer 186 00:09:16,022 --> 00:09:18,523 Working on his latest indie film -- 187 00:09:18,591 --> 00:09:19,958 "a quiet passion" -- 188 00:09:20,026 --> 00:09:24,362 A biopic about the life of poet emily dickinson 189 00:09:24,431 --> 00:09:27,165 And the passion project of writer and director, 190 00:09:27,233 --> 00:09:30,134 Terence davies, seen by many critics 191 00:09:30,203 --> 00:09:33,438 As one of the greatest british filmmakers of his time. 192 00:09:33,506 --> 00:09:35,974 He reads emily dickinson every month, 193 00:09:36,042 --> 00:09:38,510 And he says it's almost like his religion. 194 00:09:38,578 --> 00:09:42,680 Narrator: Davies has written the script about dickinson's life 195 00:09:42,682 --> 00:09:45,383 And "sex and the city" star cynthia nixon 196 00:09:45,451 --> 00:09:47,385 Has signed on to play the lead. 197 00:09:47,453 --> 00:09:51,122 So he said he wrote it sort of with me in mind a bit, 198 00:09:51,191 --> 00:09:53,391 And then he sent me the completed script 199 00:09:53,459 --> 00:09:55,660 And I signed on immediately. 200 00:09:55,729 --> 00:09:58,597 Narrator: Now it's up to producer sol papadopoulos 201 00:09:58,665 --> 00:10:02,100 To finance the film. 202 00:10:02,168 --> 00:10:05,836 He travels to the american film market in l.A. 203 00:10:05,906 --> 00:10:07,672 And takes a meeting with jason van eman 204 00:10:07,741 --> 00:10:10,208 Of weathervane productions. 205 00:10:10,276 --> 00:10:13,745 Papadopoulos: He was a handsome chap who talked the talk. 206 00:10:13,813 --> 00:10:17,782 He came across as really caring about the project. 207 00:10:17,784 --> 00:10:20,952 And he just laid on the charm. 208 00:10:21,021 --> 00:10:23,154 Narrator: Van eman's financing structure 209 00:10:23,223 --> 00:10:26,824 Is unlike any the filmmaker has encountered before, 210 00:10:26,893 --> 00:10:29,060 And he is intrigued. 211 00:10:29,129 --> 00:10:30,462 Papadopoulos: The structure was, 212 00:10:30,530 --> 00:10:32,296 You put a dollar into their account, 213 00:10:32,298 --> 00:10:36,134 In 90 days, you get $2 back as the investment of 50-50 214 00:10:36,202 --> 00:10:38,836 With your money and theirs into the film production. 215 00:10:38,905 --> 00:10:40,772 No one was doing that structure. 216 00:10:40,840 --> 00:10:42,840 I mean, it was just unbelievable. 217 00:10:42,909 --> 00:10:44,175 Narrator: In other words, 218 00:10:44,244 --> 00:10:46,510 Weathervane is getting 50% ownership 219 00:10:46,580 --> 00:10:48,446 Of the future profits 220 00:10:48,514 --> 00:10:51,816 And only makes money if the film makes money. 221 00:10:51,885 --> 00:10:54,085 The producers are skeptical, 222 00:10:54,154 --> 00:10:57,822 But references on other completed films are positive, 223 00:10:57,890 --> 00:11:00,458 And the agreement appears to be legit. 224 00:11:00,526 --> 00:11:02,126 Papadopoulos: That's when you think, "okay, 225 00:11:02,195 --> 00:11:04,662 Well, should we dip our toes in this water?" 226 00:11:04,731 --> 00:11:06,464 Remembering, of course, that we got 227 00:11:06,532 --> 00:11:09,601 An independent film production about an american poet. 228 00:11:09,669 --> 00:11:11,803 It's not hugely commercial. 229 00:11:11,871 --> 00:11:13,537 We took those tentative steps 230 00:11:13,539 --> 00:11:19,077 And put $1.8 million into their account. 231 00:11:19,145 --> 00:11:22,981 In hindsight, of course, that was a massive risk. 232 00:11:22,983 --> 00:11:25,216 Narrator: Next on "american greed," 233 00:11:25,285 --> 00:11:27,652 More producers think their money is safe 234 00:11:27,720 --> 00:11:29,988 In a protected bank account, 235 00:11:30,056 --> 00:11:33,024 But they couldn't be more wrong. 236 00:11:33,092 --> 00:11:35,393 Martino: It haunts me to this day what he said to me. 237 00:11:35,461 --> 00:11:37,361 "unless they have somebody inside the bank, 238 00:11:37,363 --> 00:11:39,663 There's no way you can lose your money." 239 00:11:39,665 --> 00:11:44,836 ♪♪ 240 00:11:49,108 --> 00:11:56,414 ♪♪ 241 00:11:56,416 --> 00:12:03,755 ♪♪ 242 00:12:03,823 --> 00:12:05,723 Narrator: In late 2014, 243 00:12:05,792 --> 00:12:08,126 Uk-based producer sol papadopoulos 244 00:12:08,194 --> 00:12:11,229 Is working on his latest independent film -- 245 00:12:11,297 --> 00:12:13,331 "a quiet passion." 246 00:12:13,333 --> 00:12:15,866 90 days after signing a financing agreement 247 00:12:15,936 --> 00:12:19,537 With jason van eman and weathervane productions, 248 00:12:19,606 --> 00:12:21,138 He expects to have access 249 00:12:21,207 --> 00:12:24,642 To a $4 million production account, 250 00:12:24,711 --> 00:12:27,178 But...The account is empty. 251 00:12:27,247 --> 00:12:29,747 Papadopoulos: So, we give them a day, 252 00:12:29,816 --> 00:12:31,148 And then we get on the phone to jason van eman, 253 00:12:31,217 --> 00:12:33,384 And he said, "well, it's, um, it's on its way. 254 00:12:33,453 --> 00:12:36,687 The banking, you know, there are some compliance issues. 255 00:12:36,689 --> 00:12:38,990 We've got a man on the inside of the bank 256 00:12:39,058 --> 00:12:42,060 Who's telling me everything's fine." 257 00:12:42,128 --> 00:12:45,930 Narrator: On day 100, it's definitely not fine. 258 00:12:45,998 --> 00:12:49,367 65 crew members are now building out sets in belgium 259 00:12:49,435 --> 00:12:51,168 And need to get paid. 260 00:12:51,237 --> 00:12:53,738 The producers are forced to take out a bridge loan 261 00:12:53,806 --> 00:12:55,340 To cover salaries. 262 00:12:55,408 --> 00:12:56,941 Two weeks later, 263 00:12:57,010 --> 00:13:00,778 Van eman transfers a tiny portion of the funds. 264 00:13:00,847 --> 00:13:03,281 Papadopoulos: We get a drip feed of $10,000. 265 00:13:03,349 --> 00:13:06,484 And then 3 days later, we get another $10,000, 266 00:13:06,553 --> 00:13:08,719 And we're like, "jason, what's going on?" 267 00:13:08,721 --> 00:13:10,154 He doesn't think there's a problem. 268 00:13:10,223 --> 00:13:11,489 He's getting us the money, 269 00:13:11,557 --> 00:13:13,624 Even though it's just drip, drip, drip. 270 00:13:13,626 --> 00:13:14,893 Narrator: When it's a week 271 00:13:14,895 --> 00:13:16,594 Before shooting is scheduled to start 272 00:13:16,663 --> 00:13:19,497 With the cast, papadopoulos has no idea 273 00:13:19,499 --> 00:13:24,002 If he will be able to pay his starring actress, cynthia nixon. 274 00:13:24,070 --> 00:13:27,038 No agent in america puts their cast on a plane 275 00:13:27,106 --> 00:13:29,574 Without seeing the money in an account. 276 00:13:29,642 --> 00:13:31,009 So, this is the big test. 277 00:13:31,011 --> 00:13:33,211 Then we call jason van eman and say, 278 00:13:33,279 --> 00:13:37,848 "right, we need several hundred thousand dollars tomorrow 279 00:13:37,850 --> 00:13:40,018 Or the film's off." 280 00:13:40,086 --> 00:13:41,152 Narrator: In the nick of time, 281 00:13:41,221 --> 00:13:43,688 Van eman sends enough for papadopoulos 282 00:13:43,756 --> 00:13:45,723 To keep the production going, 283 00:13:45,792 --> 00:13:49,761 But the troubles with weathervane don't end there. 284 00:13:49,829 --> 00:13:50,962 Papadopoulos: It was possibly 285 00:13:51,030 --> 00:13:52,497 One of the most unpleasant experiences 286 00:13:52,565 --> 00:13:54,799 Of my producing life 287 00:13:54,867 --> 00:13:58,136 Because every day, you had a cancerous knot, 288 00:13:58,204 --> 00:14:00,471 Just wondering if this project is ever gonna be realized. 289 00:14:00,540 --> 00:14:03,307 Narrator: Even though the producer is forced to hound van eman 290 00:14:03,376 --> 00:14:05,809 Every day for months to get his funding, 291 00:14:05,811 --> 00:14:08,479 Papadopoulos is able to keep the cast and crew 292 00:14:08,548 --> 00:14:10,915 Unaware of the financial nightmare 293 00:14:10,983 --> 00:14:12,417 Happening behind the scenes, 294 00:14:12,485 --> 00:14:16,220 And they are able to pull off a successful shoot and edit. 295 00:14:16,289 --> 00:14:19,991 Papadopoulos: We got away by the skin of our teeth. 296 00:14:20,059 --> 00:14:23,861 And it was a really frightening realization 297 00:14:23,930 --> 00:14:26,731 That it could have all gone so wrong. 298 00:14:26,733 --> 00:14:29,200 Narrator: In February of 2016, 299 00:14:29,269 --> 00:14:33,404 "a quiet passion" premieres at the berlin film festival 300 00:14:33,473 --> 00:14:35,139 To critical acclaim. 301 00:14:35,141 --> 00:14:37,942 Papadopoulos believes the film's high profile 302 00:14:38,010 --> 00:14:41,579 Is the only reason the money finally came through. 303 00:14:41,581 --> 00:14:43,347 We could only surmise that it was 304 00:14:43,349 --> 00:14:46,084 Because we had a really credible project 305 00:14:46,152 --> 00:14:49,753 That they perhaps were using our project, our feature film, 306 00:14:49,823 --> 00:14:53,724 As a proof of concept to then convince others, 307 00:14:53,726 --> 00:14:56,927 "look, we're 50% investors in this film. 308 00:14:56,997 --> 00:14:58,496 Why don't you invest in the next one?" 309 00:14:58,564 --> 00:15:02,032 And I can only guess that that's why we got away with it 310 00:15:02,102 --> 00:15:05,136 And so many others lost their money. 311 00:15:05,204 --> 00:15:08,039 Narrator: But those losses are still in the future... 312 00:15:08,107 --> 00:15:09,173 For now. 313 00:15:09,242 --> 00:15:12,343 With another executive-producer credit under his belt, 314 00:15:12,412 --> 00:15:16,247 Jason van eman continues to level up. 315 00:15:16,315 --> 00:15:19,650 He travels to cannes and other european film festivals 316 00:15:19,719 --> 00:15:22,953 And wines and dines in monte carlo. 317 00:15:23,023 --> 00:15:26,424 Browne: He was holding himself out as a film financier, 318 00:15:26,492 --> 00:15:30,227 So it was important for him to be seen aboard mega yachts 319 00:15:30,296 --> 00:15:32,963 And, you know, partying with film-industry types 320 00:15:33,033 --> 00:15:36,668 Because it helped him portray himself as legitimate. 321 00:15:37,870 --> 00:15:39,103 Narrator: Within a few years, 322 00:15:39,172 --> 00:15:41,439 Weathervane has a growing list of titles 323 00:15:41,507 --> 00:15:43,942 With a-list stars attached, 324 00:15:44,010 --> 00:15:47,878 Including "jane got a gun, starring natalie portman, 325 00:15:47,880 --> 00:15:50,047 "urge" with pierce brosnan, 326 00:15:50,049 --> 00:15:54,017 And film festival darling, "the tale," starring laura dern. 327 00:15:54,019 --> 00:15:58,589 Filmmakers from near and far are taking notice. 328 00:15:58,658 --> 00:16:07,799 ♪♪ 329 00:16:07,867 --> 00:16:11,903 Paul martino is a self-described philly kid, 330 00:16:11,971 --> 00:16:15,239 Born and bred about 3,000 miles from hollywood 331 00:16:15,308 --> 00:16:16,540 And a world away. 332 00:16:16,609 --> 00:16:20,344 It started as a total accident getting into the movie business. 333 00:16:20,412 --> 00:16:22,346 My day job -- I run a venture capital firm 334 00:16:22,415 --> 00:16:23,514 And I am an entrepreneur. 335 00:16:23,583 --> 00:16:27,185 Narrator: He's also a family guy who happens to have a cousin 336 00:16:27,187 --> 00:16:30,320 With an unbelievable life story. 337 00:16:30,322 --> 00:16:32,556 Martino: My cousin tommy martino was involved 338 00:16:32,558 --> 00:16:36,026 In one of the largest scandals in sports history. 339 00:16:36,028 --> 00:16:37,428 Him and his buddy tim donaghy 340 00:16:37,497 --> 00:16:39,630 Were involved in rigging a bunch of nba games 341 00:16:39,699 --> 00:16:41,866 When tim was a referee. 342 00:16:41,934 --> 00:16:44,168 Narrator: Tommy martino served time 343 00:16:44,236 --> 00:16:45,970 For his part in the scandal, 344 00:16:46,038 --> 00:16:49,406 And when he gets out, his prospects are limited, 345 00:16:49,475 --> 00:16:52,076 Except for offers he's fielding from producers 346 00:16:52,145 --> 00:16:55,145 Trying to nab his so-called "life rights," 347 00:16:55,215 --> 00:16:57,415 Or ownership of his story. 348 00:16:57,483 --> 00:16:59,016 Martino: And he called me up, he said, 349 00:16:59,085 --> 00:17:00,884 "paulie, will you read this contract?" 350 00:17:00,886 --> 00:17:02,219 He sends me this contract, 351 00:17:02,288 --> 00:17:04,488 And it was the most awful one-sided contract 352 00:17:04,490 --> 00:17:05,289 I'd ever read in my life. 353 00:17:05,358 --> 00:17:07,157 I said, "tommy, you can't sign this." 354 00:17:07,159 --> 00:17:08,392 He's like, "look, I just got out of jail. 355 00:17:08,461 --> 00:17:09,460 I need some money." 356 00:17:09,529 --> 00:17:12,696 And so, I bought his life rights really just as a -- 357 00:17:12,698 --> 00:17:15,399 Just as a favor to my cousin to get him back on his feet 358 00:17:15,468 --> 00:17:17,034 After he got out of jail. 359 00:17:17,102 --> 00:17:18,736 I never in a million years ever thought 360 00:17:18,805 --> 00:17:20,738 That we would make a film, 361 00:17:20,806 --> 00:17:23,641 Let alone be talking about what happened en route 362 00:17:23,709 --> 00:17:25,509 To making a film. 363 00:17:25,578 --> 00:17:29,179 Narrator: Six months later, martino happens to meet 364 00:17:29,181 --> 00:17:31,882 Hollywood screenwriter andy callahan, 365 00:17:31,951 --> 00:17:34,485 Also a big basketball fan from philly. 366 00:17:34,554 --> 00:17:37,488 When callahan hears the story, he asks to write it 367 00:17:37,557 --> 00:17:42,126 And turns out a screenplay for a film called "inside game." 368 00:17:42,195 --> 00:17:45,429 Martino: It is the true story of tommy martino, 369 00:17:45,498 --> 00:17:48,666 Who's my cousin, tim donaghy, who's the referee, 370 00:17:48,734 --> 00:17:50,568 And jimmy battista, who's the gambler. 371 00:17:50,636 --> 00:17:53,204 Basically, the three of them hatched a scandal 372 00:17:53,272 --> 00:17:54,705 That was all based on the fact 373 00:17:54,774 --> 00:17:56,941 That tim knew how certain games were gonna get called. 374 00:17:57,009 --> 00:17:58,242 And it was a pretty amazing story. 375 00:17:58,311 --> 00:18:00,344 In many ways, I called the film, 376 00:18:00,346 --> 00:18:03,281 "goodfellas for dummies," because these three 377 00:18:03,349 --> 00:18:07,251 Kind of not exactly the sharpest guys around 378 00:18:07,320 --> 00:18:10,520 Got in way over their head and managed to piss off the nba, 379 00:18:10,522 --> 00:18:13,724 The fbi, and the mob all at the same time. 380 00:18:13,793 --> 00:18:17,195 Narrator: Paul martino contacts michael pierce, 381 00:18:17,197 --> 00:18:19,831 A fellow venture capitalist and former movie producer 382 00:18:19,899 --> 00:18:23,501 With a track record of successful films. 383 00:18:23,569 --> 00:18:25,336 So, I read the script. He had hired someone 384 00:18:25,404 --> 00:18:27,438 To write the script, and it was not a bad script. 385 00:18:27,507 --> 00:18:30,274 So, I said, "you know what? As a side pet project, 386 00:18:30,276 --> 00:18:33,077 Let me tinker with this for a while." 387 00:18:33,145 --> 00:18:36,113 Narrator: With that, paul martino thinks he's found a way 388 00:18:36,182 --> 00:18:40,051 To make his movie-making dreams come true. 389 00:18:41,987 --> 00:18:45,055 Up next, the entrepreneur with a screenplay 390 00:18:45,124 --> 00:18:48,960 Comes face-to-face with hollywood's dark side... 391 00:18:49,028 --> 00:18:50,294 Martino: The line producer calls me up. 392 00:18:50,362 --> 00:18:51,963 He says, "paul, why is there no money 393 00:18:52,031 --> 00:18:53,731 In the production account?" 394 00:18:53,733 --> 00:18:57,768 Narrator: ...And takes on a mission to expose the con men. 395 00:18:57,837 --> 00:19:00,370 Martino: I said, "ben, I promise you 396 00:19:00,440 --> 00:19:03,774 This will be an outstanding episode of 'american greed.' 397 00:19:03,843 --> 00:19:07,745 It will be my life goal to make sure that episode happens." 398 00:19:07,747 --> 00:19:12,383 ♪♪ 399 00:19:16,822 --> 00:19:21,959 ♪♪ 400 00:19:22,028 --> 00:19:26,864 Narrator: In early 2015, serial entrepreneur paul martino 401 00:19:26,932 --> 00:19:28,532 Makes a career shift -- 402 00:19:28,534 --> 00:19:31,435 From venture capital to filmmaking 403 00:19:31,504 --> 00:19:35,339 With the production of his movie, "inside game." 404 00:19:35,408 --> 00:19:37,408 This is like any other startup company. 405 00:19:37,476 --> 00:19:38,742 What do I need to go do? 406 00:19:38,811 --> 00:19:40,177 It's like, "okay, we need a director. 407 00:19:40,246 --> 00:19:42,379 We need to figure out what the budget is." 408 00:19:42,448 --> 00:19:45,382 Martino and his new partner, michael pierce, 409 00:19:45,451 --> 00:19:49,486 Anticipate needing about $4 million to make the film. 410 00:19:49,555 --> 00:19:52,389 And while martino is hugely successful, 411 00:19:52,458 --> 00:19:55,058 He doesn't want to take on all the risk. 412 00:19:55,128 --> 00:19:57,094 Martino: I said, "look, michael, I'm good for half that. 413 00:19:57,162 --> 00:19:58,462 I have a couple buddies of mine 414 00:19:58,531 --> 00:20:00,864 And we'll put up -- call it about $2 million. 415 00:20:00,933 --> 00:20:03,400 Can you figure out how we do the rest?" 416 00:20:03,469 --> 00:20:05,703 Narrator: Pierce hires a line producer 417 00:20:05,771 --> 00:20:08,005 And tasks him with finding a way 418 00:20:08,073 --> 00:20:10,340 To finance the other half of the film, 419 00:20:10,410 --> 00:20:13,444 And the producer comes back with a lead -- 420 00:20:13,512 --> 00:20:15,345 Weathervane productions. 421 00:20:15,415 --> 00:20:19,049 He says, "I have found a financing arrangement 422 00:20:19,051 --> 00:20:20,851 That is foolproof, 423 00:20:20,920 --> 00:20:24,755 And it requires only half of the capital 424 00:20:24,824 --> 00:20:26,824 And they'll give us the other half." 425 00:20:26,892 --> 00:20:28,626 I said, "okay, well, that sounds good. 426 00:20:28,694 --> 00:20:30,227 It's a matching deal." 427 00:20:30,295 --> 00:20:32,596 I said, "who are these guys and what have they done?" 428 00:20:32,598 --> 00:20:35,899 Narrator: The guys are executive producer jason van eman 429 00:20:35,968 --> 00:20:38,802 And wealthy investor benjamin mcconley. 430 00:20:38,871 --> 00:20:40,204 Through weathervane productions, 431 00:20:40,273 --> 00:20:43,274 They have financed several independent films 432 00:20:43,342 --> 00:20:46,910 And are in production on many more. 433 00:20:46,912 --> 00:20:50,247 We did our reference calls on who weathervane and jason 434 00:20:50,316 --> 00:20:52,649 And his business partner, ben mcconley, were. 435 00:20:52,718 --> 00:20:55,186 We found other people who had made films with them. 436 00:20:55,254 --> 00:20:57,387 Narrator: Michael pierce calls a reference 437 00:20:57,389 --> 00:21:00,590 At one of the largest talent agencies in hollywood 438 00:21:00,660 --> 00:21:02,059 And likes what he hears. 439 00:21:02,127 --> 00:21:03,994 Pierce: She said, "well, they seem to have money, 440 00:21:04,063 --> 00:21:06,830 And they have a lending facility 441 00:21:06,899 --> 00:21:10,067 With wells fargo bank out of miami." 442 00:21:10,136 --> 00:21:11,468 I said, "really, wells fargo? 443 00:21:11,537 --> 00:21:14,105 Wow, that's one of the oldest and most esteemed 444 00:21:14,173 --> 00:21:15,539 Lending institutions in america, 445 00:21:15,608 --> 00:21:18,275 So that sounds like it's legit to me, right?" 446 00:21:18,344 --> 00:21:21,478 She says, "well, we haven't had any issues so far." 447 00:21:21,547 --> 00:21:24,415 Narrator: The agreement is relatively simple -- 448 00:21:24,483 --> 00:21:26,550 Martino and pierce would send their half 449 00:21:26,619 --> 00:21:30,020 To ben mcconley's personal wells fargo banker, 450 00:21:30,089 --> 00:21:33,056 Benjamin rafael, in florida, 451 00:21:33,126 --> 00:21:37,027 And rafael will certify and manage the accounts. 452 00:21:37,096 --> 00:21:38,295 Martino: Ben was presented to us 453 00:21:38,363 --> 00:21:41,698 As a very successful multimillionaire 454 00:21:41,767 --> 00:21:43,567 From a very wealthy family. 455 00:21:43,636 --> 00:21:45,803 He is able to collateralize your money 456 00:21:45,871 --> 00:21:48,772 Up against his other assets to produce the match. 457 00:21:48,774 --> 00:21:49,873 So, we talked to the banker. 458 00:21:49,942 --> 00:21:51,842 I got on the phone with him in miami, 459 00:21:51,844 --> 00:21:54,945 And it all checked out. 460 00:21:55,013 --> 00:21:58,115 Narrator: Before sending his $1.25 million 461 00:21:58,183 --> 00:21:59,983 To weathervane, as a final precaution, 462 00:22:00,052 --> 00:22:02,019 Martino decides to have the contracts 463 00:22:02,087 --> 00:22:05,956 Reviewed one more time by his business partner, 464 00:22:06,025 --> 00:22:07,958 A securities lawyer. 465 00:22:08,027 --> 00:22:10,527 It haunts me to this day what he said to me. 466 00:22:10,596 --> 00:22:13,731 "this contract is weird, but it's ironclad. 467 00:22:13,799 --> 00:22:15,699 Unless they have somebody inside the bank, 468 00:22:15,701 --> 00:22:18,035 There's no way you can lose your money." 469 00:22:20,339 --> 00:22:22,306 Narrator: In may of 2015, 470 00:22:22,374 --> 00:22:25,542 Martino wires the money to mcconley's account. 471 00:22:25,611 --> 00:22:30,380 And that summer, pre-production on "inside game" gets underway. 472 00:22:30,382 --> 00:22:32,783 All seems to be going smoothly... 473 00:22:32,852 --> 00:22:35,418 Until it isn't. 474 00:22:35,420 --> 00:22:36,586 Martino: We're doing preproduction work. 475 00:22:36,656 --> 00:22:37,855 We're scouting locations. 476 00:22:37,923 --> 00:22:39,456 We're interviewing directors. 477 00:22:39,458 --> 00:22:41,759 And then eventually we get to the spot 478 00:22:41,827 --> 00:22:43,360 Where the line producer now needs 479 00:22:43,429 --> 00:22:45,663 To have access to the production budget 480 00:22:45,731 --> 00:22:50,033 'cause he needs to start writing checks to go secure locations. 481 00:22:50,035 --> 00:22:51,302 The line producer calls me up. 482 00:22:51,370 --> 00:22:52,703 He says, "paul, why is there no money 483 00:22:52,772 --> 00:22:56,039 In the production account?" 484 00:22:56,108 --> 00:22:58,142 Narrator: There's supposed to be about $4 million 485 00:22:58,210 --> 00:23:00,244 In their production account, 486 00:23:00,312 --> 00:23:03,513 But the balance is zero. 487 00:23:03,583 --> 00:23:07,050 Michael and I are like, "look, that money needed to be there." 488 00:23:07,119 --> 00:23:08,719 We're calling ben. We're calling jason. 489 00:23:08,787 --> 00:23:10,220 We're calling the bank. 490 00:23:10,289 --> 00:23:12,155 "you know, what's going on here?" 491 00:23:12,225 --> 00:23:13,257 Pierce: And they said, "oh, it's coming. 492 00:23:13,325 --> 00:23:14,658 We just got a little held up, 493 00:23:14,727 --> 00:23:16,794 And we have, you know, five movies in production. 494 00:23:16,862 --> 00:23:20,397 It'll be here in, you know, two or three weeks." 495 00:23:20,466 --> 00:23:24,668 Three weeks go by and money doesn't get to the account, 496 00:23:24,737 --> 00:23:27,004 And I'm starting to realize this is bad. 497 00:23:27,072 --> 00:23:28,939 This is bad. 498 00:23:30,742 --> 00:23:33,610 Narrator: Paul martino decides it's time to figure out 499 00:23:33,679 --> 00:23:35,846 Just how bad it is... 500 00:23:35,915 --> 00:23:37,348 And hires a private investigator 501 00:23:37,416 --> 00:23:40,551 To look into the man with the money. 502 00:23:40,619 --> 00:23:42,953 Martino: I said, "listen, I've got somebody I need you 503 00:23:43,021 --> 00:23:45,556 To go check in on in miami. 504 00:23:45,624 --> 00:23:49,026 Would you please go take a look at ben mcconley?" 505 00:23:49,094 --> 00:23:51,194 He goes, he observes his behavior, 506 00:23:51,263 --> 00:23:53,564 He looks at bank accounts. 507 00:23:56,035 --> 00:23:57,801 Narrator: 48 hours later, 508 00:23:57,870 --> 00:24:01,939 The investigator calls martino with an update, 509 00:24:01,941 --> 00:24:04,808 And it's all bad news. 510 00:24:04,877 --> 00:24:07,178 Martino: He goes, "paul, your money's all gone. 511 00:24:07,246 --> 00:24:09,312 This guy stole it all." 512 00:24:09,314 --> 00:24:10,647 And so, I call michael up. 513 00:24:10,716 --> 00:24:13,216 I go, "michael, it's exactly what you thought. 514 00:24:13,286 --> 00:24:16,387 And our investigator is 100% certain that the money is gone, 515 00:24:16,455 --> 00:24:19,089 100% certain, no doubt in his mind." 516 00:24:19,158 --> 00:24:21,792 Narrator: What makes the p.I. So sure? 517 00:24:21,860 --> 00:24:25,328 It's all laid out in his damaging dossier -- 518 00:24:25,398 --> 00:24:29,467 A document laying bare ben mcconley's outrageous lifestyle, 519 00:24:29,535 --> 00:24:34,471 His financial information, and his alleged criminal record. 520 00:24:34,539 --> 00:24:36,573 And it was everything michael and I was worried 521 00:24:36,642 --> 00:24:37,975 That this report was gonna say. 522 00:24:38,043 --> 00:24:39,509 Pierce: Our worst fears were realized 523 00:24:39,579 --> 00:24:41,312 'cause I just thought, "great, 524 00:24:41,380 --> 00:24:43,313 He's got a fleet of exotic cars. 525 00:24:43,315 --> 00:24:44,715 He frequents clubs 526 00:24:44,717 --> 00:24:47,885 And spends $20,000 on bottle service every night. 527 00:24:47,953 --> 00:24:51,121 Geez, I wonder where our money went." 528 00:24:51,190 --> 00:24:55,225 Ben mcconley is brazenly spending lavish amounts of money 529 00:24:55,227 --> 00:24:56,727 All around south florida, 530 00:24:56,795 --> 00:24:59,496 And it is all documented on social media, 531 00:24:59,498 --> 00:25:01,898 With his girlfriend -- and later wife -- 532 00:25:01,967 --> 00:25:05,836 An instagram "model" for whom mcconley employs 533 00:25:05,905 --> 00:25:09,740 Personal photographers for her weekly photo shoots. 534 00:25:09,808 --> 00:25:11,708 When you pictured a person 535 00:25:11,777 --> 00:25:14,578 That would steal your money in a scandal, 536 00:25:14,647 --> 00:25:16,713 You would picture him living the lifestyle 537 00:25:16,782 --> 00:25:18,449 Of ben mcconley in miami. 538 00:25:18,517 --> 00:25:24,989 The model instagram girlfriend, the fancy cars, the big house. 539 00:25:25,057 --> 00:25:27,558 The p.I. Unearthed that his girlfriend was now pregnant 540 00:25:27,626 --> 00:25:29,793 And that they had this baby shower. 541 00:25:29,862 --> 00:25:31,394 He said, "I think they spent a million dollars 542 00:25:31,464 --> 00:25:32,796 On this baby shower." 543 00:25:32,798 --> 00:25:34,231 So, when you're picturing somebody 544 00:25:34,299 --> 00:25:36,467 Who's gonna steal money from you 545 00:25:36,535 --> 00:25:39,002 And spend it like it's not theirs, 546 00:25:39,004 --> 00:25:41,238 You're picturing ben mcconley. 547 00:25:43,542 --> 00:25:44,875 Narrator: With their money gone, 548 00:25:44,943 --> 00:25:48,045 Martino and pierce make the tough decision 549 00:25:48,113 --> 00:25:50,848 To stop production of "inside game." 550 00:25:52,051 --> 00:25:57,321 Next, paul martino is not giving up without a fight. 551 00:25:57,389 --> 00:25:59,290 Martino: You know that the whole house of cards 552 00:25:59,358 --> 00:26:00,691 Has now collapsed on itself. 553 00:26:00,759 --> 00:26:03,827 There is no new money coming into the system. 554 00:26:03,896 --> 00:26:07,764 And that's when I got the bright idea how to go after these guys. 555 00:26:07,833 --> 00:26:13,304 ♪♪ 556 00:26:16,909 --> 00:26:21,511 ♪♪ 557 00:26:21,580 --> 00:26:25,782 Narrator: In the fall of 2015, paul martino and michael pierce 558 00:26:25,851 --> 00:26:30,120 Should be filming their indie movie, "inside game," 559 00:26:30,189 --> 00:26:33,256 But their $4 million budget has vanished, 560 00:26:33,325 --> 00:26:35,525 And they suspect that their financiers -- 561 00:26:35,594 --> 00:26:38,128 Jason van eman and ben mcconley -- 562 00:26:38,197 --> 00:26:41,064 Are running a ponzi scheme. 563 00:26:41,133 --> 00:26:44,735 Martino: They probably used money from later projects to fund 564 00:26:44,803 --> 00:26:47,137 A few projects that we got the good references for, 565 00:26:47,206 --> 00:26:48,706 And they ran out of money 566 00:26:48,774 --> 00:26:50,807 By the time it was time to do our project. 567 00:26:50,876 --> 00:26:53,944 I just remember that pit-in-my-stomach feeling of, 568 00:26:54,013 --> 00:26:55,278 "this really happened. 569 00:26:55,347 --> 00:26:58,815 I'm the person who got duped and I brought other people with me." 570 00:26:58,884 --> 00:27:01,684 That's a horrible feeling. 571 00:27:01,686 --> 00:27:04,555 Narrator: Most of paul martino's career has been spent 572 00:27:04,623 --> 00:27:07,257 In the tech industry in silicon valley, 573 00:27:07,326 --> 00:27:11,161 So, he pulls in his it team to develop a website alert 574 00:27:11,230 --> 00:27:14,197 That pops up any time someone searches the internet 575 00:27:14,266 --> 00:27:18,134 For key words related to weathervane productions. 576 00:27:18,204 --> 00:27:21,171 The pop-up details his allegations of fraud 577 00:27:21,240 --> 00:27:25,976 And asks anyone with concerns to contact paul martino. 578 00:27:26,044 --> 00:27:28,945 Martino: And over the course of six or so months, 579 00:27:28,947 --> 00:27:32,048 Almost 30 different people called me on that phone number. 580 00:27:32,050 --> 00:27:34,317 And those calls, they were all over the map. 581 00:27:34,319 --> 00:27:36,853 Some of them were, "these guys stole my money." 582 00:27:36,922 --> 00:27:39,522 Some of them were, "I'm thinking about working with them. 583 00:27:39,592 --> 00:27:41,224 What do you think?" 584 00:27:41,293 --> 00:27:43,760 Boy, this pissed ben and jason off. 585 00:27:43,762 --> 00:27:46,063 They knew my phone was gonna ring every time 586 00:27:46,131 --> 00:27:48,331 They were trying to reel in another fish. 587 00:27:48,333 --> 00:27:52,536 Narrator: Martino gathers a list of other producers and investors 588 00:27:52,604 --> 00:27:57,107 Who claim they have lost their money to weathervane deals. 589 00:27:57,176 --> 00:27:59,342 Martino: We know that we're victims of fraud. 590 00:27:59,411 --> 00:28:02,745 We know that these are criminal actors on the other side 591 00:28:02,747 --> 00:28:04,014 And our objective is really now 592 00:28:04,082 --> 00:28:05,816 Just to collect enough information 593 00:28:05,884 --> 00:28:08,985 To try and go after them and I remember telling ben, 594 00:28:09,054 --> 00:28:11,021 "at some point, somebody's gonna call me from the fbi 595 00:28:11,090 --> 00:28:13,424 And ask for all the names I found." 596 00:28:13,492 --> 00:28:18,995 ♪♪ 597 00:28:19,064 --> 00:28:24,301 ♪♪ 598 00:28:24,369 --> 00:28:28,705 Narrator: In 2016, assistant u.S. Attorney christopher browne 599 00:28:28,773 --> 00:28:30,773 Begins fielding complaints 600 00:28:30,775 --> 00:28:33,711 About a possible film-financing fraud. 601 00:28:33,779 --> 00:28:35,546 Browne: Several victims told us 602 00:28:35,614 --> 00:28:38,515 That they had been looking for financing. 603 00:28:38,584 --> 00:28:42,719 Many of them to make movies and that they initially approached 604 00:28:42,787 --> 00:28:45,155 Or were approached by a company called 605 00:28:45,224 --> 00:28:47,124 Weathervane productions, 606 00:28:47,192 --> 00:28:50,461 And its principal, jason van eman. 607 00:28:50,529 --> 00:28:53,263 Narrator: Fbi special agent mark soucy 608 00:28:53,332 --> 00:28:54,998 Is brought in to investigate 609 00:28:55,000 --> 00:28:59,136 And is quickly alerted to paul martino. 610 00:28:59,204 --> 00:29:01,839 Paul was one of those victims when I spoke to 611 00:29:01,841 --> 00:29:03,340 That I just could not believe 612 00:29:03,408 --> 00:29:07,010 That he would lose all his money to these individuals. 613 00:29:07,079 --> 00:29:09,812 Martino: So I'm on the phone, and mark is being polite, 614 00:29:09,814 --> 00:29:11,381 And he's kind of like, "you know, paul, 615 00:29:11,450 --> 00:29:13,083 We think that you might have been a victim of a crime." 616 00:29:13,151 --> 00:29:14,885 I said, "yeah, I-I know I was the victim of a crime. 617 00:29:14,953 --> 00:29:16,186 By the way, would you like to see the report 618 00:29:16,255 --> 00:29:17,387 I got from the p.I.?" 619 00:29:17,389 --> 00:29:18,889 He's like, "yes, I would." 620 00:29:18,957 --> 00:29:20,657 "oh, by the way, I set up a website, 621 00:29:20,725 --> 00:29:23,760 And I found 30 other victims and references. 622 00:29:23,828 --> 00:29:25,662 Would you like to speak with them?" 623 00:29:25,664 --> 00:29:27,798 He's like, "yeah, yeah, 624 00:29:27,866 --> 00:29:30,167 I-I would like to speak with them." 625 00:29:30,235 --> 00:29:33,971 So, paul martino was unique in this investigation. 626 00:29:33,973 --> 00:29:37,508 And a lot of referrals and a lot of victims 627 00:29:37,576 --> 00:29:41,778 Came to the fbi through that source. 628 00:29:41,846 --> 00:29:43,646 Narrator: The investigation team learns 629 00:29:43,648 --> 00:29:48,218 That while the largest loss is a staggering $28 million, 630 00:29:48,287 --> 00:29:51,922 The vast majority of victims are much smaller players, 631 00:29:51,990 --> 00:29:54,691 Creative individuals scraping together funds 632 00:29:54,759 --> 00:29:57,093 To realize a dream. 633 00:29:57,162 --> 00:30:00,663 Jason van eman and ben mcconley had promised to help 634 00:30:00,665 --> 00:30:03,600 Make those dreams come true, 635 00:30:03,669 --> 00:30:05,602 But it's all lies. 636 00:30:05,604 --> 00:30:08,605 Browne: They targeted a pretty small insular community, 637 00:30:08,673 --> 00:30:10,073 You know, of creatives, 638 00:30:10,142 --> 00:30:13,676 Of people who are in this independent-film world, 639 00:30:13,678 --> 00:30:15,345 Who really, you know, need financing 640 00:30:15,414 --> 00:30:18,014 Because they don't have big studios backing them. 641 00:30:18,083 --> 00:30:21,251 So, they put a lot of trust in these defendants 642 00:30:21,320 --> 00:30:25,655 And ultimately that -- that trust was betrayed. 643 00:30:25,724 --> 00:30:27,457 Narrator: Investigators also learn 644 00:30:27,526 --> 00:30:31,961 That ben mcconley's so-called private banker, benjamin rafael, 645 00:30:32,031 --> 00:30:34,965 Is simply a mid-level bank employee 646 00:30:35,033 --> 00:30:38,601 Recruited by mcconley to participate in the fraud. 647 00:30:38,671 --> 00:30:40,237 Agent soucy discovers 648 00:30:40,305 --> 00:30:43,874 That rafael was fired from the bank in 2015, 649 00:30:43,942 --> 00:30:46,042 Yet he continues to provide fake, 650 00:30:46,111 --> 00:30:47,377 Official-looking bank letters 651 00:30:47,446 --> 00:30:51,048 To van eman and mcconley to give to their investors 652 00:30:51,116 --> 00:30:54,051 About the security of their accounts. 653 00:30:54,053 --> 00:30:56,720 Soucy: What we found is there was no secure account. 654 00:30:56,788 --> 00:30:58,621 It was forrest capital partners, 655 00:30:58,691 --> 00:31:02,092 Benjamin mcconley's business checking account at wells fargo. 656 00:31:02,160 --> 00:31:03,993 That's solely what it was. 657 00:31:04,063 --> 00:31:07,397 And a giant portion of investor money was moved 658 00:31:07,466 --> 00:31:11,401 And spent nearly immediately. 659 00:31:11,470 --> 00:31:12,936 Narrator: The fbi calculates 660 00:31:13,005 --> 00:31:14,404 That over the course of seven years, 661 00:31:14,473 --> 00:31:17,540 More than $68 million moves into 662 00:31:17,542 --> 00:31:20,343 And quickly out of mcconley's account -- 663 00:31:20,345 --> 00:31:24,014 Much of it spent as fast as he could get it. 664 00:31:24,082 --> 00:31:27,217 Soucy: Social media was full of benjamin mcconley 665 00:31:27,286 --> 00:31:28,418 And livia mcconley. 666 00:31:28,487 --> 00:31:30,954 Her instagram accounts, twitter, 667 00:31:31,023 --> 00:31:35,558 Were filled with luxury travel, luxury clothing. 668 00:31:35,627 --> 00:31:38,028 At one point, he was spending tens of thousands of dollars 669 00:31:38,096 --> 00:31:42,432 A month just on flowers for his wife with all victim money. 670 00:31:42,501 --> 00:31:46,002 Narrator: Investigators trace approximately $20 million 671 00:31:46,004 --> 00:31:48,605 Of the fraudulent proceeds to a company controlled 672 00:31:48,673 --> 00:31:50,173 By jason van eman, 673 00:31:50,242 --> 00:31:52,442 And he alone decides how much to keep 674 00:31:52,511 --> 00:31:56,379 And how much to send to his various investors. 675 00:31:56,381 --> 00:31:58,415 Soucy: Some of these projects would get desperate. 676 00:31:58,483 --> 00:32:00,583 They had time deadlines they had to meet. 677 00:32:00,585 --> 00:32:03,353 They had actors' schedules they had to keep up with. 678 00:32:03,422 --> 00:32:05,922 At times, mr. Van eman would send them 679 00:32:05,990 --> 00:32:09,660 Just pieces of the money to keep the project going. 680 00:32:09,728 --> 00:32:12,529 Some projects didn't receive any of the money 681 00:32:12,597 --> 00:32:14,197 That went to jason. 682 00:32:14,266 --> 00:32:17,266 Narrator: Next, as the investigation continues, 683 00:32:17,268 --> 00:32:20,403 Weathervane productions is still operational. 684 00:32:20,405 --> 00:32:22,673 And they have a new stream of income, 685 00:32:22,741 --> 00:32:24,941 And it's not coming from hollywood 686 00:32:25,009 --> 00:32:27,710 But all the way on the other coast. 687 00:32:27,780 --> 00:32:32,315 These were individuals, writers, producers that were involved 688 00:32:32,317 --> 00:32:34,384 In some of the most well-known broadway shows 689 00:32:34,453 --> 00:32:36,653 Over the past 25 years. 690 00:32:36,722 --> 00:32:42,726 ♪♪ 691 00:32:45,664 --> 00:32:51,568 ♪♪ 692 00:32:51,636 --> 00:32:55,939 Narrator: In 2018, jason van eman and ben mcconley 693 00:32:56,007 --> 00:32:58,975 Have been feeling the heat in hollywood. 694 00:32:59,043 --> 00:33:01,210 Their firm, weathervane productions, 695 00:33:01,280 --> 00:33:04,847 Is facing multiple lawsuits and investors are hounding them 696 00:33:04,917 --> 00:33:06,349 For their money. 697 00:33:06,351 --> 00:33:08,719 Desperate for a new stream of income, 698 00:33:08,787 --> 00:33:11,521 The duo finds it in the big apple. 699 00:33:11,590 --> 00:33:16,092 Word got out, especially in the independent-film community, 700 00:33:16,094 --> 00:33:19,629 And as a result, they decided not to stop their fraud, 701 00:33:19,698 --> 00:33:23,433 But to keep it rolling and they began targeting producers 702 00:33:23,502 --> 00:33:27,303 In the broadway and theater-production business. 703 00:33:27,372 --> 00:33:30,206 Narrator: Jason van eman also bills himself 704 00:33:30,275 --> 00:33:31,974 As a theater financier 705 00:33:32,044 --> 00:33:35,545 And starts adding new victims to his portfolio. 706 00:33:35,614 --> 00:33:38,749 Soucy: They did a smaller project, penn & teller, 707 00:33:38,817 --> 00:33:43,352 That was somewhat successful and then word of mouth took off 708 00:33:43,422 --> 00:33:45,688 That there was another source of funding. 709 00:33:45,757 --> 00:33:48,891 Many projects that they went into business with 710 00:33:48,961 --> 00:33:50,893 Never got a penny back. 711 00:33:50,895 --> 00:33:54,497 Browne: We saw victims being impacted in really serious ways 712 00:33:54,499 --> 00:33:56,867 Where it wasn't just their production 713 00:33:56,935 --> 00:33:58,568 That was being shut down. 714 00:33:58,637 --> 00:34:00,871 I mean, their reputations, and in some cases, their careers 715 00:34:00,939 --> 00:34:02,639 Were destroyed by this fraud. 716 00:34:02,707 --> 00:34:06,008 Ultimately their projects were doomed 717 00:34:06,010 --> 00:34:07,577 Because of their association 718 00:34:07,646 --> 00:34:09,780 With mr. Van eman and mr. Mcconley 719 00:34:09,848 --> 00:34:14,250 And not coming through with the funding they promised. 720 00:34:14,319 --> 00:34:16,887 Myself and the prosecution wanted this to end. 721 00:34:16,955 --> 00:34:24,527 ♪♪ 722 00:34:24,596 --> 00:34:29,232 Narrator: In the summer of 2019, jason van eman, ben mcconley, 723 00:34:29,301 --> 00:34:32,602 And benjamin rafael are all indicted 724 00:34:32,671 --> 00:34:34,337 On multiple counts of fraud 725 00:34:34,406 --> 00:34:38,875 In their alleged $68 million finance scheme. 726 00:34:38,944 --> 00:34:42,078 A month later, fbi special agent mark soucy 727 00:34:42,147 --> 00:34:46,416 Locates ben mcconley at a posh miami resort. 728 00:34:46,485 --> 00:34:48,618 Soucy: From the moment I walked through his hotel door 729 00:34:48,687 --> 00:34:53,289 And put handcuffs on him, he looked like he was relieved. 730 00:34:53,358 --> 00:34:55,125 It almost looked like this burden 731 00:34:55,193 --> 00:34:56,827 Was lifted off his shoulders. 732 00:34:56,895 --> 00:35:00,897 Narrator: On the same day, the fbi arrests jason van eman 733 00:35:00,965 --> 00:35:03,499 At his home in bartlesville, oklahoma. 734 00:35:03,568 --> 00:35:08,504 Benjamin rafael is arrested at his home in miami. 735 00:35:08,506 --> 00:35:10,540 Within a week, ben mcconley agrees 736 00:35:10,609 --> 00:35:12,775 To fully cooperate with the government. 737 00:35:12,777 --> 00:35:17,447 He pleads guilty and on September 14, 2021, 738 00:35:17,516 --> 00:35:22,184 Is sentenced to 13 years in federal prison. 739 00:35:22,186 --> 00:35:24,520 Rafael is equally cooperative 740 00:35:24,589 --> 00:35:28,591 And ultimately is sentenced to 42 months. 741 00:35:28,660 --> 00:35:32,863 Jason van eman, however, has other ideas. 742 00:35:32,931 --> 00:35:42,205 ♪♪ 743 00:35:42,273 --> 00:35:45,241 At the u.S. Federal building in fort lauderdale, 744 00:35:45,310 --> 00:35:50,113 The trial of 44-year-old jason van eman begins. 745 00:35:50,181 --> 00:35:52,348 Assistant u.S. Attorney christopher browne 746 00:35:52,417 --> 00:35:56,052 Relies heavily on victims to make his case. 747 00:35:56,121 --> 00:35:59,355 We called 15 different victims to the stand 748 00:35:59,424 --> 00:36:01,557 During this six-week-long trial 749 00:36:01,626 --> 00:36:05,995 Because we knew the victims, they were telling the truth. 750 00:36:06,064 --> 00:36:08,030 Narrator: Including michael pierce, 751 00:36:08,100 --> 00:36:09,966 Who takes the stand and tells the jury 752 00:36:09,968 --> 00:36:15,037 About sharing prophetic words with van eman two years prior. 753 00:36:15,107 --> 00:36:17,640 Pierce: I said, "jason, I'm sad to say this to you, 754 00:36:17,642 --> 00:36:20,176 But the next time you hear me talk, 755 00:36:20,245 --> 00:36:22,378 It will be in a federal trial, 756 00:36:22,447 --> 00:36:24,714 And you will be going to jail, I promise you." 757 00:36:24,783 --> 00:36:26,716 And he said, "'f' you," and then he hung up. 758 00:36:26,785 --> 00:36:29,085 That's the last time I spoke to him. 759 00:36:29,154 --> 00:36:33,389 And, of course, I saw him in trial two years later. 760 00:36:33,458 --> 00:36:36,526 Narrator: Paul martino also takes the stand, 761 00:36:36,594 --> 00:36:40,463 Coming face-to-face with van eman for the first time. 762 00:36:40,532 --> 00:36:42,665 Martino: He was sitting where he deserved to be sitting -- 763 00:36:42,667 --> 00:36:45,601 Defending himself in a court for a crime he committed. 764 00:36:45,670 --> 00:36:47,069 That's where he deserved to be. 765 00:36:47,139 --> 00:36:48,338 And I was very satisfied 766 00:36:48,406 --> 00:36:50,941 When I finally got to see him sitting there. 767 00:36:51,009 --> 00:36:54,410 Browne: We also wanted the jury to see that the bank accounts, 768 00:36:54,479 --> 00:36:55,578 The brokerage accounts, 769 00:36:55,647 --> 00:36:57,647 All of these financial institutions 770 00:36:57,716 --> 00:37:01,183 Where they believed their money was being held safe and sound, 771 00:37:01,253 --> 00:37:02,685 Those accounts were all empty. 772 00:37:02,754 --> 00:37:06,489 Ben mcconley knew it, and jason van eman knew it. 773 00:37:06,558 --> 00:37:09,492 Narrator: Next, the former leading man opts 774 00:37:09,494 --> 00:37:12,128 To take on the role of a lifetime -- 775 00:37:12,197 --> 00:37:15,264 Key witness at his own fraud trial. 776 00:37:15,266 --> 00:37:17,199 Browne: He tried to convince the jury 777 00:37:17,201 --> 00:37:18,768 That he just wanted to make movies 778 00:37:18,837 --> 00:37:22,272 And that anything illegal or fraudulent that happened 779 00:37:22,340 --> 00:37:25,742 Was the fault of ben mcconley and ben rafael. 780 00:37:25,810 --> 00:37:31,581 ♪♪ 781 00:37:34,819 --> 00:37:40,357 ♪♪ 782 00:37:40,359 --> 00:37:45,795 ♪♪ 783 00:37:45,797 --> 00:37:47,697 Narrator: In April 2022, 784 00:37:47,766 --> 00:37:50,400 During the fraud trial of jason van eman, 785 00:37:50,468 --> 00:37:53,836 The u.S. Attorney's office calls their star witness, 786 00:37:53,905 --> 00:37:56,238 Benjamin rafael. 787 00:37:56,240 --> 00:37:58,775 The former wells fargo bank employee 788 00:37:58,843 --> 00:38:01,343 Who furthered the scheme by deceiving victims 789 00:38:01,345 --> 00:38:03,813 About the security of their funds. 790 00:38:03,882 --> 00:38:05,782 Rafael testifies that van eman 791 00:38:05,850 --> 00:38:09,685 Not only knew about false bank documents, 792 00:38:09,754 --> 00:38:11,087 He helped to create them. 793 00:38:11,155 --> 00:38:13,089 Browne: In terms of who controlled 794 00:38:13,157 --> 00:38:15,692 What the victims heard, what the victims saw, 795 00:38:15,760 --> 00:38:18,694 Who controlled the flow of communication 796 00:38:18,763 --> 00:38:19,728 With these movie people, 797 00:38:19,730 --> 00:38:22,431 The producers and the victims in this case, 798 00:38:22,501 --> 00:38:24,066 That was all jason van eman. 799 00:38:24,135 --> 00:38:28,304 He was the face of this fraud scheme. 800 00:38:28,373 --> 00:38:32,174 Narrator: Van eman's attorney says rafael isn't credible 801 00:38:32,244 --> 00:38:34,176 And that he only blamed jason van eman 802 00:38:34,246 --> 00:38:37,547 To work out a lesser sentence. 803 00:38:37,615 --> 00:38:40,983 Karadbil: Jason van eman absolutely did not know 804 00:38:41,052 --> 00:38:44,754 That ben rafael was a fraud. 805 00:38:44,823 --> 00:38:47,089 And that he was purposefully 806 00:38:47,159 --> 00:38:49,626 Writing fraudulent correspondence. 807 00:38:49,694 --> 00:38:53,396 He looked at ben rafael like any other banker 808 00:38:53,465 --> 00:38:58,301 That he came in contact with through ben mcconley. 809 00:38:59,804 --> 00:39:01,538 Narrator: A few weeks into the trial, 810 00:39:01,606 --> 00:39:04,407 It's van eman's turn to take the stand. 811 00:39:04,475 --> 00:39:06,309 He denies any wrongdoing 812 00:39:06,311 --> 00:39:10,546 And claims he is totally innocent of all charges. 813 00:39:10,615 --> 00:39:13,416 Karadbil: He wanted to tell the jury his belief 814 00:39:13,485 --> 00:39:17,119 And -- and perception as to what was occurring. 815 00:39:17,189 --> 00:39:23,726 The fact that ben mcconley was consistently telling him 816 00:39:23,794 --> 00:39:27,796 All the same lies that he eventually had to pass on 817 00:39:27,798 --> 00:39:30,700 To the victim investors. 818 00:39:30,769 --> 00:39:33,503 Browne: The idea that jason van eman, 819 00:39:33,571 --> 00:39:35,905 After being in business with ben mcconley 820 00:39:35,974 --> 00:39:37,773 For almost eight years, 821 00:39:37,842 --> 00:39:41,444 And being sued dozens of times by all these victim investors, 822 00:39:41,513 --> 00:39:46,049 The idea that he had no idea was a little bit of a stretch. 823 00:39:47,752 --> 00:39:51,654 Narrator: The jury does not believe jason van eman. 824 00:39:51,723 --> 00:39:55,324 They find him guilty on all counts. 825 00:39:55,393 --> 00:39:59,329 Two months later, on July 21, 2022, 826 00:39:59,397 --> 00:40:04,367 He is sentenced to almost 22 years in federal prison. 827 00:40:04,435 --> 00:40:06,602 Browne: Jason van eman, at some point, 828 00:40:06,671 --> 00:40:08,805 Instead of producing his own movies, 829 00:40:08,873 --> 00:40:11,741 Writing his own scripts and making it that way, 830 00:40:11,810 --> 00:40:14,610 He decided to be a fake film financier, 831 00:40:14,679 --> 00:40:17,046 And I say he was fake because he didn't have money 832 00:40:17,115 --> 00:40:18,981 To produce other people's movies. 833 00:40:19,050 --> 00:40:21,650 He had to steal it. 834 00:40:21,652 --> 00:40:24,587 Narrator: Two of his victims, paul martino and michael pierce, 835 00:40:24,656 --> 00:40:26,989 Are able to get some money back. 836 00:40:27,058 --> 00:40:28,457 Not from van eman, 837 00:40:28,527 --> 00:40:32,362 But from wells fargo bank, suing for negligence. 838 00:40:32,430 --> 00:40:36,499 They dragged us along for eight months like they do just, 839 00:40:36,567 --> 00:40:39,435 Trying to get us to give up, but we didn't. 840 00:40:39,503 --> 00:40:43,272 And to their credit, we settled. 841 00:40:43,274 --> 00:40:44,807 Narrator: Wells fargo declined 842 00:40:44,876 --> 00:40:47,243 "american greed's" request for comment. 843 00:40:47,312 --> 00:40:49,579 The settlement terms are confidential, 844 00:40:49,647 --> 00:40:52,648 But martino and pierce are both satisfied 845 00:40:52,717 --> 00:40:55,952 That they recouped much of their loss, 846 00:40:56,020 --> 00:40:57,153 And this has allowed them 847 00:40:57,222 --> 00:40:59,789 To dust off the "inside game" screenplay 848 00:40:59,858 --> 00:41:03,559 And start figuring out how to get it made. 849 00:41:03,628 --> 00:41:05,895 We had been through so much with this movie 850 00:41:05,964 --> 00:41:08,130 That we actually felt we just had an obligation 851 00:41:08,199 --> 00:41:10,867 To each other to make this movie. 852 00:41:10,935 --> 00:41:13,135 Narrator: Michael pierce gets his friend, 853 00:41:13,204 --> 00:41:15,137 Randall batinkoff, to direct, 854 00:41:15,206 --> 00:41:18,875 And the director brings in scott wolf to play the lead. 855 00:41:18,943 --> 00:41:20,309 Wolf: I loved the script. 856 00:41:20,311 --> 00:41:22,578 I loved the idea of this character. 857 00:41:22,580 --> 00:41:25,014 I was really excited to tell the story with them. 858 00:41:25,083 --> 00:41:26,849 Let's be clear about who...Everything up. 859 00:41:26,918 --> 00:41:28,318 Only one of us is a drug addict. 860 00:41:28,386 --> 00:41:30,152 Narrator: In the summer of 2018, 861 00:41:30,154 --> 00:41:34,490 Production of "inside game" is finally underway. 862 00:41:34,559 --> 00:41:37,527 Martino and pierce serve as producers, 863 00:41:37,595 --> 00:41:41,831 But they also appear in cameos in the film. 864 00:41:41,899 --> 00:41:45,201 I had the pleasure of playing one of my other cousins, 865 00:41:45,269 --> 00:41:46,535 Tommy's brother. 866 00:41:46,605 --> 00:41:48,204 Hey, tommy. How ya doin'? 867 00:41:48,272 --> 00:41:50,773 What you up to? About 4'2"? 868 00:41:50,842 --> 00:41:53,509 Wolf: All he had to really do was walk up and insult me 869 00:41:53,578 --> 00:41:54,710 And so, he did great. 870 00:41:54,779 --> 00:41:56,512 He did great. 871 00:41:56,581 --> 00:41:58,714 Narrator: Michael pierce has no problem 872 00:41:58,783 --> 00:42:01,584 Bringing pent-up frustration from real life 873 00:42:01,652 --> 00:42:04,653 To his fictional character in the opening scene of the movie. 874 00:42:04,723 --> 00:42:06,222 This ain't what it looks like. 875 00:42:06,290 --> 00:42:07,924 Hey...That's my ...Girlfriend.. 876 00:42:07,992 --> 00:42:10,126 Not if you're playin' blackjack all night! 877 00:42:10,194 --> 00:42:13,963 Pierce: I was playing an angry, disgruntled boyfriend. 878 00:42:14,032 --> 00:42:16,599 It was like, "okay, I just have to channel a little anger 879 00:42:16,667 --> 00:42:19,335 From all the process into this role." 880 00:42:20,638 --> 00:42:22,471 So, I barged in and, like, confronted him 881 00:42:22,540 --> 00:42:25,842 And then scott wolf actually beats me up and leaves. 882 00:42:25,910 --> 00:42:28,711 It was a funny role. 883 00:42:28,780 --> 00:42:31,547 Narrator: Eight years after starting the process, 884 00:42:31,549 --> 00:42:34,584 "inside game" -- the movie that jason van eman 885 00:42:34,652 --> 00:42:36,953 And ben mcconley almost killed -- 886 00:42:37,021 --> 00:42:39,388 Premieres in new york city. 887 00:42:39,457 --> 00:42:42,992 Martino: That was really one of the true highlights of my life. 888 00:42:43,061 --> 00:42:44,527 We actually got here. 889 00:42:44,595 --> 00:42:47,497 We got a film made. I'm proud of the movie. 890 00:42:47,565 --> 00:42:49,131 Everybody wanted them to win, you know, 891 00:42:49,200 --> 00:42:52,701 Because they knew everything that they had to go through 892 00:42:52,703 --> 00:42:55,805 Just to get to the point where we can make this film. 893 00:42:55,873 --> 00:42:58,908 -- Captions by vitac -- 894 00:42:58,977 --> 00:43:07,383 ♪♪ 895 00:43:07,451 --> 00:43:15,758 ♪♪