THE CHARGEBACK Treatment
LOGLINE
The Chargeback examines illicit advertising scams during a pivotal moment in technology, and how these transgressions are root causes for the current misinformation crisis.
charge·back
/ˈCHärjbak/
noun
A demand by a credit-card provider for a retailer to make good the loss on a fraudulent or disputed transaction.
(in business use) an act or policy of allocating the cost of an organization's centrally located resources to the individuals or departments which use them.
SYNOPSIS
Competing with fast sexy digital platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube), magazines and newspapers compromise their remaining journalistic integrity in a losing struggle to generate profit. The recession of 2008 lands a final blow, decimating the publication industry, leaving the workforce desperate and bitter.
Most collect unemployment, some venture to self educate through online tutorials. As business transitions to the smartphone, the deception amplifies. Pay-for-play articles morph into illegitimate websites. And now the recurring con artist is replaced by embedded algorithms.
The Chargeback outlines the origin of the current misinformation epidemic in 40 episodes spanning four sequential seasons.
Each season highlights a single two week pay period for employees of the flailing New York Neighbor magazine.
The seasonal format mirrors the narrative; summer heat of 2006 boils the media industry. Smartphone sales rise, while print consumption falls in 2007. Economic downturn brings a complete halt, hibernating businesses throughout winter 2008. Spring formally launches the digital age as 2009 ushers a new beginning.
Season One
DEFENSES - STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
The statute of limitations for mail fraud and wire fraud prosecutions is five years (18 U.S.C. § 3282), except for mail and wire fraud schemes that affect a financial institution, in which case the statute is ten years (18 U.S.C. § 3293).
The statute of limitations for major fraud against the United States is 7 years from the date that the crime was committed. There are instances where the statute of limitations will be extended by the court after petition by the United States Attorney.
Act Two
Episodes (4-8) will detail the chaos that ensues when trying to make a quality product with little resources in a short window of time. Moretti finds a printer willing to take on the rushed request, but not without a hefty tax. Transforming from a small newspaper to a thick magazine means more content, however an increase in design work with outdated equipment results in the art department crashing their database of advertisements. An under-qualified journalist is enlisted to contribute stories, and the sales team is selling full page advertisements for whatever price they can get to fill the necessary space. Because this is a push to keep the company afloat, there is no restriction for who or why someone wants to advertise, thus creating 300 pages of confusion without any rhyme or reason.
Some clients notice they are victims of Ash Fisher’s unauthorized charges. When they reach out to New York Neighbor, Ash must not only convince them this was an unintentional accounting error, but spin the anger into opportunity and seemingly offer a bargain on full page advertisements. The client can either take a fantastic deal now, or deal with the lengthy process of filing a chargeback with their credit card provider. Most hang up feeling like winners.
Mick catches wind of Ash’s hustle and becomes furious as the profit increase is apparently predicated on fraud. No longer quiet about his intention, Mick looks to sell off the newspaper / magazine immediately. Despite Ash’s unethical process, Moretti believes Mick is overreacting but apparently cannot save their jobs. Feeling the end is near, Moretti colludes with his mistress in Human Resources to steal the advertising dollars reserved for the printer without anyone ever suspecting the heist, and together, escape New York forever.
Act Three
Episodes (9-10) will show the team meeting the deadline, but not without casualties. Too many all-nighters drive the art department to desert the company after sending the files to print. Joe Vitale passes away, but in his will, leaves New York Neighbor to a close associate instead of Mick, thus keeping the company alive.
Never really a part of the team, Antonio quits after his big spending client disputes a mountain of advertising purchases. Blindsided by the quiet hire’s departure, this chargeback puts the New York Neighbor in the red and they are unable to meet payroll. Without a paycheck and neck deep in gambling debt, Ash flees to lay low in Pennsylvania. Having observed how Ash operates, Kevin finds his rhythm as an unethical telemarketer.
Meanwhile, the secret plan to shorten the number of copies, take the money and skip town works, but only for the mistress in human resources, leaving Moretti to continue living the life he knows instead of the dream he almost had. Even though nobody can find a copy of the magazine anywhere, Moretti gets what he fought for; he remains the associate publisher.
Act One
Episodes (1-3) will depict the office environment of a regional newspaper known as New York Neighbor. On June 30, 2006 while celebrating their 30th year in print, unforeseen tragedy strikes founder and publisher, Joe Vitale, leaving him unresponsive and the future of the newspaper in jeopardy.
As acting publisher with his father sidelined, Mick Vitale quietly looks to sell the newspaper and focus on other endeavors. In a last ditch effort to keep the company alive, manager, Jimmy Moretti convinces Mick that a change in format, from newspaper to a glossy magazine, would generate revenue and threaten rival publications who have been successfully poaching New York Neighbor advertisers.
Comfortable with his spot at the top of the sales board, and determined to stay out of the unemployment line, Ash Fisher begins forging new contracts for past advertisers and fraudulently processing payment information stored on file.
Kevin Carey, fresh out of college and desperate for employment, is one of three new advertising telemarketers who must learn the art of sales amidst company turmoil. While fellow new hire and telemarketing veteran, Antonio Vasquez, unexpectedly inherits a client that makes his new job quite easy.
“I'll do anything to stay here.”
~ Kevin Carey
Ash Fisher, the top salesman at NY Neighbor newspaper, steals a client from rival publication, My Metropolitan, hours before the annual softball game. Desperate to stay in NY, recent college grad Kevin Carey gets hired as an advertising telemarketer. Valentina Rozenski exhausts her resources to make the premier of The Devil Wears Prada. Joe Vitale celebrates the 30th anniversary of the newspaper, while his son, Mick tries to persuade him print is a dying industry.
Season 1
Episode 2
Episode 2 scenes
available upon request
“We go way back.”
~ Jimmy Moretti
With the New York Neighbor's leader absent and questionable to return, Mick angles to bypass damage control and pull the plug on the newspaper all together. Moretti and Ash strategize a solution to stay in print. Taylor and Valentina start their 4th of July holiday early, while Luke learns the early morning commute is the least of his worries. Tonya welcomes the new hires and gives them sales tips. Greg loses a client, but provides his co-workers with the inspiration they need.
Season 1
Episode 3
Episode 3 scenes
available upon request
“Why are we here?”
~ Sophie Smithson
Vegan Abel confronts hot dogs and patriotism during his Independence day reporting. Antonio harpoons a white whale while unaware he was fishing. When Kevin can't get anyone interested in advertising by cold calling, he resorts to ringing family members for help. Mick gives Moretti the green light to proceed with a format change. Ash burns the midnight oil as the city enjoys the 4th of July fireworks.
Season 1
Episode 4
Episode 4 scenes
available upon request
“It feels so unprofessional.”
~ Sheryl Winderberg
At the local diner, Kevin observes how the sharks feast, while Cindy and Jeff cook up a deal for their existing advertisers. A bootleg update of the latest computer software wreaks havoc on the art department. Valentina goes shopping before her long awaited movie night. Kevin, Luke, and Ash play cupid for Sheryl while she joins Moretti on a road trip to meet a prospective new printer.
Season 1
Episode 5
Episode 5 scenes
available upon request
“This is what opportunity smells like.”
~ Jimmy Moretti
Ash’s automatic client renewal program continues to thrive. Mick and Stanley attend an advertising conference and look towards the industry’s future. Luke’s personal and professional life become tangled. As Alex runs around town trying to repair the Art Department’s outdated equipment, Sophie assists Stephan with a suspicious package. Hugo’s performance enhancing techniques make him the softball league’s real MVP.
Season 1
Episode 6
Episode 6 scenes
available upon request
“Never again.”
~ Ash Fisher
The underdog wins the World Cup, leaving Ash in the worst kind of debt. With new weaponry, the Art Department is now firing on all cylinders. A wild night on the town leaves Valentina with a cover story for NY Neighbor's upcoming edition. Moretti enlists an unorthodox writer to help with Abel's workload. Jeff and Cindy try a new spot for lunch. A furious client leaves Mick questioning his involvement in the printing business.
Season 1
Episode 7
Episode 7 scenes
available upon request
“The room for negotiation is small.”
~ Valentina Rozenski
Iron strengthens iron as Marcel and Abel push their literature to new heights. Valentina finds a way to collect what her cousins are looking for. The sales staff scramble to sell the remaining premium positions for the upcoming Summer Fashion issue. An overly dedicated client makes life easy for Antonio. Moretti and Tonya multitask sympathy and sales at a funeral. Greg closes the ultimate New York advertiser. Isabella reads the writing on the wall. Ash enlists Taylor's help with the influx of chargebacks. Kevin stretches his ethical values in the name of job security. In a strange turn of events, My Metropolitan thanks New York Neighbor for stealing their number one client.
Season 1
Episode 8
Episode 8 scenes
available upon request
“...and many more.”
~ Valentina Rozenski
Cindy turns 55 and celebrates by bringing everyone cupcakes. A touch of birthday magic and an assist from Stephan lands her the client of a lifetime. Taylor tells Valentina about Ash's phony contracts over lunch. Jeff's kind gesture is wasted. Kevin's roommate becomes a contributing journalist. Ash feels the rush of fielding potential chargebacks. Sheryl learns PayPal is no pal at all. Moretti and Isabella recalculate company expenses.
Season 1
Episode 9
Episode 9 scenes
available upon request
“Santa mierda.”
~ Isabella Santiago
Caught with cans of Krylon, Sofie has a confrontation with the police over what is considered vandalism. Inexperienced in design, but overflowing with certainty, Hugo helps Alex make sense of the magazine layout and his future. Kevin finds his confidence, carves out his own lane, and becomes the carnivore necessary for survival. Antonio experiences the woes of a presidential campaign. Isabella cashes out. Mick visits his father in the hospital.
Season 1
Episode 10
Episode 10 scenes
available upon request
“You stay seated.”
~ Jimmy Moretti
Outside of the office, Mrs. Moretti and her private instructor are really trying to sharpen her tennis game, leaving Moretti to take care of his rambunctious children. Cindy and Trip decorate the conference room in anticipation of the new issue's arrival. With no one able to find Isabella, Mick distributes paychecks and wonders if he needs a new accountant. Ash regroups back home with his son. Stanley inherits a new headache. The latest edition of NY Neighbor is distributed all over the city.
Season Two
DEFENSES - STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
The statute of limitations for mail fraud and wire fraud prosecutions is five years (18 U.S.C. § 3282), except for mail and wire fraud schemes that affect a financial institution, in which case the statute is ten years (18 U.S.C. § 3293).
The statute of limitations for major fraud against the United States is 7 years from the date that the crime was committed. There are instances where the statute of limitations will be extended by the court after petition by the United States Attorney
Act One
Episodes (1-3) bring us back to the New York Neighbor on Halloween 2007 with everyone pulling tricks for treats. The fresh glossy format continues to present opportunities to up-sell previous clients on the magazine's new physical improvement, as well as pursue a higher status of clientele. Rotating young faces interning for college credit help each department meet the endless demand of art and editorial content. Feeling the influx of advertising dollars, the new owners look to expand distribution to locations outside of New York City's five boroughs. Still collecting a percentage but out of the decision making process, Mick holds a grudge towards the magazine.
The iPhone is the latest and strongest threat to periodicals, taking a large step forward for media in the digital age, and an even larger step backwards for mankind's attention span. Details of Ash Fisher's legendary hustle have circulated around the water cooler, and his co-workers have adapted similar tactics. In theory, such behavior is frowned upon from management, but as long as Accounts Processing doesn't notice the fake paperwork and nothing returns as a chargeback, no one minds making some extra money. Besides, the annual "Holiday Gift Guide" is approaching, and Moretti has a lengthy wish list.
Now a little more seasoned to the ethical flexibility of the profession, Kevin sees the benefits of fake news and begins selling ad space disguised as featured stories. Finding that clients enjoy a profile about their business more than a traditional advertisement, it seems like every telemarketing call Kevin makes results in a sale. Outside of the office, Kevin has moved in with his girlfriend and is excelling in the Big Apple, while wars wage on between Ash and his ex, keeping work life and home life more regimented than he prefers. Now in an apartment complex with other single fathers, Ash befriends a mentor next door who provides simple fatherly advice on connecting with his son. For the first time since the 90's, Ash has a different focus and is at risk of not being the top gun in the office.
Raymond, the new head of Accounting, initially clashes with the New York Neighbor's managers, but Moretti gradually educates Raymond on the magazine's true context; an unstable forgotten company utilizing creatively questionable sales methods to assure each paycheck is as large as possible, since it could be the last.
Act Two
Episodes (4-8) will show over indulgence at its peak. As Ash grew the Travel & Leisure section of New York Neighbor, Kevin is doing the same for Real Estate. Almost acting as a therapist on the phone to agents and brokers worried about the mortgage crisis on the horizon, Kevin develops a regular client who is buying an enormous amount of ads because she is swooned by their misguided conversations and not the return on her investment. A public verbal altercation with a bright intern over journalistic integrity sharply contrasts the good guy routine on the phone and reveals the manipulative demon Kevin is becoming.
The Director of Sales is pregnant and needs time off as the due date approaches, leaving Moretti to take more of an active day to day role in everyone's work affairs. However, his newfound responsibilities fall second to hiding bundles of free holiday swag from Mick. Their childish feud escalates as Moretti and Raymond form a truce and collude to incrementally steal from Mick's inheritance every pay cycle.
Looking to streamline workflow, the New York Neighbor's owner implements an online database to be used by all sales employees. The transparency of the new database system makes future fraudulent acts difficult to pull off.
Act Three
Episodes (9-10) unravel the utopia. With little faith in the future of print and a growing disdain for the antics, ownership severs ties with Mick, leaving a Vitale once again in charge of the New York Neighbor. The news causes Moretti to ponder quitting.
Kevin is cornered by his closest client who surprisingly wants to meet in person, inevitably ending Kevin's real estate hoax.
Seeing Ash's neighbor laid off from a "recession proof industry" provides the necessary reminder of who he is and how he must navigate during a time when the advertising dollar is coming to a screeching halt.
As reports of the massive recession roll in like storm clouds, Detective Morrison, a relative to one of the New York Neighbor’s "recurring" clients, is reviewing bank statements and highlighting all charges that read NY NEIGHBOR.
Season Three
DEFENSES - STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
The statute of limitations for mail fraud and wire fraud prosecutions is five years (18 U.S.C. § 3282), except for mail and wire fraud schemes that affect a financial institution, in which case the statute is ten years (18 U.S.C. § 3293).
The statute of limitations for major fraud against the United States is 7 years from the date that the crime was committed. There are instances where the statute of limitations will be extended by the court after petition by the United States Attorney
Act One
Episodes (1-3) will begin on December 12th, 2008 counting down the twelve days of Christmas during the recession. Heavy snow covers the streets, but this winter wonderland doesn't feel festive. Bernie Madoff was taken into custody the day prior, and as details of the $50 billion scam unfold on the news, the discussion of cracking down on deception and fraud is everywhere.
A combination of smart phones and the economic downturn has made a tremendous dent in the relevance of print. A heightened level of transparency and immediacy accompanies the social media age, weakening the urgency of a daily newspaper. In the midst of a blizzard, we return to a barren, bizzaro version of the New York Neighbor; Mick is in the Publisher's seat, the office has moved to a nearby location, and the staff is undergoing harsh annual performance reviews. Each review seems negative. In response to the slump, salaries will be removed and sales will be commission-only hence forth. The days of tossing free gifts around the office are long gone and have been replaced with an overwhelming sense of dread. Secretly, employees are sharpening their resume, but no one is hiring.
With the magazine slimmed to nearly a pamphlet, and the advertising dollar hardly moving, Moretti is receiving pressure to drop the "dead weight" and rehire ringer ex-employees who were previously fired for their aggressive behavior towards clients and co-workers. The pressure is coming from a paranoid Mick, who is glued to his smart phone and trying to follow the developing details of the Madoff scandal to see how it affects his financial standing. Moretti, sensing the climate and feeling the pressure from furious toy companies to answer for his own holiday scam the year prior, pushes back against Mick's request to no avail. A troublesome duo returns from the newspaper days. In addition, a young designer from the Bronx is brought on to handle the light design work, as the reduction in page count cannot justify employing a full Art department.
Determined to get some answers on the disappearance of his inheritance, Detective Morrison begins investigating the history of the New York Neighbor by calling advertisers from an old issue and visiting the magazine's supposed distribution points.
Kevin encounters the pros and cons of living on unemployment, while Ash’s new bookie takes the sport out of gambling.
Act Two
Episodes (4-8) amplify problems like an avalanche. Morrison is finding it difficult to get straight answers from swindlers, as his quest for info intensifies to an unhealthy obsession. The crooked priorities and blatantly abusive interrogation tactics are concerning for Morrison's rookie partner, and she requests a transfer.
Immediately regretting the additions to the team, Ash and whats left of the sales staff face inner-office competition and a sophisticated level of sabotage during an already hostile time.
Budgeting off of unemployment payments and public WI-FI, Kevin uses his time to learn graphic design and peacefully sell off the books artwork in the park. Meanwhile, a confidential discussion with an ex-journalist finally tips off Morrison to the inner workings of the racket.
Act Three
Episodes (9-10) bring the conflicts to a boil. Morrison and Moretti clash on Christmas, Kevin's grace period for unemployment is up, and Mick's fiscal fears are confirmed. Lastly, a probing story naming New York Neighbor as a culprit to advertising deception begins to circulate online.
Season Four
DEFENSES - STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
The statute of limitations for mail fraud and wire fraud prosecutions is five years (18 U.S.C. § 3282), except for mail and wire fraud schemes that affect a financial institution, in which case the statute is ten years (18 U.S.C. § 3293).
The statute of limitations for major fraud against the United States is 7 years from the date that the crime was committed. There are instances where the statute of limitations will be extended by the court after petition by the United States Attorney.
Act One
Episodes (1-3) will spring back on Memorial Day, May 25th, 2009, a day reserved for honoring the military. As swine flu has the city in a panic, a superior officer informs Detective Morrison the union appeal justifying his force in the field was denied. For the time being, he has to submit his badge and sidearm. The suspension sends Morrison into an emotional downward spiral.
The New York Neighbor's sole designer shatters his ankle playing basketball and has to take a leave of absence. This medical emergency removes him from work right as the magazine so desperately needs to generate profit. Moretti hopes their Hamptons Neighbor edition could be the answer to the advertising drought, but now there is no one to design it. Never a believer in print, Mick again sets his sights on a new digital venture: selling bulk email marketing campaigns.
As the negative story about the New York Neighbor's questionable sales tactics spread on social media, Ash and the team propose they change the magazine's name.
Kevin has some interviews but finds the legitimacy of the potential new gig mundane. After clearing the air with Mick over the Real Estate debacle in 2007, Kevin returns, but this time to fill the empty designer position.
Act Two
Episodes (4-8) will show the instant success of selling email blasts, essentially saving everyone's jobs, while print competitors and national magazines are closing down shop permanently. Not gone but irrelevant, the magazine is cut back to quarterly as all of the writing and design is focused on individual email campaigns. The surge in business is surprising and welcomed after such a lull, but the dream turns to a nightmare once Kevin notices exactly who the email recipients are.
With an old school mentality and extreme computer illiteracy, Moretti feels the new hustle is a threat to his managerial position. As a result, he begins to secretly start his own magazine by recruiting staff and clients from the New York Neighbor.
Act Three
Episode 9 ___ ____ ______ _____________ ______ ___ _ ______ _ _______. ______ ____ __ ____ __ _________ ___ ________ ___. ________________ _____________ _____ _ ____ _ _____ _ _______, _______ _ ______ _ _________.
Episode 10 (Finale) ___ ____ ______ ______ _____ __ ______ ___ _ ______ _ _______. ______ ____ __ ____ __ _________ ___ ________ ___. _________ _ ___ __ ________ ______ ______ ___ __ _________ _______ _____ _ ____ _ _____ _ _______, _______ _ ______ _ _________. ___ __ _________ ___ __ _________.