1. EXT. STREET. DAY.
A SHARPLY DRESSED MAN WITH A GOATEE PROWLS THE STREET. THIS IS PERSUASO, AND YES, HE DOES LOOK A BIT LIKE DERREN BROWN NOW YOU MENTION IT.
AS HE WALKS, TRIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYS AND SOPHISTICATED GRAPHICS FLIT ACROSS THE SCREEN.
PERSUASO (VO):
Money. Money makes the world go round. You want it. You don't have it. I have it. Lots of it. I can afford a really arty director and sophisticated graphics. But where do we get money from? Me? I get it using the power of PERSUASION. (echo on this)
HE STANDS OUTSIDE A BANK AND ADDRESSES THE CAMERA.
PERSUASO:
I'm going to go into this bank, and persuade them to give me some money. Look at this suit. Sharp. Let's go in.
IN HE WALKS.
2. INT. THE BANK. DAY.
PERSUASO WALKS UP TO THE COUNTER, WHICH IS OCCUPIED BY A PRETTY YOUNG CASHIER.
PERSUASO (VO)
Now, I don't do this very often, as some people might think it's a little unethical. I'll admit, it's a grey area.
CASHIER
Hello, how can I help?
PERSUASO NODS AND TAPS THE COUNTER WINDOW TWICE.
PERSUASO
Hello. Please give me two hundred pounds.
CASHIER
What's your account number?
HE ONCE MORE NODS AND TAPS THE WINDOW TWICE.
PERSUASO
In fact, just give me all the money in the building.
PERSUASO (VO)
She was being difficult, resisting my carefully honed powers of persuasion and delightfully teased hairdo. It was time to bring out the big guns.
HE PULLS OUT A BIG GUN.
HE TAPS TWICE ON THE WINDOW AND NODS.
PERSUASO
I've got a big gun. Give me all the money.
THE CASHIER LOOKS REALLY SCARED. SHE STARTS PUTTING MONEY IN A BAG.
PERSUASO (VO)
It's was so easy I almost felt guilty. However, I also needed to make my escape. It was time for more PERSUASION. (echo)
PERSUASO
I'm going to leave the bank with this money. If you do anything to try and stop me…
HE TAPS THE WINDOW TWICE AND NODS.
PERSUASO
…I'll find out where your parents live and I'll f**k them up, do you believe me?
HE TURNS TO THE CAMERA AND RAISES ONE SUAVE EYEBROW.
BEHIND HIM, THE CASHIER NODS, TEARFULLY.
PERSUASO (VO)
This isn't magic, I'm not David Blaine (he half coughs, half speaks the next word) CUNT! I'm using fairly basic psychological techniques, which are incredibly persuasive, especially when coupled with a carefully trimmed beard and the threat of extreme physical violence.
HE RUNS OUT OF THE BANK.
CUT TO AN UNSEEN INTERVIEWER TALKING TO THE CASHIER.
CASHIER
It's so weird! I really felt compelled to give him the money! What? He had a gun? Really? Oh my God, I didn't even see it. (she giggles). His beard is so straight!
END.
really nice idea. Wasn't quite sure whether the ending made sense given what the Pervaso'd just said but it is funny and neat (like his beard). Also like the use and tone of the voice overs.
