The top floor of the Newark branch of Kelsey Bank.
"Polly!" Sean smiled as he pushed open the door to the manager's office. He stepped in and extended his hand for a shake.
"Sean, welcome!" Polly greeted him, and they exchanged firm handshakes.
After some casual conversation, Sean asked Polly about his satisfaction with the services provided by X Security. Then, with a playful tone, he added, "Polly, if the last bank robbery were made into a movie, wouldn't it be quite captivating?"
"It probably would be," Polly replied thoughtfully. "As someone who lived through that incident, it was shocking. To be honest, those robbers were quite skilled. We've had several attempts before, but this was the first time they succeeded."
"Exactly! You could invest in a movie that accurately portrays that event. It would be a fantastic way to promote your bank," Sean suggested.
"Invest in a movie?" Polly chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "We're just a local bank; we don't have the budget for that. While it might generate good publicity, the costs are too high."
"True, but what if you didn't have to spend any money?" Sean leaned in closer.
Polly raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I knew you had something up your sleeve. Just spill it."
"Alright, you caught me," Sean said with a grin. "I bought a film and talent agency in Hollywood last month, and I'm planning to film a movie about that bank robbery. It's a great marketing opportunity for my X Security company, and I thought of you because we're friends and partners. I didn't want you to miss out on this chance."
"No, no, no, you just said there wouldn't be any investment needed! As expected of a bank manager, you're very money-conscious," Polly replied, smirking.
"Well, there are a lot of costs involved in making a heist film, especially for the action scenes," Sean admitted, looking a bit hesitant.
Polly raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, his expression thoughtful.
"If you're not interested in investing, I could at least borrow this place for filming," Sean suggested, gesturing to the office. "We could use the vault."
"You want to use the vault!?" Polly exclaimed.
"Of course! We can just use counterfeit money for the shoot; the actual funds can be transferred beforehand," Sean clarified.
Polly frowned, his fingers drumming on the desk. "There's never been a precedent for this. Plus, our bank was just robbed. I'm not sure how this would affect our image."
"But you've upgraded your security! You've closed the loopholes, and everyone knows you got the money back. Nothing was truly lost."
"There's still $200,000 unaccounted for!" Polly replied through gritted teeth.
Sean was taken aback. "That's impossible! You didn't get a penny back?"
"Not a cent!" Polly insisted.
Sean quickly realized he might have a solution. "Well, think of it this way: I owe you a favor. This is personal," he added, hoping to sweeten the deal.
"Alright, then it's a deal, my friend!" Polly said with a smile, extending his hand. "This isn't too difficult. Building strong relationships with customers and maintaining local ties can only help our reputation."
As they shook hands, both men felt a sense of accomplishment.
After leaving the bank, Sean hopped into the car and gestured to Norris, "Let's go to the location!"
Norris stared at Sean, wide-eyed. "Wait, what? You really think we can borrow a bank for filming? That's a real bank vault!"
"Exactly! Now, let's head to the police station!" Sean ordered, and the car turned around.
Sean might not understand all the rules of Hollywood filmmaking, but he had plenty of ways to cut costs.
Once at the Sheriff's Office, Sean embraced Wells as soon as he walked in. "Dear Chief, I've got fantastic news!"
"Really?" Wells raised an eyebrow, sizing Sean up. He knew Sean well enough to suspect that his enthusiasm meant something beneficial was on the horizon. "What's going on?"
"Don't be so sad about me!" Sean replied, feigning disappointment.
"I have a meeting, so I should—" Wells started, but Sean interrupted him.
"I have a brilliant opportunity for you to shine in front of the entire country! This could boost your reputation significantly and give you enough leverage to run for mayor."
Wells paused, intrigued. "Tell me more!"
"Here's the deal: I bought a Hollywood film company, and I want to create a movie about the bank robbery, aiming for an authentic depiction. I'd love for you and your team from the police station to be involved. Your contributions will be highlighted, and you'll gain recognition nationwide!" Sean explained, his enthusiasm palpable Wells leaned back in his chair, absorbing the proposal. "You're serious? This could really put us in the spotlight?"
"Absolutely! Think about it—your face on the big screen, showcasing your dedication to improving the community. This could transform your image and elevate your status," Sean encouraged.
Wells rubbed his chin, contemplating the idea. "But how will this actually work? Won't there be issues with the department? We have protocols to follow."
Sean waved his hand dismissively. "Leave that to me. I'll handle the logistics. All I need is your cooperation and a bit of trust. We can script the events to highlight your achievements and the progress made since the robbery. It's a win-win!"
Wells's initial skepticism began to fade. "Alright, I'm intrigued. But how do we ensure that the police department looks good and isn't portrayed negatively?"
"That's the beauty of it! We control the narrative. We'll focus on your efforts to restore order and security in Newark. The film will show how the department has improved and how the community stands behind you," Sean assured him.
Wells nodded slowly, a smile creeping onto his face. "If we do this right, it could indeed change things for us. I have to admit, Sean, you're onto something big here."
"Exactly! And it could even rally more support for you in the community. Just imagine the publicity!" Sean pressed, his excitement growing.
"Alright," Wells finally agreed, extending his hand for a shake. "Let's make this happen. I'll gather the team and we can start brainstorming ideas for how we want to be represented."
"Fantastic!" Sean exclaimed, shaking Wells's hand firmly. "I knew I could count on you."
As they finalized the details, Sean felt a rush of optimism. Not only was he about to embark on an exciting film project, but he was also helping his friend and ally in the police department gain the recognition he deserved.
After their meeting, Sean and Wells spent the next hour discussing potential storylines and how to include real-life events that would resonate with audiences while showcasing the positive changes in Newark.
As they wrapped up, Wells looked at Sean with renewed determination. "You really believe this can work?"
"I know it can! With your leadership and our combined efforts, we'll not only tell a compelling story but also inspire confidence in the community," Sean replied, his conviction clear.
They parted ways, both energized by the possibilities that lay ahead. Sean couldn't wait to get started on the project, knowing that it wouldn't just be a film; it would be a chance to reshape the narrative around Newark, the bank, and the police department.
Back in his car, Sean turned to Norris with a grin. "This is just the beginning! Prepare for some serious action, because we're about to turn Newark into a Hollywood hotspot."
Norris stared at him, still processing the whirlwind of events. "So you really think we can pull this off?"
"Absolutely. Just watch. This film will not only entertain but also bring the community together. And who knows? It might just launch us into a new era of respect and recognition," Sean replied confidently as they drove off, ready to take on the next steps in their ambitious plan.