Ep 6. The Confidence Man

The Confidence Man is the sixth episode of the first season of the Netflix original documentary series Dirty Money (2018). In this episode, the show explores the story of Giancarlo Parretti, a charismatic Italian businessman who bought MGM studios in the 90s, and his rise and fall in the film industry.

The episode delves into Parretti's background and his involvement in the Paramount lawsuit. We learn that Parretti was a successful businessman in Europe before he set his sights on the American film industry. Parretti's charismatic personality helped him charm his way into the good graces of Hollywood bigwigs. He managed to convince MGM to sell him the studio for $1.3 billion, even though he only put up $100 million in cash.

His acquisition of the studio didn't go smoothly, however. Parretti's financial troubles began to show, and he was eventually forced to sell it to Sony Pictures. Things got worse when Parretti was indicted for fraud and money laundering. He was accused of using fraudulent documents to obtain loans for his studio, and for falsifying information on his tax returns.

The episode also explores the role of the banks and financial institutions that funded Parretti's operations. We learn that Australian bank ANZ was one of the primary lenders, and that they continued to loan him millions of dollars even when it became clear that he was in financial trouble. The banks were accused of turning a blind eye to Parretti's questionable business practices, and of taking advantage of his naivety.

The Confidence Man also sheds light on the wider issues of corruption and greed in the film industry. It shows how desperate businessmen can be to succeed in Hollywood, and how easily they can be deceived. The episode also highlights the role that charisma and charm play in business dealings, and how some individuals can manipulate others to achieve their goals.

Overall, The Confidence Man is a fascinating episode that provides a glimpse into the world of Hollywood deal-making and financial corruption. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and dishonesty, and a reminder that not everything is as it seems in the entertainment industry. The episode is well-researched and informative, and provides a balanced view of the events that took place. Fans of true crime and business documentaries will surely enjoy this episode.