A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES
We would like to remind our viewers
about the number of the winning dollar, and we're urging the lucky owner
to call us at any of the numbers shown at the bottom of the screen.
Now, let's continue with Mr. Wajih Kaspar, chairman of the board of SBH Bank.
Mr. Wajih, thank you for entrusting our station
with the announcement of the bank's opening,
which happens to coincide with the beginning of the new year.
First of all, I'd like to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
And may this new year bring good health, peace and success
to you and all the staff of this generous station.
And I'd like to wish a happy New Year to all the viewers.
Okay, so let's start with this new way of advertising for the bank.
People were surprised by this unusual idea,
which is innovative, extraordinary and attractive all at the same time.
You're right. And, personally, I have no doubt about it.
The proof is that we have millions of viewers watching us right now.
That's true, but we're still hoping that the lucky winner,
the owner of the winning dollar, is watching and listening to us.
Mr. Wajih, how did you come up with the dollar idea?
Well, there's a story behind the idea of this whole advertisement campaign, so...
Mr. Wajih, they're telling me from the control room
that the lucky winner is with us, live on air.
Hello? Hello?
Good morning to the most beautiful Zanzoun in the world.
What do you want?
Nothing. I just wanted to start my day off with this pretty face.
Nizar, I have a very important meeting, and I have to go.
So I don't have time for you right now.
Always in a rush. What's new?
You're the one who's supposed to have news.
I told you I just needed a couple of days. Just give me a chance. One chance.
Nizar, I'm sick of waiting.
Sick of waiting?
What about us? What about the dreams we had that kept us together?
You forgot all about that?
The only thing that is keeping us together now
is this ring. Do you see it?
So if you want it to stay on my finger, see what you can do.
I swear, soon you'll wear this ring on the other hand.
What do you mean?
I mean I'll see you tonight at 7:00, and I'll tell you then.
- Mr. Tarek. Mr. Tarek. - Hello, Abou Ghaith.
How's it going with the late payments?
Why do you have to bring this up every day?
Sir, you haven't paid a single pound in several months.
If the landlord finds out, he won't be happy about it.
Just wish me luck today, and I'll make it up to both you and the landlord.
God be with you. God bless you!
And may he rid me of you.
Isn't that the publicity guy?
- Yes, who else? - He doesn't usually run out of money.
God help him.
Ever since he left his wife, he's been going downhill.
- Good morning, Wassim. - Come on, man! Are you kidding me?
Weren't we supposed to meet earlier to talk about what we're going to say?
You're right, but never mind. Just relax and watch.
At least we could've known who's competing with us from other agencies,
or even what ideas they're going to present.
Calm down, man. What's the matter with you?
Look, I want to tell you something. The boss is really mad at you this time.
And if we fail to close the deal, he'll destroy us.
Ladies and gentlemen, you're here to give me suggestions
we can use in the launch of our publicity campaign
based on new and original ideas.
The opening of the bank is in two weeks,
and our name has to be number one in the market.
Mr. Wajih, you really summed it up.
Let's ask ourselves a question: Who is our main audience
that we want to inform about the opening of such a big bank?
Prominent traders, capital owners,
directors of big companies, those are the most important and beneficial to us.
The idea here is that we choose the client, not the other way around.
We send promo reps to the potential clients that we determine,
and this way, we won't give them the chance to hesitate.
In this case, when we actually choose the client,
we can guarantee the quality
and we can save the cost of a publicity campaign.
In short: "SBH Bank...
We come to you."
No, no, no. No, sir, this is...
The people you are talking about are big players...
Very big players.
Which means they know everything we're planning to do
and they know all the details concerning the bank.
Don't be surprised if, on your way out, you run into one of them
coming to have a cup of coffee with me.
Also, we need everyone, big and small.
On the contrary, it would be quite risky if the bulk of the money
belonged to only one or two individuals.
- Who else? - Sir, may I?
Go ahead.
Suppose we exclude investors and capital owners
and we focus on average citizens and those who have a limited income,
who are in the majority, and let's think together...
about the loans that could benefit this social class.
As we all know, when a citizen applies for a loan these days,
they have to go through all kinds of security and legal procedures.
I woke up and you were gone.
Anyway, this is my number. My name is Jana.
They need financial guarantees, sponsors, mortgages...
Not to mention the high interest rates.
This is why the average citizen will think twice
before going near a bank or even an ATM machine.
Right, right.
So why don't we consider
providing some services for this type of person?
Let's call it "a special offer for a limited time,"
for instance, the first three months after the bank's opening.
A facilitated loan,
no interest, and with the least amount of financial guarantees.
Sir, you haven't paid a single pound in several months.
If the landlord finds out, he won't be happy about it.
The boss is really mad at you this time.
And if we fail to close the deal, he'll destroy us.
Also, we need everyone, big and small.
...you're luring them in to rip them off.
I want to establish a friendly relationship with the client.
I want to instill trust in them, with a new phrase,
line or slogan.
I want an advertising idea that can be summed up in two words, that's all.
Do you have this kind of idea?
What about you, sir?
Anyway, it seems we'll need to have another meeting.
Let's wait for the board's decision, and we'll pick it up from there.
Mr. Wajih?
I have an idea that might save you another meeting with us.
Go ahead. I'm all ears.
You've intrigued us.
Please, can we talk in private?
Excuse me?
I prefer to discuss this in private.
If it's okay with everyone else, of course.
But this is necessary.
Once I tell you about the idea, you'll know why.
As if we care to hear about Mr. Archimedes' idea.
Maybe he's just shy. He could be worried that we might laugh at him.
Right. Did you see how embarrassed he was when Mr. Wajih responded
- to this brilliant idea of his? - Anyway...
What's this?
This is a lucky ticket.
A lucky ticket? For whom?
For you when people buy it and for the person who finds it.
Please explain, and be quick.
This is a one-dollar bill,
so it could be in the hands of any person in the country.
We'll release it to the public, and it will pass from one hand to another
and go from one pocket to the next.
And?
And then we'll launch a big campaign.
Billboards, television, social media of course.
But the main focus of the publicity will be this bill,
this one-dollar bill with this specific number.
And the owner of the bill with the right number
wins a valuable prize from the bank or...
some special offer that you find reasonable.
Well done. Then what?
What do you mean? Can you imagine, Mr. Wajih,
what will happen when this dollar bill starts circulating?
Everyone will start searching their pockets to see
if they have the one-dollar bill with the right number.
And your bank will be the talk of the town until the lucky winner is revealed.
And on New Year's Eve,
you'll appear on the most popular TV channel in the country
to announce the prize and the name of the winner to all the viewers.
Well done!
Well done! Well done!
Hello? Yes, Nizar.
I'm at work. Did something happen?
I said fine, tonight at 7:00. How many times do I need to say it?
What selfie?
You'll see me tonight when we meet.
Okay, okay!
Okay. I'll send it now. Bye.
Mr. Tarek...
Such an idea for such an event in such a bank...
needs a different kind of prize.
Like what?
"If you're the owner of the dollar bill with the specified number,
please call to collect your prize of one million dollars,
courtesy of SBH Bank,
to celebrate the opening of all its branches in the new year."
- One million dollars? - Why not?
So... "Your dollar is worth a million."
There's your slogan.
Very well done.
You see now why I asked to have this conversation in private?
Of course!
- But... I have one more question. - Go ahead.
What if I keep the bill,
and have one of my own people claim to be the winner?
This way, we'll win the contest
and we'll only pay for the advertisement of the prize
plus some change for the person who will claim to be the winner.
Mr. Wajih, this is what they call the clever person's mistake.
What do you mean?
Trust is the most important factor in any bank's success,
especially yours.
People have to absolutely believe that it's a real prize.
We can also have the prize handed over to the winner on TV,
so that the public, the press and everyone can watch how they won,
how they claimed the prize and everything they did with it.
Mr. Wajih, people's trust is the most important thing.
One hundred percent. Really, thank you so much.
Don't mention it. This is my job.
I'd like to congratulate your agency for having an employee like you.
Someone who's smart and talented.
Thank you for your kindness.
Don't forget to pass by my office manager on your way out
so that she can hand you your reward.
You mean the contract with my agency?
No, no. Your agency and their deal, that's another thing.
And your commission from the agency is up to them.
This is a personal reward that I'm giving you.
You humble me, Mr. Wajih. I'm very grateful.
Don't mention it.
- If you'll excuse me... - You may go.
You forgot something.
Excuse me, I was sent here by Mr. Wajih.
You? What is it?
I'm here for the reward.
Reward?
Yes, Mr. Wajih?
Yes, he's right here.
Yes, sure.
Tarek...
Of course, Mr. Wajih. Very good.
You're welcome.
Sign here, please.
Sir?
Kindly go to accounting.
Thank you for your time.
What category should I write this under?
What a brilliant idea it could be...
Yes, Mr. Wajih?
Yes, it's done.
Pardon me?
A dollar? You want one dollar?
Yes, okay, okay.
This is what I need.
Can you imagine?
I just realized that it's been years since I carried this bill in my pocket.
It happens, Mr. Wajih.
Anyway, how much was the estimated budget for the publicity campaign
in the feasibility study?
Around 700,000.
Add to the budget one million, which you will subtract from the capital.
- One million pounds? - One million dollars.
I'll get the board's approval in our next meeting.
- And don't forget to include this dollar. - Yes, Mr. Wajih. If you'll excuse me...
"F-1-6-9-2...
3-9-3-7-P."
- Would you like anything else, sir? - No, thanks.
Mint lemonade, no ice.
I've been waiting for half an hour.
So?
That's okay. I've been waiting for years.
Rest assured. I have good news.
- I want new news. - New and good.
Today, my father held a meeting for all my brothers,
and he hired each one of us based on what we specialize in.
So tomorrow, I'll start in my new office.
This is the new news. What's the good news?
I'm telling you, I'm the new head of purchasing.
So now I have my own position, my own signature and my own stamp.
But you're under your father's thumb.
- But he's my father. - And that's the problem.
You're his eldest son,
but he's treating you like every other employee working for his company.
- Same as all my brothers. - You're all under his thumb.
And I don't even care. If you're happy with the allowance
you're getting from him every month, that's your problem.
What you're calling an allowance is a salary some people can only dream about.
Meaning?
Meaning? I don't know.
You know the meaning. I was excited, and I came here to tell you about it,
thinking that I made a breakthrough.
I wanted to give you the good news.
You just came to trick me.
Wait.
Wait, wait. I've never tricked you, lied to you or misled you.
Ever since I met you, I've wanted to marry you.
You're the one who's always making up excuses and creating obstacles.
This is not true, Nizar. It's not.
You never wanted to marry me. I want to marry you, not your father.
I want us to live together in our own house, not in your father's villa.
Okay, and what do you suggest?
- Take your share and leave. - No way!
There's no reason to claim my inheritance while he's still alive.
In fact, he doesn't deny me anything.
Oh, so having your own business,
planning your own future, becoming independent,
starting a family and having kids...
None of those things are worth thinking about?
I can have all those things without making trouble with my family
and giving my father a stroke.
So that's your decision?
Yes. What's yours?
My decision won't take me too long, darling.
As for the lemonade, you can have it.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
To what do we owe the pleasure?
- It seems she doesn't know yet. - Know about what?
The chairman seems to think we're backup players here or extras.
He makes decisions on his own.
Are you going to tell me what's going on?
Mr. Wajih asked technical affairs to call in a graphics agency
for the bank's advertisement.
So? What's the problem?
With a decision like this, he could've at least discussed it with us.
He could've discussed it with me as a marketing manager.
But there's a board of directors, and they can do whatever they want.
Zeina is right. This kind of decision is up to the board.
Especially when it involves one million dollars.
- What? - You heard right. One million dollars.
They said that the person who has the one-dollar bill with the specified number
that will be disclosed on New Year's Eve wins one million dollars from the bank.
Are you kidding me? One million dollars?
Honestly, miss, good people like us have bad luck.
I mean, does it really make sense to throw away such a big sum of money
for an advertisement? This is insane.
- Can I have a glass of water, please? - Sure, right away.
My point is, if he had donated that much money to his staff,
wouldn't it have been better?
Abou Akram,
the employees still haven't received their first month's salary.
So why would he donate that money to them?
He's giving away the money anyway. But what can I say?
I think there's something wrong with this guy.
I mean, what chairman comes to work in a cab?
Pardon me?
He came in a cab?
I'm telling you,
a man who owns ten cars with their chauffeurs,
and he comes in a cab? Then he throws away one million dollars
just to show off and make some advertisement?
Well, God protect us from what lies in store.
- Abou Akram? - Yes?
Did you see him with your own eyes getting out of the cab?
Not only did I see him with my own eyes, I even opened the cab's door for him.
If you don't believe me, ask the security guards outside.
I prefer to discuss this in private.
If it's okay with everyone else, of course.
But this is necessary.
Once I tell you about the idea, you'll know why.
This is what I need.
Can you imagine?
I just realized that it's been years since I carried this bill in my pocket.
Especially when it involves one million dollars.
They said that the person who has the one-dollar bill with the specified number
that will be disclosed on New Year's Eve wins one million dollars from the bank.
...a man who owns ten cars with their chauffeurs,
and he comes in a cab? Then he throws away one million dollars
just to show off and make some advertisement?
It was here.
GOOD MORNING, WISHING YOU A MORNING FILLED WITH ROSES AND FRAGRANT FLOWERS
- What are you looking for? - Well, my necklace...
The necklace that I got from my fiancé, I can't find it.
- Were you wearing it today? - Yes. But...
- I don't know where it's gone. - Okay, calm down.
Just come in with me, we will search for it together.
Your issue is really simple.
I'm going to show you what you've been doing
from the moment you came in this morning until now.
Okay.
Wait, isn't that Mr. Wajih?
It is. This guy is really something.
Yeah.
Hang on. Can you rewind it a bit?
It seems you're mistaken, Zeina.
That's you when you came in this morning.
There's nothing on your neck.
Yeah...
- Well, I must have left it at home. - That's a relief.
- Anyway, you helped ease my mind. - Don't mention it.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Hello? Hi?
Cedar Taxi?
I have a question, please.
This morning, the chairman of SBH Bank rode in one of your cars.
Yes, this morning.
This is all I have.
Sir, check the side pocket, see if you can find something.
God, give me patience.
Why are you upset? I don't understand.
What's your problem? I said I'll give you ten dollars for each dollar.
So you're the winner here.
And why are you doing that?
Are you giving alms in honor of your dead grandmother?
Well, I collect currency. That's none of your business.
Are you out of your mind?
Give those back.
None of them is it.
Subtitle translation by Adnan Rifai