Greed Kills

Greed Kills is a documentary delving into the making of the popular television series Profit, a drama that explored the cutthroat world of corporate America. The film combines clips from the show, rare archival materials, and insightful interviews with key figures involved in its development, production, and execution. Profit was the brainchild of writers Dana Greenwalt and Kenneth Biller, who met while working as writers for other television shows. Their concept centered around McNamara Shemie, a ruthless and cunning businessman who will stop at nothing to achieve success. The character's complexities and intriguing dynamic with his partners, including his business associate Tom Shrieve, laid the foundation for the series. To bring this unique vision to life, the creators partnered with executive producer Stephen J. Cannell, who would play a pivotal role in shaping the show's overall direction and production. As the film explains, the path to Profit's creation was not without its challenges. Dana Greenwalt and Kenneth Biller faced numerous setbacks, including rewrites and revisions that tested their resolve. The writers sought the input of seasoned professionals, such as executive producer Stephen J. Cannell, to refine their work. Despite these obstacles, the duo persevered, driven by their passion for the project. One of the most crucial aspects of Profit's development was casting. The film highlights the involvement of actors Adrian Paul, Lisa Blount, and Lisa Zane, who brought the series' complex characters to life. Each performer offers a candid account of their experiences working on Profit, detailing the challenges they faced and how they navigated the demands of playing rich, high-stakes characters. Voiceovers proved to be a crucial element in Profit, adding depth and layers to the story. The writers deliberately chose voiceovers to delve into the characters' thoughts and emotions, creating a more immersive viewing experience for the audience. This narrative technique also enabled the filmmakers to tackle more sensitive topics, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable in television drama at the time. Stephen J. Cannell's insights into the show's direction are invaluable, providing a nuanced understanding of Profit's overall approach. As executive producer, he played a pivotal role in shaping the show's tone, guiding the cast and crew, and navigating the complex issues that arose during production. His commitment to the project is evident, as he reveals the lengths to which the team went to bring the character of McNamara Shemie to life. Greed Kills explores the various storylines that made up Profit's three-season run, highlighting the series' willingness to tackle sensitive themes such as corporate greed, social inequality, and personal relationships. In discussing Profit's storylines, the subjects of the documentary emphasize the importance of creating complex, believable characters that audiences could root for or despise. Throughout its run, Profit faced controversies and censorship, a challenge that both the creators and cast acknowledged. The series' portrayal of business executives' ruthless tactics and corrupt dealings led to heated debates about morality and social responsibility. Profit did not shy away from pushing boundaries, taking risks, and sparking conversations that resonated with viewers. As Greed Kills delves into the reactions to Profit and its lasting Legacy, it becomes clear that, despite its cancellation, the series had a profound impact on the television landscape. Profit's bold storytelling and complex characters paved the way for other television dramas, such as The Sopranos, and cemented its status as a pioneering force in the development of contemporary television. In examining the development of Profit and its eventual fate, Greed Kills offers a poignant tribute to the television industry's willingness to take risks and push boundaries. Through its candid interviews, revealing insights into the world of Profit, and exploration of its legacy, the documentary sheds light on the power of television to captivate, educate, and inspire audiences.