Ep 10. Starstruck Studio Swindle

American Greed is a true-crime documentary series that delves into the world of white-collar crime and the high-stakes games that some people play with other people's money. Season 13 episode 10, titled "Starstruck Studio Swindle," is an hour-long exploration of one man's elaborate fraud scheme that turned his clients' dreams of fame and fortune into a nightmare.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to a charismatic man named Bryan Scott, who founded and ran a recording studio in Los Angeles called Starstruck. Scott promised his clients that he could help turn them into bona fide music stars, offering them personalized guidance, access to top-notch equipment and facilities, and even a shot at getting their music played on the radio. For many aspiring musicians, this seemed like a dream come true.

However, as the episode soon reveals, Scott's promises were empty, and his studio was nothing more than a front for a sophisticated scam. Over the course of several years, Scott conned his clients out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, promising them exclusive record deals, unfulfilled payouts, and even shares in non-existent music publishing companies.

To make matters worse, Scott also managed to dodge authorities for years, even as his clients filed lawsuits against him and complained to the Better Business Bureau. Through interviews with some of Scott's victims, American Greed shows how the fraudster used his charm and expertise to take advantage of countless vulnerable and unsuspecting people.

As the episode progresses, viewers also get to see how Scott managed to keep his scam going for so long, despite mounting evidence against him. The show delves into the darker side of the music industry, showing how some shady characters prey on people's dreams in order to make a quick buck. It's a sobering reminder that not everyone in the entertainment world is there to help aspiring artists succeed.

Throughout the episode, American Greed interviews a number of people affected by Scott's schemes, including former clients, family members, and even law enforcement officials. Through their stories, viewers get a sense of just how devastating Scott's actions were - not only financially, but also emotionally and psychologically.

Despite the seriousness of the crime and the harm it caused, the episode also manages to inject some dark humor into the proceedings, highlighting the absurdity of some of Scott's schemes and the mounting frustration felt by those trying to stop him. It's a delicate balancing act, but it works, making for a compelling and entertaining hour of television.

Overall, "Starstruck Studio Swindle" is a gripping and informative episode of American Greed that sheds light on the dangers of blind ambition and the lengths some people will go to achieve their dreams. At its heart, it's a cautionary tale about the importance of due diligence and skepticism, and a reminder that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.