Anatomy of a prank [watch it full screen]

Hole in Fun
A Ross DeFilippis production

A good friend I hadn't talked to in a few months recently posted a gchat status advertising a Craigslist posting he had created to sell his golf clubs. I decided to create a fictional character (Billy Watkins) and begin the online commerce process with my friend.
A fake gmail account – holeinfun@gmail.com is created.

Completely True and Necessary Back-story: A few weeks ago, the seller in question, Zach, was given directions to a new "Speakeasy" type bar that had opened in Atlanta. The bar is apparently somewhat hidden, and is either connected to or in the basement of a dining establishment called Taco Mac. In an effort to get to this Speakeasy, my friend was told via text he had to go into the Taco Mac bathroom, go into the third stall and flush the toilet 3 times. A door would then open up and he would have to ask for "Steve." Zach did this. I repeat, Zach did this. This is known amongst a small group of people in ATL and it is a running joke.
Now that you know this information, proceed.
Flush 3 times. Right. Normal.

Phase 1: Introduce Billy Watkins. Establish rapport

Attaches 6 product reviews to end of email

Sends another email with pictures of clubs before I respond

Gauging desperation. Will he send me videos?

Videos attached

Video Walkthrough Screengrabs
“Hi Bill…”

Phase 2: Get weird

Clearly, Zach thinks Billy Watkins might be insane, but he still really wants to get rid of these clubs. He has already gone to a golf store and looked at new clubs to purchase.

Phase 3: Crush dreams
Punchline dropped. At this point, Zach knows he is getting screwed over by 1 of 12 people. He proceeds to start angrily calling friends and accusing them, but has no idea who is pranking him. Everyone denies it.

explicit
Assumes his friend Daniel is involved. Writes this email as if he is addressing Daniel. Calls Daniel and threatens him shortly after.
Calls 5 others and accuses them of being “Billy Watkins.” Nobody knows what he is talking about. Mass confusion ensues.

I give Zach until the next day to cool down and finish angrily accusing the wrong people… Then I emailed him this. http://vimeo.com/25602996
Click the link.

The link contains a ridiculous golf video I created that slowly reveals who Billy Watkins is.

Zach realizes he has been owned. The prank ends. The Universe begins a slow clap. I enter the witness protection program to hide from my friend.

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Anatomy of a prank [watch it full screen]

by Ross DeFilippis on Jun 27, 2011

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Anatomy of a prank [watch it full screen] — Presentation Transcript