WE THE ECONOMY: Cave-O-Nomics—How Did the Economy Get Started?

Cinelan LLC

In this lecture launcher directed by Morgan Spurlock, we meet Ugg, Glugg and Tugg, three enterprising cave men who accidentally invented trade, marketing and the base elements of the modern market economy. Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: Supply & Dance, Man!—Why Is the Law of Supply and Demand So Powerful?

Cinelan LLC

This lecture launcher directed by Jon M. Chu is a whimsical tale of love, dance and the economic concept of supply and demand. Bored in class, Jonathan and Kristin are woken up by our friendly Narrator who helps guide them on an adventure in economics and...um...dance. Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: Fed Head—What Is the Federal Reserve?

Cinelan LLC

In this whimsical lecture launcher directed by Catherine Hardwicke, Federal Reserve Chairman Rob Rafaelson awakes with amnesia only moments before a big press conference, his children, maid and intern must explain the Fed to him using the only thing handy: the children’s toys. Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: The Foreign Aid Paradox—Why Does the U.S. Fund Foreign Aid?

Cinelan LLC

Why does the U.S. fund foreign aid? The U.S. spends approximately $37 billion a year on foreign aid--just under 1% of our federal budget. "The Foreign Aid Paradox" zeroes in on food aid to Haiti and how it affects American farming and shipping interests as well as Haiti's own agricultural markets. The result: a surprising study in unintended consequences.

WE THE ECONOMY: Made By China In America—Is China’s Boom Good for Our Economy?

Cinelan LLC

In this lecture launcher director Miao Wang turns a cinematic lens on the interconnected narratives of everyday workers, leaders and business executives, and local community members in South Carolina, providing a nuanced perspective on China’s economic boom, version 2.0, and its promising impact on the U.S. economy. Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: The Value of Work—Why Is Minimum Wage Important?

Cinelan LLC

This lecture launcher directed by Steve James shows how Seattle became ground zero in 2013 for the heated national debate about increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour. "The Value of Work" gives voice to supporters and the opponents, including the mayor, an activist city councilwoman, small business owners, and minimum-wage workers affected by the unprecedented legislation. Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: Amazing Animated Film About the Debt & Deficit—Why Do We Have Budget Deficits and a National Debt?

Cinelan LLC

This lecture launcher directed by Marshall Curry is a free-wheeling animated film showing how Congress and public officials use and manage debt, and why it matters to you. Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: Globalization...Who Cares?...You Do—What Is the Global Trade System?

Cinelan LLC

This lecture launcher poses the question: What does it mean to have a globalized economy? And is it good for us? Director Bob Balaban wrangles seven experts to break it all down as a troupe of comedic actors enliven the commentary. Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: A Bee's Invoice—Are Natural Resources Vital to the Economy?

Cinelan LLC

This lecture launcher directed by Adrian Grenier explores why nature should be taken into account when looking at the economy as a whole. A Bee's Invoice uncovers and incorporates the hidden value of natural capital in the measurement of our economy. Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: That Film About Money—What Is the Real Value of a Dollar?

Cinelan LLC

This lecture launcher directed by James Schamus poses the question: Do you think that a dollar bill is money and that banks are where your cash is stored and safeguarded? Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: Recession—What Causes a Recession?

Cinelan LLC

This lecture launcher directed by Lee Hirsch is choreographed by Pilobolus dance company and narrated by economic historian John Steele Gordon. It mounts an entertaining and educational look at what causes an economic recession and how recovery is stimulated. Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: Supply Chain Reaction—What Do Human Rights Have to Do With the Economy?

Cinelan LLC

This lecture, directed by Jehane Noujaim, explores how Americans, as consumers in a rapidly growing world economy, have an insatiable appetite for the next greatest electronic gadget. But can we consume cheap imported products without exploiting someone in the supply chain? Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: This Won't Hurt a Bit!—Why Is Healthcare So Expensive?

Cinelan LLC

This lecture launcher directed by Mary Harron is a short film that tells the all too familiar tale of American healthcare. A patient enters a hospital with a migraine headache, unaware of the costs his visit will incur on the path to a diagnosis. Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: That Second Film About Money—What Is the Real Value of a Dollar?

Cinelan LLC

This lecture launcher directed by James Schamus poses the question: Do you think that a dollar bill is money and that banks are where your cash is stored and safeguarded? Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: The Street—How Does Wall Street Influence the Economy?

Cinelan LLC

On the heels of the financial crisis, Wall Street for some has become synonymous with corruption and greed. In this lecture launcher, Director Joe Berlinger takes us to the epicenter of the financial world – the New York Stock Exchange – to learn how Wall Street really influences the economy and impacts all of our lives. Part of WE THE ECONOMY, a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: Your Tax Dollars at Work—Where Do Our Tax Dollars Go?

Cinelan LLC

This lecture launcher explores how Americans spend a lot of time arguing over how our tax dollars are spent, but might be focusing on the wrong information. Two-time Oscar winning director Barbara Kopple focuses her lens on answers that many may find startling. Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.

WE THE ECONOMY: City on the Rise—What Happens When Jobs Disappear?

Cinelan LLC

This lecture launcher directed by Albert Hughes looks at the city of Detroit, which has been the poster child for the loss of well-paid manufacturing jobs, although this trend impacts communities all over the country. How does a great American city bounce back? Part of WE THE ECONOMY , a series of short films developed by renowned filmmakers and a panel of top economic experts, meant to provoke thought and discussion about fundamental and topical economic issues and concepts. Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available.