We The Economy

How did the economy get started? Meet Ugg, Glugg and Tugg, three enterprising cave men who accidentally invented trade, marketing and the base elements of the modern market economy.

Why is the law of supply and demand so powerful? 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.

How do we measure the economy? Two economists settle their differences- in the professional wrestling ring. Watch and cheer as Simon Kuznets and M. Joseph Meehan square off in a testosterone-fueled battle over how to measure the economy.

How does Government regulate the economy? In an idyllic suburban neighborhood, Jerry runs his big business lemonade stand and has the market cornered - until ten-year old Addie opens her own stand across the street. Competition equals war, and both sides use - and abuse - a government regulator to try and win. In the end, one special customer will decide their fate.

Are natural resources vital to the economy? Why should nature 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.

What is the Federal Reserve?When 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.

What is the real value of a dollar? You think that a dollar bill is money and that banks are where your cash is stored and safeguarded. Well, you're wrong. Like, really wrong.

What do banks do with our deposits?You think that banks are where your cash is stored and safeguard and that a dollar bill is money. Well, you're wrong. Like, really wrong.

What causes a recession? Choreographed by Pilobolus dance company and narrated by economic historian John Steele Gordon, Lee Hirsch's "Recession" mounts an entertaining and educational look at what causes an economic recession and how recovery is stimulated.

How does Wall Street influence the economy? On the heels of the financial crisis, Wall Street for some has become synonymous with corruption and greed. 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.

"Why is our tax system so complicated? Teachers have long relied on educational cartoons with catchy songs to simplify everything from grammar to government. Can a cartoon conquer a challenge like today's tax system, with its ever-changing, 75,000 pages of laws? With retro flair, TAXATION NATION looks into how our tax system does - and doesn't - work."

Why do we have budget deficits and a national debt? In this free-wheeling animated film, you'll see how Congress and public officials use and manage debt, and why it matters to you.

Where do our tax dollars go? We Americans spend a lot of time arguing over how our tax dollars are spent. But do we focus on the right things? Or have we been misdirected? Two-time Oscar winning director Barbara Kopple focuses her lens on answers that many may find startling.

"Why does the U.S. fund foreign aid?The United States spends approximately $37 billion dollars 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."

What is the global trade system? What does it mean to have a globalized economy? And is it good for us? Bob Balaban wrangles seven experts to break it all down as a troupe of comedic actors enliven the commentary.

"What happens when jobs disappear? Detroit has been the poster child for the loss of well-paid manufacturing jobs, but this trend impacts communities all over the country. How does a great American city bounce back?"

"Is China's boom good for our economy? "Made by China in America" 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."

What do human rights have to do with the economy? As consumers in a rapidly growing world economy, we have an insatiable appetite for the next greatest electronic gadget, like smartphones and TVs. But can we consume cheap imported products without exploiting someone in the supply chain?

Is Inequality Growing? In a magical land inhabited by long lashed, multi-colored Alpacas who love lollipops, rainbows and friendship, there's a yawning divide in wealth distribution...what's behind the inequality gap?

What are the Causes of inequality? In Monkey Business, filmmaker Shola Lynch chats with economists from across the political spectrum to help explain the causes of economic inequality, with help from a couple of mammalian friends.

"Why is minimum wage important? Heated debate over increasing the minimum wage centers around the unprecedented passing of $15-an-hour legislation in Seattle."

"Why is healthcare so expensive?A hapless patient journeys through the of labyrinth of US healthcare and is left with a headache and sticker-shock."

How do pandemics impact the global economy?A sick child. A massive outbreak in Liberia. A sudden spread to Sierra Leone and Guinea, then Senegal, then Nigeria. A nurse in Spain, a healthcare worker in Texas. The recent outbreak of Ebola is devastating but it can still be traced back to one isolated tragedy.