The Scene We the Economy

- Season 1

(2014)

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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?

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 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.

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 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."

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.

"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." Think U.S. foreign aid is just a big giveaway to other countries? Think again. Often, it benefits farmers, manufacturers and shippers right here at home. But U.S. aid is always good for the ...

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.