FAQs
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The Secrets of Money: The Documentary Film
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Updated: December 23, 2008
Why are you producing this documentary movie?
What topic is more taboo than Politics, Religion or Sex?
What topic affects each and every American, regardless of age, education or income level?
What topic is currently in every news headline and on the mind of every consumer?
Answer: Money
So, why do schools require math, English and Science, but not Financial Literacy? What topic could be more directly relevant to the lifelong success or failure of every American, but is so rarely taught? Our crew is traveling the country to find out!
Our new documentary exposes the truth behind this “little talked about” and “taboo” subject, and the findings will both shock and inspire. Our goal is to bring a new awareness to the importance of financial literacy at all levels, similar to what has already been done with seatbelts, sunscreen and obesity.
What kind of “angle” are you using for this documentary movie?
We are taking a hard look at the role that personal accountability, combined with basic education in the school system, plays in the financial education process and profiling the lives of multiple “real people” to explore the difference between those who ARE and ARE NOT financially literate, regardless of their age or income level.
We are not intentionally “picking on” any particular industries or companies, nor are we claiming that all financial services are “predators.” It is our belief that in a free market society, a well educated and informed consumer is the best defense, regardless of savvy marketers, government regulation, etc.
What is the name of the film?
The main title of the film will be “The Secrets of Money,” but we have not yet come up with the final sub title (i.e. The Secrets of Money: America’s Lost Advantage). Have any good suggestions? Let us know and we will credit you if your sub-title is chosen!
What is your production schedule?
We started filming in November 2008 and plan to wrap production at the end of February 2009, with the movie being released sometime in May 2009. During this time, we are traveling the country – coast-to-coast – to complete over 100 interviews with a wide variety of real people (students, parents, consumers, etc.), educators, celebrities, government officials, personal finance experts, and others. For most of January we will be filming on the East coast, and for most of February we will be filming on the West coast.
What are your distribution plans?
Although we are currently in discussions with several parties, we probably will not be able to release the final distribution plan until the film is at or near completion, which is projected to be May 2009. It is our goal to get the film the largest worldwide exposure (viewership) possible, and because of this, we may transfer the different exhibition rights separately (i.e. premier rights for the first 6 months to a major TV network, syndication rights to a cable network, theatrical rights to a nationwide chain, DVD rental rights to a distributor, educational viewing rights, international rights, etc.).
Do you have specific questions you are asking the interviewees?
Yes, we have about 20 questions we are asking everyone we interview, whether they be a “real” person (student, parent, consumer, etc.), educator, government official, celebrity, personal finance expert or something else. Most relate to their own level of financial education and their perspective on the importance and best means of teaching financial literacy in the school system. However, the #1 question we want to answer with the film is: “If financial literacy education is so important (which virtually everyone agrees it is), then why are we not immediately requiring all schools to teach the subject, especially considering the current economic situation?” The responses so far have been fascinating to say the least, and range from the typical “I don’t know” (90% of the time) to “Unions,” “Bus Schedules” or “Bureaucracy.” Nobody seems to have a concrete answer, making this documentary compelling.
Are you working from a script?
No. We are letting the various interviewees tell the story in their own words without the producers trying to promote a specific belief or any type of commercial interest (think of a feature-length news segment). However, the movie will be broken into the following 3 sections – Introduction (Abundance, Consumerism and “The American Dream”), The Problem, Possible Solutions (Prescriptive).
Who are the principals behind the film and what are their credentials?
- Braun Mincher, Entrepreneur & Award-Winning Author
- Kevin Houchin, Intellectual Property & Business Attorney
- David Himot, Cinematographer & Filmmaker
Biographies for each partner are available on the movie website, as well as their own individual websites and social networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
How can people get involved or learn more?
Visit our website at http://www.SecretsOfMoney.com frequently. You can also sign up for our mailing list there and will be sent our quarterly newsletter with production details, nationwide travel schedule, showing information, etc. Also, the directors are also posting daily updates to their individual Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter profiles if you would like to follow any/all of them online; they will gladly accept your request.
How long will it take to produce the film?
It normally takes about 12 months to outline, film and edit a documentary film, but we are “fast-tracking” this project in less than 6 months due to the timeliness of the topic. Just ask any of our crew who are working 16+ hours a day 6-7 days per week! We are currently planning to release the film in May 2009.
What is the budget to produce the film?
While we are not releasing our exact budget, films of this type typically cost $250,000 to over $600,000 to produce. The film is being privately financed.
How can people get involved or learn more?
Visit our website at http://www.SecretsOfMoney.com frequently. You can also sign up for our mailing list there and will be sent our quarterly newsletter with behind-the-scenes production details, nationwide travel schedule, showing information, etc. Also, the directors are also posting daily updates to their individual Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter profiles if you would like to follow any/all of them online; they will gladly accept your request.
You can also learn more by visiting our online “Press Room” with links to various media articles, interviews and press releases.
Consumers are invited to test their own knowledge – to see what they DO and do NOT know about financial literacy – by taking our free online quiz (50 questions, multiple choice):
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