Suggestion for educational video on recessions

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Mr Jones Posted: Tue, Dec 30 2008 11:06 AM

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Hi,

Firstly, let me say that I am a complete economic novice and will inevitably make mistakes in some statements. Hopefully this does not disqualify my suggestion for an educational video on the business cycle.

Secondly, I know nothing about making videos, and have no capital to finance such an endeavour. So the only hope I have of seeing my idea take form is to post it in a public forum and hope somebody likes it.

Here's the idea:

A narrated animation which illustrates the business cycle and how further government interference plays a big part in the creation of a recession.

This, by itself, might seem a bit bland. But it all depends on which angle is taken. My suggestion would be something from "Dummies Guide to Creating a Recession", "Create a Recession in a Few Easy Steps" or "How to Create a Recession" angle. This angle has two main merits. One, it makes it very clear that recessions are man-made from start to finish, discarding any idea that they are somehow a built-in feature of the market. And two, it makes the subject a whole lot more lighthearted and fun to digest, thus engaging the audience much more than a straightforward explanation.

Below I have written a sample of the sort of narration that it might contain. I must remind you, my understanding of these concepts is not great, so please forgive my mistakes.

"First, you'll have to take control of the central bank of an unsuspecting economy. As an example, let's say you become chairman of the 'Marketsville Central Bank'. Next, you have to create an environment of 'easy money' by setting the interest rate lower than the naturally occurring market level."

If you can imagine some at least partially animated illustrations to go along with this; say, a picture of the fictional central bank, then hopefully you are getting a feel for my idea. Perhaps there could be something to illustrate the easy money; like lots of people flocking to loan money for reasons they would never normally consider.

I would really like to hear some feedback on my idea. Personally, I think if this is done well, it would be a big internet hit and create a lot of exposure for the Austrian theory. Thanks for reading.