Ben McKenzie Debuts Crypto Documentary, Critiques Industry at SXSW London

London, United Kingdom – Actor Ben McKenzie, known for his roles in The O.C. and Gotham, is set to premiere his feature film directorial debut, Everyone Is Lying to You for Money, at SXSW London this Friday. The documentary dives into the world of cryptocurrency and takes a critical look at its impacts.

Since the pandemic, McKenzie has emerged as a vocal critic of the crypto industry. His New York Times bestseller, Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud, co-authored with Jacob Silverman, explores themes around financial fraud, raising eyebrows in 2023.

Filmed over three years across various locations including New York, Austin, Miami, London, and El Salvador, Everyone Is Lying to You for Money features interviews with prominent figures from the crypto landscape. These include Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX, and Alex Mashinsky, the ex-CEO of the bankrupt Celsius Network. The documentary also highlights the experiences of numerous victims of crypto fraud.

SXSW London describes McKenzie’s film as both informative and entertaining, marking a unique pivot for an actor venturing into serious themes of finance. ‘It’s a true indie movie,’ McKenzie states, noting that he financed the project himself.

Ahead of the premiere, McKenzie spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about the film’s creation, asserting that its foundation lies not in technology but rather in ‘a human story about trust and belief systems.’ He emphasizes how the film challenges assumptions about cryptocurrency, stating, ‘It’s not about technology; it’s about the people involved and the stories of deceivers.’

McKenzie explains his initial fascination with the crypto sphere was spurred by pandemic boredom and a sense of seeking a new career direction after his Broadway show closed just before lockdown. His frustration with the crypto industry’s complexities, and the understanding that many who invest do so based on social influences rather than genuine knowledge, drove him to create this film.

He critiques the role of celebrities endorsing crypto as a complicating factor, viewing them as necessary amplifiers for an industry he likens to a Ponzi scheme. ‘They were paid to convince others to turn real money into digital assets,’ he comments.

The film, which he calls ‘a comedy,’ aims to engage viewers with humorous storytelling rather than technical jargon. McKenzie hopes audiences will leave with a better understanding of the crypto landscape and its pitfalls, while also being entertained.

McKenzie concludes that, despite the troubling landscape of cryptocurrency, his experiences have shown that even among critics, there is room for productive dialogue. He encourages thoughtful discussions around trust and ethics in finance, advocating for open conversations in a rapidly evolving digital world.