'Betting on Zero': A $1B Short Bet on the Big Screen

The documentary explores the role of money in American life, focusing on hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman's moral crusade against Herbalife, a company accused of being a pyramid scheme. The film delves into the high-stakes conflict involving Wall Street, Main Street, and individual investors. The filmmaker discusses the challenges of capturing a story without a clear resolution and the moral dimensions of the debate. The documentary also reflects on the increased public interest in financial stories post-financial crisis.

What initially intrigued the filmmaker about the role of money in American life?

• The moral implications of wealth

• The simplicity of financial systems

• The potential for financial gain

• The American dream and its values

What was one of the main challenges the filmmaker faced while making the documentary?

• Convincing Bill Ackman to participate

• Securing funding for the project

• Getting cooperation from Herbalife executives

• Finding a distributor for the film

How did the filmmaker describe the nature of the conflict between Ackman and Herbalife?

• A minor legal issue

• A resolved financial dispute

• A moral battle of good versus evil

• A simple business disagreement

What was the filmmaker's initial knowledge of Bill Ackman and Herbalife?

• Informed by previous documentaries

• Based on personal experience

• Extensive and detailed

• Limited to brand recognition

What did the filmmaker hope audiences would find satisfying about the film?

• The resolution of the conflict

• The unexpected ending

• The portrayal of financial strategies

• The moral implications explored

What aspect of the Herbalife story did the filmmaker find surprisingly engaging?

• The Main Street dimension

• The legal battles

• The marketing strategies

• The financial gains

What has increased public interest in financial documentaries according to the filmmaker?

• The rise of social media

• The financial crisis and wealth redistribution

• The popularity of reality TV

• The decline of traditional media