In late 2008, Richard Keane Jr., deprived of his postal income, but still determined to put his daughter through college decided to take his chances in the stock market. While he didn't lose his shirt, he felt buffeted by the wild gyrations of the market and out-gunned by techniques of market professionals such as flash trading and short selling. He decided to do something about it.
Soon he found himself chosen to be the narrator of the movie "Stock Shock" after filmmakers decided his story epitomized the impact of market manipulation on the average American investor. Teaming up with filmmakers to expose the unfair advantages of industrial traders, Richard began reaching out to government agencies. "I sent out over 50 letters to the news media and government officials demanding the truth be told," he says.
As the movie premiered it generated a buzz across the internet attracting 30,000 twitter followers and fan sites. It's brought together thousands of struggling investors who lost money during the recent crash.
In a grassroots movement, many viewers began sending their DVDs with letters to the SEC. Richard sent his letter to President Obama. Richard never expected a call back. "I got the phone call on August 19, 2009 from the office of the President of the United States," Richard remembers with pride. "I told them it was great that the SEC and President Obama were taking action to make sweeping changes in the financial world."
From bloggers, to activist investors, to government officials, "Stock Shock" has become the new rallying cry for change on Wall Street. Since its release the SEC has settled its first case against naked short sellers.
"I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be in a Hollywood movie telling the world about stock market corruption," says a shocked Richard, " I'm no star, but as the narrator of the movie, I am the voice of victimized military veterans, police officers, firefighters, teachers and the rest of the working class people of the world."
Director, Sandra Mohr says she made the movie to empower small investors and give them a voice. Stock Shock is available on DVD at Amazon.com and www.stockshockmovie.com.
Source Mohr Productions, Inc.
Published by Mike Hitchen i On Global Trends, world news, analysis, opinion
Putting principles before profits
Putting principles before profits
