Bankrupt: A Documentary About Cronyism & Corruption in Detroit

 

In 2014 Director and Executive Producer Ben Howe and Producer Thomas LaDuke released their 41 minute documentary, Bankrupt, on the tragic story of Detroit. This was the official website for the documentary.
Content is from the site's 2014 archived pages.

Director & Executive Producer
Ben Howe

Director of Photography
Michael Deppisch
Producer
Thomas LaDuke
Production Manger
Sarah Smith

Detroit was one of America’s great jewels. A center for industry, innovation, ingenuity, and the American can-do spirt. A shining example of the capitalist tide lifting all boats.

Today, Detroit rests in shadow. It is a husk, a decaying testament to what can go wrong when government and bad policy intersect with bad business. What happened? Bankrupt is the new documentary that will lead you through the brambles and reveal what went wrong. What’s more, it answers the question of what there is to learn from the story of the rise and fall of America’s auto empire, and what it says about where we are going as a nation in the era of too big to fail.

 



Bankrupt: Official Trailer

Detroit U.S.A.: Once the most prosperous city in America. With a booming manufacturing sector and cultural magnetism, the city had bright horizons after World War II. But as the 1960′s rolled in, the marriage of Big Business and Big Government overtook Detroit. The central planners in government needed the powerful corporations, and the powerful corporations came to depend on the bureaucracy, too. The marriage worked well for the politicians and for their corporate cronies, but Detroit itself entered a decades-long decline. America watched as Detroit slowly bled people, jobs and revenue. Politicians tried spending money. They tried raising taxes. The more they taxed and spent, the faster the city declined.
Detroit still had its "Big Three" auto manufacturers, until two of its crown jewels, General Motors and Chrysler, imploded in 2008 under the weight of reckless and subsidized mismanagement.

Instead of allowing market forces to rebuild Detroit and the auto industry, the United States handed billions of dollars to General Motors and Chrysler.

Five years later, the city of Detroit is bankrupt and almost $20 billion dollars in debt. Meanwhile, General Motors has a cash balance of over $20 billion, still owes the taxpayers over $10 billion dollars that outgoing CEO Dan Akerson said will not be paid, and the company continues to benefit from an unprecedented $18 billion tax gift from the bankruptcy.

Why is General Motors walking away with billions while Detroit dies?

How did so much money change hands between the world's most powerful corporate leaders and government officials while delivering on so little of the promise sold to America by central planners? Bankrupt: How Cronyism & Corruption Took Down Detroit answers this question, and many others. Complete with the candid analysis of pundits, journalists, analysts and government officials, sourcing of historical news and government archives, and on-scene interviews with everyday Detroiters, Bankrupt sheds light on what happened to Detroit, and who is to blame.

And most importantly, it asks "What is next for the Motor City?"

 

 

As a freelance SEO, I track website performance for a living, and back in 2014, when the documentary Bankrupt: A Documentary About Cronyism & Corruption in Detroit was released, I was naturally keeping an eye on DetroitBankruptMovie.com. I had watched the film, and while its take on Detroit's woes was certainly provocative, it was also a significant piece of commentary on a major urban crisis. I figured the site would perform reasonably well in search results for its title, given the timely subject matter.

However, I started noticing something deeply unsettling. When I'd search "Bankrupt" on Google, expecting to see the official website or reviews of the documentary at the top, I was confronted with a series of highly disturbing results: several prominent sites discussing female mutilation. It was a complete shock and entirely inappropriate for a film about Detroit's economic collapse.

I immediately tried to contact the owners of DetroitBankruptMovie.com. I sent emails, thinking they would be horrified to discover these irrelevant and distressing search results dominating their film's title. I was certain they'd want to implement some SEO best practices, perhaps negative keyword targeting or a more robust content strategy, to push these irrelevant results down and ensure their film was properly represented.

To my disappointment, I never heard back. The situation remained unchanged for quite some time, and it was frustrating to see a documentary aiming to shed light on important issues inadvertently associated with such a disturbing topic in search rankings. It really underscored how critical proactive SEO management is, especially for sites dealing with sensitive or easily conflated keywords. I just wish I could have helped them clean up that mess. Markus Pienes

 

 

"It doesn't surprise me that corruption is rampant in Detroit. Or anywhere for that matter. My neighbors were victims of contractor fraud in NYC, where an unethical contractor named George Binakis, stole over $65,000 from them. When they tried to report this as a crime, a detective at local precinct 24 on the Upper West Side told them it was not a crime, but civil matter and sent them to small claims court! My neighbors had been telling me for weeks that they were concerned that George was a victim of a heart attack or other major medical issue and were desperately trying to reach out to learn his condition, and what hospital he might have been taken to. It was at this point that they realized something fishy was going on. Corruption is everywhere and touches everyone at some point in time. You're lucky if it doesn't harm you too much either directly or indirectly through the loss of services, local support, or employment. Buckle up folks, it's not just Detroit!" William Willis Ward

 

PRESS

 

Documentary ‘Bankrupt’ Chronicles How Cronyism, Corruption Destroyed Detroit 2.13.2014

2.13.2014 / Bradford Thomas / www.truthrevolt.org

onths after President Obama touted on the campaign trail that he had “refused to let Detroit go bankrupt,” Detroit became the largest U.S. city in history to file for bankruptcy.

Filmmaker Ben Howe’s new documentary, Bankrupt – How Cronyism and Corruption Brought Down Detroit, explores the reasons behind the tragic collapse of what was once one of America’s most economically successful and culturally vibrant cities.

Howe’s documentary begins with footage of heroin needles in the streets, abandoned and burned down houses, parking lot wastelands, and crumbling warehouses—the deplorable state of what was once an American boomtown. Having lost nearly two-thirds of its population since its automobile industry-fueled high point in the mid-20th century, the city’s once 2 million person population has now dwindled to just over 700 thousand. With the mass exodus, the city’s once robust tax base has all but vanished.

Bankrupt explores the reasons for this dramatic decline, underscoring the cronyism and political corruption that has devastated Detroit’s former competitive edge. The film features interviews from residents and a handful of economic and historical experts to provide insight into the political and economic changes that have led to Detroit’s current desperate state.

Howe frames his critique with man-on-the-street style interviews with city residents who at once express their passion for the city and their confusion and frustration at seeing their beloved city fail. One interviewee remarks that when he compares Detroit to its sister city Chicago, he can’t help but feel a sense of jealousy and bewilderment about how his city could fall so far behind.

But not all interviewed are confused by the failings of the city. David Littman, retired Senior Vice President and Chief Economist of Comerica Bank, believes the reasons for the city’s demise are clear, as he describes the devastating changes of a city once based on the “substance of the market system: entrepreneurship and incentive,” to a city crippled by anti-competitive, mismanaged pensions and financial and creative disincentives. 

As Howe’s title makes clear, the film is ultimately an exposé on the role that cronyism and political corruption played in the dismantling of a city once characterized by innovation, productivity, and prosperity. The documentary, running just under 42 minutes, is an FTR Media production created by Ben Howe (Director and Executive Producer), Michael Deppisch (Director of Photography), Thomas LaDuke (Producer), and Sarah Smith (Production Manager).

 

 

Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is

Posted on February 3, 2014 /Ben Howe / www.buzzfeed.com

Last year I got a ton of crap for having an opinion. Now it's everyone else's turn.

The Backstory

In April of last year I wrote what I knew would be a somewhat controversial article which ended up being more like a bomb drop on a very specific corner of the conservative new media.

After attending the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and witnessing what I believed was not a particularly well thought out film trailer, I took to Buzzfeed and offered my opinion on why I hoped that the makers took a different route before turning it into a feature film. The creators, Tea Party Patriots, pushed back on my opinion by noting that, in spite of what I'd been told, there was no intention to move from the short film into a longer film. The director of the piece took particular umbrage with what I'd written, going so far as to call in to a radio podcast I was being interviewed on to confront me over my review.

To make matters even more interesting, a friend of mine wrote multiple articles — on Breitbart.com, my old stomping grounds — attacking me for critiquing conservative efforts on BuzzFeed, which he deemed an unfriendly venue.

This is not to say I didn't have support for what I'd written. I had loads of it, even from some at Breitbart. But amazingly, this has all come up numerous times in the year since I wrote it. My critique of conservatives has been mentioned on panels at conferences and used as an example of going outside the conservative echo chamber to talk about conservatives.

Let me preemptively concur with any reader who is preparing to speed to the bottom of this article to leave a snarky comment about how this is niche segment of conservative online media talking to themselves. I readily admit that the impact and controversy that came as a result of my article is not exactly at the forefront of the American debate on culture (which was primary point in the article) nor will it have a long term effect on conservative blogosphere.

But I can't help but acknowledge one criticism that came from a friend: He said he knew most of the people upset with me were upset because I'd chosen to critique those who had done something I hadn't. I put myself out there as a filmmaker and criticized the work of others, using my position as owner of a production company to underscore my critique.

However, and I admitted this in the article, I had not actually made a film myself. I offered condemnation of work without fully appreciating what goes into making that which I was condemning.

It's a fair point and one that I am hoping to remedy today.

The Film

Premiered in Washington, DC on Thursday night and released to YouTube for a limited time on Friday, I have released a documentary funded & produced by my production company. The film is called Bankrupt and it is about the fall of Detroit.

As someone who experienced extreme financial crisis coming into the recession, the story of the auto bailouts which were ostensibly offered to "save Detroit," I always had a particular distaste for what I'd seen take place. From my perspective, while I struggled with companies I owned and watched them descend into bankruptcy from 2008-2012, I simultaneously had to endure the auto companies waltzing into Washington, asking for billions of dollars to save themselves and the city that they helped build, and listen to George W. Bush tell the world that they were too big to fail.

As a small business owner, watching this unfold was upsetting and personal. It was the moment that I understood how damaging big business in bed with big government can be.

This, along with TARP, was the moment I became an activist and a blogger. That President Obama continued the practice begun under President Bush was as unsurprising as it was disappointing.

Then, in 2013, I watched as politicians called the bailouts a success while the city they were dispatched to "save" fell further into disrepair and finally, bankruptcy. At that moment, I knew that I had to do more than simply vent my feelings in a blog post or a short video.

And so myself and my crew, Director of Photography Michael Deppisch, Production Manager Sarah H. Smith and Co-Producer Thomas LaDuke, quietly set about making a film to document the state of the city. We talked to experts about how they got here and what's next, to a City Councilman who told us his hopes for the Motor City, and also to people on the street to find out how they felt about it all and what they expect next.

I'm proud of what we created but I thought it was important, in light of the controversy last year, to put this out there for the world, for free, on YouTube, so that anyone and everyone can tell me what they think.

I can take criticism, of course I'll love compliments. But either way, I hope you'll watch.

 

 

More Background on DetroitBankruptMovie.com

DetroitBankruptMovie.com served as the official website for the documentary film Bankrupt: How Cronyism & Corruption Brought Down Detroit. This site, while now largely archived, was a focal point for information about the film, its creators, and the broader conversation around Detroit’s historic bankruptcy. This article provides a comprehensive background on DetroitBankruptMovie.com, offering insights into its ownership, purpose, cultural significance, media coverage, and the context in which it operated.

Ownership and Production Team

DetroitBankruptMovie.com was established to promote and distribute Bankrupt, a 41-minute documentary released in 2014. The film was directed and executive produced by Ben Howe, with Thomas LaDuke as producer, Michael Deppisch as director of photography, and Sarah Smith as production manager. The production was an independent effort, reflecting the perspectives and investigative work of its creators rather than a major studio or media conglomerate.

Ben Howe, known for his work in conservative media and as a commentator, was motivated by his personal and professional experiences during the financial crisis and auto industry bailouts. His aim was to explore the intersection of government policy, business interests, and the decline of Detroit, making the film both a personal project and a broader commentary on American urban policy.

Purpose and Goals

The primary goal of DetroitBankruptMovie.com was to provide a platform for the documentary Bankrupt, which sought to answer critical questions about Detroit’s decline. The film examined the city’s transformation from a symbol of American industry and prosperity to a case study in municipal failure, focusing on the roles of cronyism, corruption, and policy missteps.

The website featured information about the film, its creators, and its message. It also included press coverage, reviews, and opportunities for viewers to engage with the content. The site’s mission was educational and investigative, aiming to spark dialogue about the lessons of Detroit’s bankruptcy for other American cities and for national policy debates.

Historical Context and Location

DetroitBankruptMovie.com was created during a period of intense national interest in Detroit’s financial crisis. In July 2013, Detroit filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy, becoming the largest U.S. city ever to do so, with debts estimated between $18 and $20 billion. The bankruptcy was the culmination of decades of population decline, deindustrialization, and fiscal mismanagement, and it prompted widespread media coverage and public debate.

The documentary and its website were rooted in Detroit’s local context but aimed for a national audience. The film’s creators conducted on-the-ground interviews with Detroit residents, city officials, and experts, grounding their narrative in the lived experiences of those affected by the crisis.

Proximity and Relevance

While the website itself was a digital entity, its subject matter was intimately tied to Detroit’s urban landscape. The film documented the city’s abandoned neighborhoods, shuttered factories, and the visible scars of economic decline. It also explored the proximity of political and corporate power, examining how decisions made in city hall and boardrooms reverberated through Detroit’s communities.

The Detroit bankruptcy court, a focal point for legal proceedings during the crisis, is located at 211 West Fort Street in downtown Detroit, near landmarks like Comerica Bank and the TCF Center. The film and website referenced these local institutions as part of the broader story of Detroit’s unraveling and attempts at recovery.

Awards and Recognition

While Bankrupt itself did not achieve major mainstream awards, the subject of Detroit’s bankruptcy has been the focus of several acclaimed documentaries. For instance, the later film Gradually, Then Suddenly: The Bankruptcy of Detroit won the 2021 Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film and was featured at the Freep Film Festival. This reflects the ongoing cultural and cinematic interest in Detroit’s story, of which Bankrupt was an early and independent entry.

Menus and Website Features

DetroitBankruptMovie.com offered a straightforward menu structure typical of independent documentary sites. It included:

  • About the Film: Background on the documentary, its themes, and its creators.

  • Press & Media: Links and excerpts from media coverage, reviews, and interviews.

  • Screenings: Information on where and when the film was shown, including community events and festival appearances.

  • Contact: A form or email address for inquiries, feedback, or requests for screenings.

  • Media Kit: Downloadable materials for journalists and bloggers, such as press releases, promotional images, and fact sheets.

These features were designed to maximize accessibility and encourage dialogue among viewers, journalists, and policymakers.

Reviews and Audience Reception

Bankrupt received attention from a range of media outlets, particularly those focused on politics, economics, and urban affairs. Reviews often highlighted the film’s clear point of view, its use of interviews with local residents and experts, and its critique of both political and corporate actors in Detroit’s decline.

Audience reception was mixed, reflecting the film’s polemical style and its engagement with contentious issues. Supporters praised its willingness to tackle difficult questions about government accountability and corporate influence, while critics argued that it sometimes oversimplified complex historical and economic factors.

The website provided a space for viewer feedback and discussion, reinforcing its role as a hub for debate on Detroit’s future and the broader implications of municipal bankruptcy.

Press and Media Coverage

DetroitBankruptMovie.com and the film it promoted were covered by a variety of news organizations, blogs, and opinion sites. Media coverage focused on several themes:

  • The film’s critique of the 2008 auto industry bailout and its aftermath.

  • The role of political and corporate elites in Detroit’s decline.

  • The broader lessons for American cities facing fiscal and demographic challenges.

Coverage appeared in national and regional outlets, as well as in specialized publications focused on urban policy, economics, and documentary film. The film’s release was timed to coincide with ongoing debates about Detroit’s recovery, ensuring that it contributed to the public conversation.

History and Development

The creation of DetroitBankruptMovie.com coincided with the production and release of Bankrupt. The site was launched in 2014, shortly before the film’s premiere in Washington, D.C. and its limited online release. The website was updated with new press coverage, screening information, and viewer feedback as the film reached a wider audience.

Over time, the site became an archive of the film’s impact, preserving interviews, reviews, and media coverage for future reference. Although the site is no longer actively maintained, it remains accessible through web archives and continues to serve as a resource for those interested in Detroit’s history and the challenges facing American cities.

Audience and Cultural Significance

DetroitBankruptMovie.com attracted a diverse audience, including:

  • Residents of Detroit and the surrounding region.

  • Policy analysts, journalists, and academics studying urban decline and recovery.

  • Political activists and commentators interested in government accountability and economic policy.

  • General viewers drawn to documentary film and American history.

The film and its website contributed to the ongoing cultural conversation about Detroit’s place in the American imagination. Detroit’s story, as told through Bankrupt and other works, has become a touchstone for debates about deindustrialization, urban renewal, and the responsibilities of government and business.

Known For and Key Insights

DetroitBankruptMovie.com is known for its association with Bankrupt, a documentary that foregrounded the role of cronyism and corruption in Detroit’s decline. The site offered several key insights:

  • The importance of transparency and accountability in municipal governance.

  • The dangers of close ties between political and corporate elites.

  • The resilience of Detroit’s residents in the face of adversity.

  • The need for honest dialogue about the causes and consequences of urban decline.

The film used a combination of expert interviews, on-the-ground reporting, and historical analysis to make its case, and the website provided resources for viewers to explore these issues further.

Examples and Specifics

Examples of content featured on DetroitBankruptMovie.com included:

  • Video clips and trailers from the documentary.

  • Extended interviews with Detroit residents, city officials, and economic experts.

  • Press releases and media kits for journalists.

  • Reviews and testimonials from viewers and critics.

  • Announcements of screenings at community centers, festivals, and policy conferences.

These materials helped to contextualize the film’s arguments and provided viewers with tools to engage in informed debate.

Social and Cultural Impact

DetroitBankruptMovie.com played a role in shaping the public conversation about Detroit’s bankruptcy and its aftermath. By providing a platform for Bankrupt and related materials, the site contributed to a broader understanding of the challenges facing American cities. It also highlighted the need for vigilance against corruption and the importance of civic engagement in the face of economic and political adversity.

The film and its website remain part of the larger tapestry of works documenting Detroit’s history and the lessons it holds for the nation.

 

DetroitBankruptMovie.com was more than just a promotional site for a documentary; it was a hub for information, debate, and reflection on one of America’s most significant urban crises. Through its focus on ownership, goals, reviews, media coverage, and cultural significance, the site offered a comprehensive resource for understanding the causes and consequences of Detroit’s bankruptcy. Its legacy endures in the ongoing conversations about urban policy, economic justice, and the future of American cities.

 

 

DetroitBankruptMovie.com