The Forge has secured North American distribution rights alongside international sales for “Everyone Is Lying to You for Money,” marking the directorial debut of Ben McKenzie, widely known for his roles in “The OC,” “Gotham,” and “Southland.” This film is adapted from the best-selling book “Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud,” which McKenzie co-authored with Jacob Silverman.
The film premiered to audiences at SXSW London 2025 and is slated for a theatrical release on April 17. In “Everyone Is Lying to You for Money,” McKenzie adopts the role of investigator, peeling back the layers of the cryptocurrency industry and exposing the rampant misinformation and speculation that fueled its meteoric rise. The official description notes that what began as a beacon of financial freedom has devolved into a perilous landscape fraught with fraud and reckless gambling, greatly impacting everyday people.
The documentary leverages firsthand reporting and expert interviews to illuminate how cryptocurrency became one of the most aggressively marketed financial products in contemporary times, while also highlighting how numerous warning signs were overlooked or intentionally buried. The project was produced by McKenzie alongside Giogio Angelini.
In a candid remark, McKenzie expressed the challenges of drawing audiences to theaters, humorously stating, “If we can somehow manage not to lose $50 million, ‘Everyone Is Lying to You for Money’ will be more profitable than ‘Melania,’” referencing Amazon’s costly acquisition of a documentary focused on Melania Trump. He added that he is optimistic about collaborating with Mark and The Forge’s proficient team to meet these ambitious financial targets.
Mark Mathias Sayre, CEO of The Forge, praised the film’s timeliness and relevance. He remarked, “In a moment when financial systems, digital markets and public trust are all under scrutiny, Ben has delivered a film that feels both urgent and darkly funny.” He affirmed that the documentary doesn’t merely revisit the crypto boom but also critically examines the culture that permitted it to flourish. Sayre believes the film is the type of bold, conversation-starter documentary that deserves a place in theaters and beyond.
The deal for the film was negotiated by Amy Beecroft from Verve, McKenzie representing Easy Money Productions, and Nicholas Marell from Philips Marell LLP on behalf of the filmmakers. On behalf of The Forge, negotiations were handled by Mark Sayre, Steve Swadling, and Decker Sadowski.
A teaser for the documentary has been released, generating anticipation among audiences.
