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Deep Dive: Maxed Out (2006)

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Maxed Out
Maxed Out: Hard Times, Easy Credit and the Era of Predatory Lenders is a documentary that examines the credit card industry's abusive practices. Written and directed by James Scurlock, the film features interviews with creditors, debtors, and academics to illustrate how these practices affect individuals and society. It argues that banks and creditors target vulnerable populations who are more likely to struggle with repayment, benefiting from connections to government and the debt collection industry. The film premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2006, where it won the Special Jury Prize. It was released in theaters in March 2007 and later on DVD in June 2007. The book version, published by Scribner, was released in hardcover in March 2007 and in paperback in December 2007. The non-profit organization Americans for Fairness in Lending has organized screenings of the film as part of its mission to raise awareness about credit and lending issues.

Why Watch

  • •See interviews with creditors and debtors revealing harsh truths.
  • •Find out how banks target vulnerable populations.
  • •Meet James Scurlock, the director raising awareness on credit issues.

Did You Know

•Maxed Out premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2006.
•The film won the Special Jury Prize at the festival.
•The DVD was released nationally on June 7, 2007.
•The book version was published in hardcover in March 2007.

Perfect For

Consumer rights advocatesFinancial literacy enthusiastsStudents of economics