Los Angeles-based designer Jonathan Jarvis has created a wonderful animated video explaining the complex origins of the current credit crisis.

If you’re an economics/finance whizz (or an investment banker), you’ll know all of this stuff already. But this video is so well done, most people will learn a thing or two about the leveraged sub-prime mess that started it all.

Even if you know all the details, this is a great resource to send to family members and friends who give up before you’ve finished your own intricate explanation.