My name is Amanda Eckerson and I’m a co-founder and multimedia producer at B Media Collective/Portland. I do other things, but you should understand BMC to understand me:
B Media Collective is a community-based video art collective that uses documentary films, political remix videos, and skill-building workshops to catalyze collaborative work for social justice. Among others, we have made films for 350.org, PCASC, SEIU, Rising Tide, Right 2 Survive, the IWW, the Oregon Fair Trade Campaign, Move to Amend and Veterans for Peace, focusing on everything from immigrant rights to houselessness and environmental justice. We’ve developed a skills-based media training curriculum that focuses on hands on learning, connecting community members to technology resources that already exist, and open source technology. This ninja video explains how we roll. Our philosophy is pulled from the praxis developed by the community media movement in Venezuela, best articulated (if you speak spanish) by the national association of alternative and independent media makers in Venezuela (ANMCLA). B Media also actively produces creative work that documents and provides insight into our struggles for collective resistance in entertaining and informative ways. We have a early series of films called Art and Resistance, exploring the intersection of art and activism in the Americas, and an ongoing Variety Show, a video vaudeville experience that cross pollinates local documentaries, remix videos and found footage. Our last variety show, “Electile Dysfunction,” premiered at the Hollywood Theatre, and is a good example of the documentary film/remix that we do. Our creative philosophy draws strongly from the tenets of remix culture best articulated by Jonathan McIntosh.
Hi Amanda,
What great work you are doing! As a fellow social entrepreneur I laud your efforts and no how tough it is to be going social justice work while trying to be financially sustainable so that you can do the work that you do. I’m curious what you think of the work Scribe is doing in terms of putting the projects in the hands of the organization. What does your process look like in comparison to theirs and do you find inspiration in their approach?
Wow The premiere of “Electile Dysfunction” at the Hollywood Theatre is a testament to the engaging and impactful nature of your documentary film/remix approach. Drawing from the tenets of remix culture, as articulated by Jonathan McIntosh, adds a layer of creativity and innovation to your work.
Continue rolling with your unique approach, Amanda! Your passion for social justice and multimedia storytelling is creating waves of positive change. Best of luck with all your future endeavors at B Media Collective! 🌟🎬