Direct Action Media Network (DAMN) seeks video producers FWD

Tom Boland (wgcp@earthlink.net)
Tue, 13 Jan 1998 15:06:06 -0800 (PST) 

FWD 13 Jan 1998  Reply-To: Citizen Vagrom <citizen@speakeasy.org>
Subject: Direct Action -- Video


 ATTENTION VIDEO ACTIVISTS:

 Have you ever wondered why radical/progressive direct actions never make
 it onto your television screen?

 The Direct Action Media Network (DAMN) is a new multi-media news service
 dedicated to increasing media coverage of direct political actions.

 Currently we are expanding our use of video, building a network of
 video producers who want to contribute to DAMN's efforts.  Because of
 your experience in producing videos that promote social change, we wanted
 to invite you to participate in the video component of DAMN.

 At present DAMN disseminates news reports primarily through its web site
 and e-mail list.  Some video news releases are already on the web site.
 In the near future DAMN would like to begin producing video news reports
 on a regular basis.  In order to begin regular production, DAMN needs to
 build a strong network of video producers, and we would like you to be
 part of that network.

 The DAMN video network, like the organization itself, is
 non-hierarchical and democratic, providing a free space for the exchange
 of information.  The network will act as a conduit for distribution
 and will also be a resource for content.  Producers that
 submit programming to DAMN will have their videos web and cable-cast
 through DAMN's distribution channels.  Network producers can also use
 DAMN videos for their own locally based productions.  The DAMN network,
 then, will not only improve coverage of direct actions, but also build
 stronger ties between video activists and organizations.

 Video producers can participate in DAMN on a variety of levels.  Ideally,
 DAMN would like to establish a network of producers that create
 edited segments ready for distribution.  These segments would be sent to a
 central location and packaged for web and cable-casting.  Producers could
 also contribute raw footage to DAMN, allowing other members of the
 network to create edited segments.  DAMN would also serve as an
 information clearing house, helping producers access video or
 other material related to direct actions.


  SEE FOR YOURSELF

  We'd like to send you a vhs copy of a prototype news release DAMN
  produced last July.  If you'd like to receive a tape, please respond
  to this message and include your mailing address.  DAMN hopes to produce
  this type of programming on a regular basis.  The Peoples Video Network
  provided video for this prototype;  the writing and editing was done by
  members of DAMN.

 We invite you to screen this tape with your fellow activists, and give us
 some feedback on the content as well as possible distribution
 strategies.  Hopefully you will not only enjoy the piece, but also be
 interested in becoming part of this network.  By pooling our
 substantial resources, we could easily create a regular source of video
 programming on direct actions and struggles for social justice.

 To learn more about DAMN, you can check out the web site at
 http://www.tao.ca/earth/damn.

 If you would like to s*bscr*b* to DAMN's list-serve, send an e-mail
 to majordomo@tao.ca
 in the body of the message, write: s*bscr*b* direct.

 Thanks for taking the time to read this invitation.  Please send us
 your mailing address as soon as possible, and we'll send out a
 DAMN prototype right away.  We look forward to your feedback.


 Sincerely,

 Eric and Robert


Robert Wyrod                     Eric Galatas
773.342.9178                     206.340.2681
2058 N. Albany #2R               Citizen Vagrom
Chicago, IL 60647                1111 E. Madison, ste 428
r-wyrod@uchicago.edu             seattle wa 98122
                                 www.speakeasy.org/citizen

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