Wanted: your videos of protest
Undercurrents, the British-based alternative media group, wants your videos for a new series of programs, Undercurrents Global Views 2000, focussing on "international direct action and diverse global issues".
"Get connected to global issues and networks! Have your campaign seen world-wide! Help spread the message of alternative media!", Paul and Joanna, the series' organisers, say.
The Undercurrents group has produced and distributed 10 news videos since 1994, winning many awards. The aim of the videos is to provide "an alternative to the ignorant reporting of environmental and social issues in the mainstream media. News that is ignored by the corporately owned media now has an international audience."
The video footage they're after is "inspirational footage showing action taken by people to create positive solutions and real changes in our world, shot on camcorders by grassroots activists, community groups, students, trade unions, campaigners", covering any kind of progressive social and environmental struggle.
The group wants original Hi8, Video 8, SVHS or mini DV tapes, or a high quality copy of the same format. They will make a copy and return them.
In addition, all contributors will be given a signed agreement detailing Undercurrents' non-profit criteria for use of all video footage. They'll also receive a free VHS/SVHS of the finished programs for screening, an on-screen credit at the end of the program, a link from the group's web site to your campaign or organisation and "world-wide recognition for your country's issues".
Undercurrents has an international distribution network of community and public broadcast stations, and will be seen at many communal screenings in various countries. It will also be shown via the group's own internet broadcasting at .
Footage can be sent, with your name, return address, contact details, information on the actions shown and contact details for the campaign involved, to: Undercurrents Global Views, 16b Cherwell Street, Oxford, OX4 1BG, Britain.
Paul and Joanna can be contacted via email at <underc@gn.apc.org>, via telephone +44 (0) 1865 203661, via fax +44 (0) 870 1316103, or via the web at .