Redefining aspects of participation for amateur film-makers in the Nordic countries

Since the digital revolution in the 1990s the cultural industries have been shaken by profound changes in the traditional relationships between producer and consumer. In the networked digital community, many have seen the possibilities for amateurs to attain power through access to the tools of production and distribution. Online interaction and self-presentation opportunities add to the participatory aspect of amateur film-makers’ culture. However, boundaries of participation exist and constrain the opportunities of participation for amateur film-makers. The amateur film-makers interact with their surroundings and actively engage in shaping the circumstances of their activities. Indeed, participation includes an increased potential for interaction, but the level of participation is determined by the network of interactions and the restrictions defined by power relations within the media environment. This article focuses on the developments of the online communities of Nordic (Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian and Danish) amateur film-makers seen from the point of view of access, interaction and participation.