Andrea Wing
Vancouver-based webpreneur Andrea Wing is the founder of BuskFilms, a video-on-demand site featuring independent lesbian films from around the world. Applying a decade of experience as a film, television and online media producer/director, Wing harnessed the latest Web and Mobile 2.0 technologies to give lesbian filmmakers a much-needed platform for self-expression. Put simply, she sees the digital revolution picking up where the traditional distribution system falls short. “I see an opportunity to give a voice to filmmakers who have previously struggled to be heard,” Wing says. BuskFilms also provides economic empowerment to lesbian artists, since a large portion of every rental goes directly into the filmmakers’ pockets. “There are two very rewarding sides to this site,” Wing explains. “Firstly, to know that films are reaching people in places where content wasn’t previously available and where people potential feel unsafe renting queer films. Secondly, it feels good to know that filmmakers are reaching their intended audience and that they are making money while doing so.” She views BuskFilms as “a place where art, technology and filmmaker empowerment intersect.”
