DIY or Die: Burn This DVD

The widespread DIY (Do It Yourself) ethic, borne of the punk rock scene of the late '70s and since adopted by artists of all stripes, is a romantic notion, but what motivates those writers, painters, sculptors, musicians, dancers, photographers, computer programmers, and even circus act performers who are actually scraping a living from DIY? For an artist, “DIY” means producing art independent of the commercial superstructure (some of the independent artists featured here include multimedia queen Lydia Lunch; the bands Dinosaur Jr. and Foetus; and filmmaker Richard Kern), and many are simply driven by an inner need to create. Offering a realistic look at the financial realities of each artist's life (ranging from abject poverty to semi-affluence), the program also includes survival tips for the likeminded. Of the art presented, there's something to offend everyone, and the subtitle “Burn This DVD” is no mere catchphrase, but proof of the filmmakers' sincerity: this puppy has no copy protection or region coding. But do the struggling indy artists in your community a favor and buy this independent survivor's guide for your shelves; they can burn a copy of they wish. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Block)