Welcome to a podcast where art becomes a language of its own. This is 'The Truth in This Art' with your host Rob Lee and today’s special guest Kevin Coelho, a passionate film enthusiast and one of the three visionary minds behind the Baltimore Video Collective. With a lifelong love for cinema, Kevin's dedication to preserving the film culture led to the establishment of Beyond Video, a nonprofit video store in Baltimore. His pivotal role in the collective's foundation and commitment to the art of film make him a driving force in the city's film community. Don't miss the chance to discover Kevin's inspiring journey and the impact of his cinematic endeavors.

ABOUT BEYOND VIDEO

Beyond Video is a volunteer-run home-video library based in Baltimore. We are located at 2545 N. Howard Street. Our current public hours are every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 3-9 pm. Our inventory is crowdsourced by disc donations.

Beyond Video is owned and operated by the Baltimore Video Collective. The BVC is dedicated to the continued growth and circulation of a world-class home video collection representing cinema of all eras, regions, and genres on DVD, Blu-ray, and VHS formats. So far we’ve built a library of 21,000 movies and counting, one donation at a time!

Since the prevalence of streaming services and video on demand has changed the economics of physical media and closed the overwhelming majority of video stores across the country, we have reinvented the video store under a more sustainable model: a non-profit, volunteer-based community video library.

We view physical home video and the culture surrounding it as pivotal to our community’s access to film history. We also see Beyond Video as a community resource that encourages and amplifies the open-minded exchange of ideas, awareness of different cultures and perspectives, and the feeling of creativity in Baltimore and the surrounding region.

After several years of planning, we opened our doors to the public in 2018 with just under 9,000 titles. Despite COVID, we’re going stronger than ever today, with over 21,000 titles and a robust membership-support group.

During this session:

• Delve into the overwhelming support that Beyond Video has garnered since its opening, as customers express their yearning for the tangible experience of a video store. Explore the unique appeal and nostalgia that draws people back to physical movie rentals in the age of streaming.
• Uncover the rising trend of streaming services and their unintended consequences on viewers, leading to confusion and burnout. Delight in the charm of video stores, as their personal touch and convenience become increasingly attractive alternatives in a saturated digital landscape.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant Baltimore film community and its profound connection to the city's art scene. Discover how the Maryland Film Festival has evolved into a haven for aspiring young filmmakers, fostering creativity and collaboration within the local film industry.
• Explore Beyond Video's treasure trove of horror, cult films, and director-specific collections, which have captivated movie enthusiasts. Unveil the cinematic gems that lie within these popular sections, offering an enriching experience for film lovers of all kinds.
• Join Kevin in a lively discussion about his favorite movie cliche, the upbeat montage with a peppy soundtrack. Delve into how this storytelling element condenses narratives and adds an enjoyable touch to films, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

This is one episode you won't want to skip! Kevin discusses the revival of the video store model with Beyond Video, a nonprofit video store in Baltimore. He shares the history of the Baltimore video store scene, the challenges they faced in saving the collection from Video American, and the success they have experienced since opening Beyond Video. Kevin also talks about the importance of physical video stores in the age of streaming and the strong support they have received from both old and young customers. He highlights the sense of community and the joy of discussing films with fellow cinephiles. Kevin also touches on the Baltimore film community and its connection to the broader art scene in the city.

Mentioned in this episode:

Beyond Video

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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