April 2023 – Meet David Bee, Lightmotive Films LLC
What is your educational background?
Degrees in Film, Media, Dramatic Arts, Son of an Architect.
What drew you to work in the environmental sector?
I was raised in Brooklyn, New York, where I watched how the urban fabric changed over time, how city spaces could be rebuilt to benefit communities through the principled redevelopment of neighborhoods and buildings. When I moved to Portland, Oregon, I was impressed by the industrial heritage of the city and region and its interconnectedness with the unique natural habitat of the Pacific Northwest. In 2016, I had the opportunity to create a feature-length documentary film, Built by Zidell, which detailed a large-scale environmental remediation of the Zidell industrial property along the Willamette River. Learning about environmental remediation was a tremendous inspiration for me, and the project increased my connection to the region and its growth. Since then I have gone on to produce numerous remediation-based films for regional communities. It has been educational and inspiring to be able to support the essential work of environmental remediation and redevelopment through creating strategic media and continuing to tell the stories that support project success and the environmental business sector.
In a word, describe yourself.
Self-Employed.
What’s one interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?
I performed improvisational comedy for live audiences.
ON BUSINESS
What drew you to your company initially?
The opportunity to create films and videos that support good causes and outcomes in a world where principled media can stand out and make a difference.
What are three words to describe your company?
Quality, Reliability, Partnership.
What is your favorite part about working for your company?
Each new project and collaboration is an opportunity to learn more and to contribute, but also each project is an adventure and a way to explore the unique urban and natural habitats of our region.
What has been your favorite project at your company?
Built by Zidell was a career highlight, which led to the collaborative partnership I’ve enjoyed for many years with Maul Foster & Alongi. Being able to articulate their impressive work on a variety of projects has been an honor and a distinct highlight of my career.
How has your company helped you in your career development?
Being independent. I enjoy building my network connections and creating partnerships with companies, agencies, and cities to support their important work.
ON THE INDUSTRY
What has your involvement been with NEBC?
NEBC has been a key partner in supporting my efforts to bring creative video services to the environmental business sector. What began with showcasing my work and providing video content for conferences has grown into a wonderful collaboration which I cherish.
What is the best professional advice you’ve received?
Go upstream or remain downstream, professionally, but understand what it takes to be upstream and to be responsible for generating projects and being directly accountable to clients and their needs.
What is your industry’s wish list for the next five years?
I would like to see more videos being made to support environmental businesses. Stories of environmental remediation and redevelopment are important. They are compelling and inspirational narratives with broad appeal to audiences. Sharing them with stakeholders in towns and cities enables them to learn more about the positive actions that are leading our communities and cities toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
