DeeDee Halleck is a media activist and filmmaker. She has been a leading figure in the media democracy movement for more than four decades, working to promote alternative and independent film and media production and distribution as a means of promoting social change. In collaboration with a number of known artists, including Joan Jonas, Jean DuPuy, David Tudor, Liza Bear, Richard Serra, Nancy Holt, David Behrman, Roberta Nieman, the Videofreex, Mary Frank, Reverend Billy, Morag Benepe, Ed Sanders, and Tuli Kupferberg among others, Halleck has produced and directed numerous documentary films that explore the intersection of media, power, and social justice. Apart from her work as a filmmaker, Halleck has been an educator and mentor to countless aspiring media makers, sharing her knowledge and experience through workshops, lectures, and other educational programs. In 1981, Halleck co-founded and organized Paper Tiger Television, a collective producing a weekly cable series. This project changed the way communities utilized the resource of public access. By contrast to network television, Paper Tiger inspired artists, local filmmakers, and activists to invent quick and easy, down and dirty content specifically designed for low budget local channels. Paper Tiger has created over 400 half-hour programs, which have been shown locally and at film festivals, media conferences, and art venues around the world. Halleck is Professor Emerita in the Department of Communication at the University of California at San Diego.