Judie Russell says that, “When I was born my parents had a successful business and everything that goes with it – a beautiful house with a pool, fancy cars and we even had a video camera – and that was back in the mid-1980s. But one day it all came to an end. The business, the house, the cars and the video camera were all sold. However, we did keep the videotapes. For years that footage was all I had to remind myself of what seemed like a past life and when I watch back now I cannot believe how lucky I am to have all of those special moments captured forever. And that is why I love video!”
Since then, Judie has spent the majority of her career working in television and video production and now through her business, The Vidacademy is where she gets to teach organizations and individuals how to make videos themselves. She knows the power of video, both professionally and personally, and she’s so grateful that she gets to do this for a living.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/DJ8JmZ5bhyI
Tell us about your life before the venture/ leading up to your venture?
I studied a Masters in Business Economics before leaving Ireland to explore the world. Over the next five years, I lived and worked in 11 countries. In Costa Rica, I landed a dream job, producing and presenting content for a YouTube channel. My love for video production was cemented.
After a couple of years, I returned to Ireland to study TV and Video Production and since then I’ve worked in all areas of video including camera work, presenting, editing, and directing. In 2017 I set up The Vidacademy so I could teach organisations and individuals everything that I’ve learned about video in a simple way.
Tell us something about your organization. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
At The Vidacademy, we believe that the ability to produce videos will become as if not more important than creating slide decks in the future. And not only do we teach people how to plan, film and edit videos but we also help them to become more confident in their video production and presentation abilities.
Everyone has their own unique voice and we help them harness this through planning effective scripts, filming with confidence and learning to use edit software that engages audiences and adds a professional polish.
What has been the response of the consumers towards your venture?
We have trained thousands of people from all sectors. After workshops, we send feedback forms to participants and they strongly agree that they felt motivated to learn and that they will use what they have learned in the future.
Here is an example of the testimonials we receive:
- We used The Vidacademy to support our participants to shoot and edit their own videos for a recent showcase event. I was delighted with the videos and the feedback from the audience at the event was great. Judie has that great ability to combine a relaxed and sunny disposition with an attention to detail, professionalism and project management expertise which makes it very easy to work with her. I will be using The Vidacademy again.
- I hired The Vidacademy for video training for my team. The course was perfectly paced and gave my team all the skills and confidence they needed to create and edit professional-grade videos. I highly recommend their services to any professionals who would like to gain invaluable video creation skills.
- The course was very hands-on and engaging. The presenter connected uses to both professional and personal ideas. It was an excellent course and it exceeded my expectations.
I reached the final for Network Cork’s Business Women of the Year 2022 Award and I was the winner of The Solopreneur of the Year Award 2022 with The Club Women’s Network.
How has your life changed because of your venture?
Everything has changed for the better. I own my time, I choose my projects, I stand up for myself and my business and I can be myself on a daily basis.
Give a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
Dear women,
I want to take a moment to remind you of your incredible power and potential. You have a unique voice and message that deserves to be shared with the world, and video is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal for doing so.
I know that presenting to camera can be intimidating, but I want you to remember that confidence is a muscle that can be strengthened with practice. Every time you make a video, you are honing your skills and becoming more comfortable in front of the camera.
It’s important to remember that your message is more important than any self-doubt or insecurity you may be feeling. Your voice deserves to be heard, and video is a powerful way to make that happen. So take a deep breath, stand up tall, and share your message with the world.
Remember, you are capable of amazing things, and the world is waiting to hear what you have to say. So go ahead and make those videos, share your unique perspective, and inspire others with your message. The world needs your voice, and you are more than capable of making an impact.
