We recently connected with Michael Judkins and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
There are so many directions I can take with this type of question. However, working as a camp counselor at the Fresh Air Fund was the most sincere time in my life when I knew I found a sense of purpose in my direction. I knew my purpose was to help or bring ease to someone else. I found out in the summer of 2000 that my gift for writing, counseling, easy listening, and being supportive would be my journey’s purpose. Whether writing a short film or a feature film, providing mental health counseling or substance abuse counseling, there’s a purpose in delivering a helping hand.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hello. I’ve been a Master’ s-level therapist in the mental health and substance abuse field for over twenty years. I’m also an award-winning independent producer, writer, and director reading in Lehigh Valley, PA. I published several poetry books and signed with AOIS 21 Media for five years under contract. I produced my most recognized poetry collection, The Interlude to Sentimental Me, into a stage play in 2018. I followed by creating and working on short films, writing songs for my short film soundtrack, and moving forward. Currently, I’m in development with two feature films and promoting my upcoming Arts and Care 2024 event, which combines both my world of Performing arts and mental/wellness care in Bethlehem, PA, on August 30th/31st, 2024. Hopefully, by the end of the year, we will release another children’s book. In addition to working and collaborating with several film productions- Same World Productions- Nanticoke, Lehigh Valley Film Crew- Flip of a Coin, Big Lettuce Productions- Peephole, to name a few. I appreciate every opportunity as an independent creator to collaborate and create something visual that leaves a footprint of positivity, education, forward-thinking, and creativity.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Good listener.
Observant
Patient.
The most effective advice or suggestion I can offer to anyone at any time is to be patient with yourself and know what you want.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I love a great collaboration. I’m always looking for creatives and local businesses to collaborate on film ideas and stories for community outreach. I’d love to connect with an independent streaming network, looking for films and stories that cater to independent creators, and gain a network of colleagues and friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oct14entertainment/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oct14Entertainment
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOJ5vb1PW2UpHPfSGq4mUIg
- Other: Linktree link to my website, films, soundtracks, and current projects all in one link:
https://linktr.ee/oct14entertainment
Image Credits
Jerone Arnold Darden ( A Familiar Face Short Film Poster)
Michael Kingcaid ( Michael Judkins Profile Pic)
Mz April ( Stage show Poster Mrs. Wakefield)
Michael B. Judkins/Gerald Roe (Lonely Girl Short Film Soundtrack)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
