Today we’d like to introduce you to James Ridley.
James, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started in 2010 not knowing anything about videography or editing. I’m a self-taught filmmaker. I got my start shooting music videos for my rapper friends. I also shot a lot of parties in Okc. I then went on to filming weddings and started a successful wedding videography business (2014). I’ve shot over 130 weddings at this point.
I met with writer Nicole Jocleen in 2014 and we have been making films ever since. We first collaborated on a web series (On The Scene) in 2015 and went on for five successful seasons. We currently have numerous short films, feature-length films, and shows under our production house Devoted Media Group LLC with actors and producers Azrial Greene-Pinà and Ronnie Johnson. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9214977/. We have won an Audience Choice Award in the 48 Film Festival for our film “Draw 4.”
I have also been accepted into two film festivals for my documentary about my friend with ALS called “Bigger Than Me: My Fight With ALS”. We won Best Documentary in the Black Film Festival of New Orleans in December of 2018.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some of the struggles I’ve dealt with along the way is learning how to shot and edit and finding people that are as passionate about film as me.
Getting people to watch our content on YouTube instead of a major network (times have caught up so it’s not as difficult now because everyone is watching shows on their phones now).
Working with limited resources because we are completely independent.
Getting people to pay online or come to a screening of our films.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about VideoHero – what should we know?
VideoHero is my company and I specialize in videography. I also have a photobooth (Hero Booth). I’m known for weddings and film. I am 1/4 of the production company Devoted Media Group LLC. I have won 2 awards for filmmaking and have shot over 130 weddings. What sets me apart from others is I shot, direct, & edit everything myself.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I’m a leader that doesn’t mind being led. I don’t complain. If I need something done, I will do it myself. I surround myself with people that are strong where I’m weak.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Videohero.Tv
- Phone: 4053068689
- Email: info@videohero.tv
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/videoherotv/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/videoherotv/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/VideoHeroTV
- Other: www.Everafterwedding.Video, www.Videohero.Tv
Image Credit:
Cinco Johnson; Geoffrey Fogle
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
