An inspiring guide for ambitious women on the importance of self-care, reflection, and celebrating achievements throughout their personal and professional journeys.
Influential Woman · Film, Book, Media
Judy Bednarek
SCREENWRITER, FILMMAKER, AUTHOR, EARTH ANGEL PRODUCTIONS
Minneapolis, MN 55413
15Years experience
1Article published
12Awards received
Her Story
About Judy
Judy Bednarek is an award-winning screenwriter, pitch winner, film producer, and self-published author with 15 years of experience in the creative industry. She earned a college degree in graphic design and has worked in property management and business administration to support her family. Writing has been an unstoppable force inside her since childhood and after she read David Trottier's Screenplay Bible at a library, she learned the craft. Her very first screenplay was commissioned as a low-budget horror feature. In 2023, she financed and produced a short film with a Minnesota cast and crew. For All Eternity was released on YouTube (Earth Angel Productions) and selected in 3 film festivals. One notable achievement in her career was being chosen from 10,000 entries in the Oaxaca Film Festival in Mexico. Judy draws strength from her experiences as a Lupus and Sjogren's survivor and having raised five children, some with disabilities She believes these unique challenges helped to build the resiliency she needed to find success in a male-dominated industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Judy
01What do you attribute your success to?
Keeping a positive mindset and sense of humor. I have had setbacks, made mistakes and experienced failure and rejection. All those life experiences have made me a stronger, more courageous woman. I continue to persevere, stay resilient and remain focused on my creative talents.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
It's a marathon not a race. Listen to others and consider their advice. Get mentors and volunteer in your industry, do networking, keep your circle small with the people who have actually been successful in their careers. Don't waste time.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Film is a male-dominated industry that's constantly changing. Believe in yourself, be resilient through rejections and failures, get better and keep improving. Keep moving forward. Keep hope alive.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Changes in the film industry right now is creating many more opportunities for older women and culturally diverse women. More film festivals for women being run by women. Challenges includes larger studios merging and closing, shoot locations in non-traditional states and countries. Creative content shifting to more shorts, reels and online streaming.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My Christian faith and prayer. Having integrity while keeping my boundaries and morals. I try to keep a balance between self-care, work, play and family time. Walks in nature and low impact exercises.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Judy
TAKING BREAKS OR A PAUSE IN YOUR CAREER
Embrace the Journey: Why Ambitious Women Must Pause, Celebrate, and Prioritize Self-Care Along the Way
Sometimes, ambitious, brave women who set goals for themselves avoid taking a break or pausing to reflect, not only in their careers but also in their personal lives. They wait until they are exhausted or burned out. Slowing down to enjoy life, practice self-care, or pause for reflection is not a sign of failure or procrastination.
In fact, great women throughout history have had to overcome challenges, disasters, and unexpected events. They have had to reinvent themselves, start over and rebuild, and change their strategies. Every woman will experience seasons of illness, loss, failure, and disappointment. There will be detours and dead ends.
Perhaps you have the responsibilities of a relationship, are raising a family, or are taking care of others. Don't forget to celebrate your accomplishments and wins. Celebrate where you came from, where you are, and where you are going.
Success isn't just one moment in time. It's a constant, consistent journey that requires focus and can be lonely at times. For some of us, it's a marathon with ups and downs, not a race to the finish line.
Your age doesn't determine your ability to get things done or achieve success. Success is shaped by your actions and decisions, your integrity and grit, and your willingness to push through barriers and difficult times, even when nobody is watching or supporting you.
So, don't forget to take care of yourself. Take time to celebrate YOU.
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