By Rachael Grealish

Adamedia, a production company based in West Cumbria, recently celebrated its eighth anniversary, showcasing its contribution to the local media landscape. 

Since its establishment in 2015, Adamedia has gained recognition for its expertise in video production and aerial photography, offering a comprehensive range of media production services.

In an interview, Adam Pearson, the founder of Adamedia, reflected on the company’s journey, and notable milestones, along with revealing to The Herdwick News his future plans.

Adam started by highlighting the early days of Adamedia, mentioning their focus on building a reputation and capabilities in video production in West Cumbria. 

He said: “The company was formed in 2015 with two co-directors, initially focusing on West Cumbria, building our reputation and capabilities within video production.”

The 28-year-old then went on to explain they were one of the first to qualify as UAV pilots in the county, producing stunning aerial footage and photographs. Since then, they’ve grown and expanded our services, supporting over 120 businesses across a wide range of sectors.

However, Adam didn’t start off with an established career in the media industry, his personal journey started as an early interest in photography and film, which he pursued through ‘hobby projects’ and learning from online resources.

He said: “As an early teenager, I had an interest in photos and film and pursued hobby projects while learning from others. YouTube became my teacher and presented goals to reach for. Instead of going to university, I chose to gain vocational learning on-the-job through freelance work.

“This eventually led to a camera and editing role with an established media company, where I had the opportunity to work on key national projects for blue-chip clients. It was during this time that I identified a gap in the market for a local go-to service supporting the industries along the west coast.” 

It was during this time that the 28-year-old identified the need for a local media service supporting the industries along the west coast.

Reflecting on the most significant moments throughout Adamedia’s eight-year journey, Adam highlighted his big ‘we made it’ moment only came after ‘disappointments’. He said: “The big ‘made it’ moments often emerged after various disappointments despite our tremendous efforts.

“However, we received well-deserved recognition through several award nominations and wins within Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster, including Micro Business of the Year in 2017 and Rising Star in 2018. 

“These accolades truly validated our hard work. Additionally, winning and successfully delivering a 4-year framework with Sellafield Ltd was a massive achievement. We have also established long-term partnerships with major nuclear industry players like Atkins and the NDA, further solidifying our presence in the market.”

Despite the successes, the entrepreneur acknowledged the challenges encountered along the way. 

He explained: “The biggest challenges have always revolved around finding the right people to join our small close-knit team and competing against larger out-of-county companies. Stepping up to the next level, whether in terms of regulatory compliance or production standards, has also presented its fair share of obstacles.”

Now Adamedia has formed partnerships and relationships with organisations such as Bendrigg Trust, WCF, Createc, the former Copeland Borough Council, and Crewel Work Co has been a testament to our dedication and resilience.

This experience has put Adam in a position where he can offer advice for aspiring individuals in the industry; emphasising the all-consuming nature of business and the importance of being friendly, approachable, and reliable.

“Business, in general, is all-consuming. It requires constant nurturing and support, and it’s something that’s always on your mind.” Adam continued: “However, it can be incredibly rewarding, bringing a tremendous sense of pride and fulfilment. Cumbria, with its natural beauty and vibrant business scene, is an excellent place to be based.

“If you love people and storytelling, the media and film industry is a great fit. Being friendly, approachable, considerate, and confident are essential qualities, especially in a people-focused profession. Reliability and flexibility are also crucial when working for a small business.”

He highlighted the significance of storytelling and the need for self-promotion in the current media landscape. Attention to detail and selective project choices have also been key factors contributing to Adamedia’s success.

As for future plans, Adamedia wants to expand collaborations in the education sector, support heritage and history documentary series, and continue partnerships with entities like Muncaster Estate and Createc. 

Additionally, they will provide marketing support to Fullwood JOZ, an agricultural machine manufacturing business based in the Netherlands.

Ultimately, Adam emphasised the importance of community engagement and Adamedia’s commitment to initiatives such as work experience placements and partnerships with local organisations. 

With a promising future filled with captivating projects, Adamedia continues to contribute to the industry’s growth and captivate audiences eight years on.