SJE & Chezy Video Production Project
Written By: Jacob Shilman
Published: 7/15/2025
You can learn a lot about a company just by spending a day with their team. That was definitely the case when we visited SJE Inc. in Birmingham. We were there to film their 50th anniversary, but what stood out was not just the milestone. Instead, it was the people. The way they talked about their work, their history, and each other made it clear this place was built on more than business.
We came down to help tell their story. What we walked into, however, was a tight-knit team with a deep sense of pride. Pride in what they have built, and pride in where they are headed next.
This one meant a lot to us. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at our time on the ground with SJE, part of our Chezy on the Road series.
Who Was the Video Marketing Project For?
SJE Inc. is a national leader in water and wastewater control solutions. Based in the Midwest, they have spent the last 50 years helping communities operate more efficiently with cutting-edge systems. These range from municipal water treatment to complex electrical infrastructure.
Our team created a series of videos to honor this legacy. However, the story we uncovered went much deeper.
This project was not only about looking back. Rather, it was about celebrating the culture that has carried SJE forward and capturing the heart behind the work. As a video production company focused on authentic storytelling, this is exactly the kind of project we love.
What Types of Videos Did We Produce?
The primary video was SJE’s 50th Anniversary feature. It served as a cornerstone of their celebration and was used at events, on their website, and across social media. Yet the project extended far beyond that single piece.
We also produced:
A team values video. In this video, employees shared their favorite SJE core values and what it means to be part of the company.
A culture video. This featured unscripted testimonials from team members and highlighted what makes SJE special.
An onboarding video. New hires could use this to connect with the company’s purpose, mission, and work environment.
While capturing heartfelt interviews with long-time employees and filming cinematic B-roll of advanced electrical panels and equipment, we aimed to show the real SJE.
This project is a great example of how video marketing can go beyond promotion and become a tool for connection. This is especially true in industries that often operate out of the public eye.
Behind the Scenes of Video Production
One of the most memorable parts of this shoot was witnessing what actually happens behind the scenes.
Inside the SJE facility, we filmed control panels being built from scratch. We also watched employees wire up complex electrical systems by hand. As the day progressed, we saw a mix of robotics, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. As a result, seeing it all unfold was truly impressive.
For me, the part that stuck the most came later. Back in the editing room, I listened to employees speak honestly about how much they enjoy their work. Many of them talked about how close their team is and how proud they are to be part of SJE. It was powerful. That kind of sincerity reminds me why I do this work.
Nothing we filmed felt staged. These were honest moments from people who care deeply about what they do. That is the kind of storytelling we strive to capture in every project.
Exploring Alabama
Of course, no Chezy shoot is complete without a little off-the-clock adventure. After long days on set, Luke and I took advantage of our time in a new state.
We explored the local food scene. Alabama knows how to do barbecue. In addition, we wandered around downtown Birmingham and made a quick visit to the iconic Statue of Vulcan.
The highlight, though, was a spontaneous hike after one of our shoot days. It led us to a hidden waterfall. After filming in the Alabama heat, that cold waterfall and a quick swim felt like a well-earned reward.
These small moments help us connect more deeply with the communities we film in. Whether we are working in Tennessee, North Dakota, or elsewhere, exploring the area gives us a better feel for the story we are helping tell.
What We’re Most Excited to Share
We captured a lot of strong footage during this shoot. Technically, it was sharp and visually rich. However, what we are most excited for people to see is not the lighting or the camera angles. It is the people.
There is something unique about the way SJE employees talk about their work. They do not just say, “I like it here.” Instead, they say, “This place changed my life.”
From project managers to assembly line workers, there is a strong sense that everyone plays a role in something bigger. That kind of authenticity cannot be faked. When captured on camera, it changes the entire tone of the video.
That is what video marketing at its best looks like. It tells stories that connect, move, and inspire.
Not every moment makes the final cut. Nevertheless, those moments still shape how we remember the project. When you are traveling for work, it is easy to stay in go-mode. Taking time to slow down helps you stay grounded and present.
Why This Trip Stuck With Us
We have filmed in all kinds of places. Fargo, Nashville, North Dakota, and many more. Still, this trip had a special kind of warmth to it.
There was pride in every corner of the SJE facility. You could hear it in the way people greeted each other. You could see it in how they described their work. You could feel it in the extra care they gave during interviews.
This shoot was not just a job. It was a celebration. Being invited in to help tell that story was an honor.
If I had to sum up the vibe of the shoot in just three words? Passionate. Uplifting. Innovative.
Projects like this one show just how powerful video production can be when the story behind the work is real.
Final Thoughts
Before every shoot, we plan gear, shot lists, and interview guides. Even with all the preparation, nothing can compare to the moments that happen naturally. The unscripted pride. The unexpected laughs. The genuine emotion.
This project reminded us that great video does not begin with a camera. It begins with people.
SJE opened their doors and gave us a glimpse into their culture, their values, and their vision for the future. We left feeling inspired—not just by their work, but by how they approach it.
As a team working between Nashville, Tennessee, and Fargo, North Dakota, we are lucky to collaborate with companies of all sizes and industries. Some are just starting out. Others, like SJE, are honoring a legacy. Every story matters. And video is one of the most powerful ways to share it.
Thank you to the entire SJE team for trusting us with such an important milestone. We are proud to have played a part in your 50-year journey.
Stay Tuned for More Chezy Travel Stories
This shoot was one stop on a much bigger road trip. Through Chezy on the Road, we are traveling the country to help companies tell their stories. From manufacturers in North Dakota to nonprofits in Tennessee to tech innovators in Fargo, we are here to help bring your vision to life.
If you are launching something new or reflecting on decades of impact, we would love to help you tell your story.
At Chezy, we believe video production should be simple, human, and genuine. So let’s get rolling.
Want more stories like this? Check out our latest travel and video blogs on our blog page!
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