TruGrid Video Production Project : Round 3
Written By: Zach Anderson
Published: 11/4/2025
My First Travel Shoot Experience
Hi everyone, it’s Zach! This trip to La Feria, Texas was one for the books. It was my first-ever travel shoot with Chezy Video Co., and I was lucky enough to go with Luke, our Head of Video Production. We traveled to film for our client TruGrid, and it was the perfect mix of hard work, fun, and sunshine.
Filming in La Feria
We were on-site filming several projects for TruGrid, including “Why Safety Matters”, an overview of their work in La Feria, and some hype videos that showcased their team and energy. We also filmed their community involvement, which included visiting the Harlingen Neighborhood Food Pantry. There, TruGrid donated frozen turkeys and other non-perishable food items for families in need as part of a Thanksgiving food drive.
Right away, I noticed how welcoming the TruGrid team was. They made sure we were taken care of, keeping us hydrated and shaded from the Texas sun. Even in the 90-degree heat, everyone stayed positive and ready to help however they could.
One of my favorite parts of the shoot was making a new four-legged friend. A dog from the neighborhood followed us around the job site all day. She became an honorary crew member, sticking by us while we filmed and providing plenty of entertainment between takes.
Luke and I captured a mix of wide shots of the project site and close-up moments that showed how committed the TruGrid team is to their work. We filmed interviews, team interactions, and the overall atmosphere that makes TruGrid such a strong and connected company.
The Texas Heat and a Great Team
This shoot was definitely one of the hottest I’ve worked on, but it was also one of the most rewarding. The energy on site was contagious. Between shots, the crew and I shared a lot of laughs and made the most of our time in the sun.
What made the trip even better was how well the TruGrid team worked together. They cared about each other and their community, and it was clear that they were proud of what they do. Seeing that firsthand was inspiring and made our job behind the camera even more enjoyable.
Exploring South Padre Island
After filming wrapped up, Luke and I decided to take a quick drive to South Padre Island to explore. It was the perfect way to relax after a few long days in the heat.
We stumbled upon a sandcastle competition happening right on the beach, and it was incredible to see the creativity people poured into their sculptures. We walked along the shoreline, swam in the ocean, and took in the view of the sunset.
Of course, no trip is complete without some great food. We ate dinner at Viva, a restaurant right on the water that served fresh seafood straight from the ocean. I ordered the tuna, and it might have been the best meal I’ve ever had on a shoot. The view, the breeze, and the food all came together perfectly. If I could go back to one place from this trip, it would definitely be Viva.
A Special Shoutout to La Playa
While the seafood at Viva was a highlight, we have to give a big shoutout to La Playa Mexican Café in Harlingen. Amy Norstedt and Georgina Orn from the TruGrid team joined us for lunch, and it did not disappoint.
The atmosphere was bright and fun, the staff was incredibly friendly, and the food was exactly what we needed after a long morning in the sun. We had tacos, fresh guacamole, and enough chips and salsa to keep us happy for days. Luke summed it up best – he’s “still not over that lunch.”
Thank you Amy and the TruGrid team for making us feel right at home in Texas!
Takeaways from My First Travel Shoot
Since this was my first travel shoot, I learned a lot along the way. For starters, sunscreen is non-negotiable, and staying hydrated is just as important as keeping camera batteries charged.
But more than that, I learned how exciting it is to capture stories in new environments. Every location has its own energy, and Texas was no exception. From palm trees to construction sites, every shot told part of TruGrid’s story – one that’s all about teamwork, safety, and community.
Working with Luke also made the experience even better. He’s been on countless shoots across Fargo, Nashville, and beyond, and it was awesome to learn from him while seeing what goes into a successful travel production.
Wrapping Up the Trip
As our trip came to an end, I felt grateful for the opportunity to do what I love while exploring somewhere new. Between the incredible food, the friendly people, and the meaningful work, it was an experience I’ll never forget.
The TruGrid team was amazing to work with, and their hospitality made the entire trip so enjoyable. From La Feria to South Padre, every moment felt like part of a story worth telling.
I can’t wait to see where the next travel shoot takes me. Until then, I’ll be thinking about palm trees, tacos, and that perfect Texas sunset.
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