Meet A.J. Serjue

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to A.J. Serjue. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi A.J., really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I realized I found my purpose in 2018 when my cousin asked me to film her business event. She handed me her camera, then asked if I could capture the vibe, and I offered to edit the clips with music to make her happy. At that point, I had only made a few family videos for fun and never thought it could lead to something more. After I finished the video, she shared it with her coworkers, and their reaction changed everything for me. People genuinely appreciated what I created, and that feeling stuck with me. I went home that night and told my wife what happened, then asked if she thought I should buy a camera and start a video production company. She encouraged it, and that’s how OnLocation Studios was born. The name came from wanting people to know I could be anywhere they needed me, shooting any genre and telling meaningful stories for their brand. The “studios” part represents my long-term dream of eventually opening a creative space for the community. I never wanted to limit myself to one type of content because I knew I wanted to help all kinds of businesses, from sports and restaurants to real estate and product brands. Now, eight years later, I’ve built a career in media production, specializing in videography, photography, and editing. I’ve dedicated myself to bringing my clients’ visions to life with a modern approach and quick turnaround times. That first event for my cousin opened the door to creating content for companies like Nike, the NFL, Cheetos, the Toronto Transit Commission, West Park Healthcare, Century 21, and more.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m focused on helping businesses and individuals who struggle with storytelling in their content. Many people know they need to show up online, but they don’t always know how to communicate in a meaningful and direct way to their audience. My goal is to support them and change the way they think about creating content. Instead of posting simple visuals, like clips of a coffee shop over music on a website header, I encourage clients to tell their actual story. A brand story video creates emotion, purpose and connection, and that is what truly brings customers in. People want to feel something and understand the reason behind a product or service.

I also see media production as a form of art. The way I shoot and edit is my creative expression. When the final video makes someone feel something, whether it is through the visuals, the pacing, the music or the voiceover, that is what matters most to me. I feel proud every time a client takes a chance on me and ends up loving what I have created for them.

This upcoming year, I plan to host a content creators event where creatives can come together to network and build community. It is important to create spaces where we can grow, share ideas and support each other, and I am excited to bring that vision to life.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are dedication, consistency and patience.

To new creators, my advice is to never stop working on your craft, never stop learning, and always apply yourself to try new things. Be patient and the opportunities will come if you put in the work. Not everything is about money. I have taken on many projects for free and those experiences opened doors and led to opportunities I could not have imagined.

Always focus on networking and outreach. Do not rely only on word of mouth. Introduce yourself, share your work and opportunities will start to flow your way. Most importantly, stay true to yourself. Do not worry about someone who might seem better or does things differently. Learn, grow, and create in your own way and enjoy the journey. In the world of media, you are bound to create something amazing. One week I am filming real estate and the next I am in Lennox Lewis’s house asking him questions about his career and capturing it on camera. Anything can happen on your journey if you stay dedicated, consistent and patient.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The person who has been most helpful in helping me overcome challenges and build the skills I needed to be successful is my wife, Paige Johnson-Serjue. She helped me start this company and has always been there from the very beginning to support me through the ups and downs of my journey. She provides advice and guidance on anything I need, whether it is client management, marketing and branding, operational support, or other areas of the business. Her support has been invaluable in helping me grow and succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://onlocation-studios.ca
• Instagram: onlocation.studios
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aj-serjue/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@onlocationstudios

Image Credits

Just for the picture with the Bass Pro Mills hat with the Acne studios sweater and Fuji film camera, add Shot by Adrian Reeves

The others are fine by themselves

Thanks