Us out here… We don’t appreciate people like Robin Alexis.  After all, when we sit in our seat and grab our bucket o’ popcorn, what Robin does isn’t foremost on our minds.  All we care about is what we see and hear—the film, the video, the music—the sexy and funny folks who make us laugh, cry and swoon.  

What about the talent you don’t see?  Without it,  the best script,  the most powerful voice, the   funniest skits will fail.  The visual and performing arts, especially in the 21^st century, is not a solitary endeavor; it is a team effort in the truest sense—and the accolades showered on the up-front artists too often fail to recognize the artistry behind the scenes. 

Through his company, Sgwe Productions, this Canadian Nakota Sioux is one of these “behind the scenes” guys, which means he and his colleagues are the ones carrying the video camera, editing film, checking the audio quality, packaging and marketing the project—the whole enchilada.  So when it’s done and we’re sitting in the concert hall or popping in a DVD it all looks and sounds perfect.  

Which is why we ought to appreciate people like Robin Alexis.  

 Sgwe, which means “awesome, sweet, fantastic” in Nakota Sioux, knows the importance of looking good.  Sounding good.  Being  good.  

Located in Edmonton, Robin’s company offers multi-media technology, graphic design and marketing services to a diverse clientele from the comedy skit pilot NCTV  to the Blackstone Singers, Alexis Singers, First Nation documentary projects, and promos featuring comedian Don Burnstick.  

“There’s is a big need for video production so most of my effort concentrates on that.   At the same time a video production consists of graphic design, marketing and advertising so we do have to know about all aspects of the design field,” he adds.  “Some clients don’t need the full package…..so we also break it down and offer smaller type services.   I feel that the First Nations have a lot to be proud of and with my help I can assist them in showcasing their visions and hard work.” 

Specifically, then, what can Sgwe provide for the struggling Native filmmaker who has a script in hand but no expertise behind the camera to put it all together? 

"Well, first of all we would need to take a look at what your budget will allow.  Is it film or video?  Currently I use equipment that is broadcast quality, but for film I’m not quite there yet.  But I’m sure I can still accommodate you,” he continues.  “I’ve had the honor to work with some experienced native actors whom are involved in the mainstream entertainment industry, so I can help you with casting…If your film needs some true home Native genre, we are the company for you.” 

Sgwe’s Native focus runs through every project—whether archiving interviews and images replicating visions by his Sioux ancestors, producing the Redskins Hockey video or honoring a young First Nations “Role Model of the Month” on the company website.  The reason, he says, is to preserve tribal identity to ensure its viability for future generations.  

“My Grandfather was the last hereditary chief of our community and our tribe originates from the Sioux in the US.   And I see the mainstream society document everything they do since the beginning of time; what I am trying to do is help preserve our tribe’s identity so we can pass it down for future generations.   It definitely seems to help.” 

And help it does.  The guy and gal behind the scenes—the individuals carrying the video camera, editing film, checking the audio quality, packaging and marketing the project—they are artists too, and in the case of Sgwe Productions, archivists of a cultural legacy.  

Which is why we ought to appreciate people like Robin Alexis. 

 Because they know the importance of looking good.  Sounding good.  Being  good.  Sgwe, eh? 

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 Sgwe Productions offers full-range audio and video production, marketing and graphic design services for traditional and contemporary Native artists and documentarians.  For more information, please visit their website: www.sgwe.com 

To see just how good they look and sound, enjoy the following skit from the laugh-out-loud funny comedy  pilot,  NCTV starring Dakota House and Nathaniel Arcand

"NCTV" COMEDY PILOT~SGWE PRODUCTIONS