Michel J. Sym operated M.J. Sym Photographic Laboratories, at 274 Main Street, Winnipeg, during the 1940s, and a film production company, Michel J. Sym Studios, from an address at 468 Academy Road, Winnipeg, during the 1950s and 1960s. Through Michel J. Sym Studios, Sym created commercial and promotional films for the Manitoba Provincial Government and for organizations such as the Manitoba Motor League, the Manitoba Beet Growers Association, and the Manitoba Sugar Company Limited.