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Process

Building your timeline

To begin our collaboration, I will send you sample questions designed to help you recount the events and experiences of your life. I’ll then host one or two communication sessions with you to get to know each other, help build out your story, and make sure we touch on all events you wish to include. Once we’ve completed the entire storyline, we’ll agree on a set of targeted, interview-style questions to help lead you through your life story on the day of filming. Rehearsing your answers to the questions ahead of the interview can be a great help in recalling your memories and recounting your stories.

Filming day

When I arrive at your home, I’ll start by setting up the audio/video/lighting gear. For the filming, we’ll make sure that you are comfortably seated, so you can relax and enjoy telling your stories. Answers to questions need not be perfect. Spontaneity is great and editing is our friend for the final cut. We’ll take breaks as needed. 

As we go through the questions, you will have ample time to gather your thoughts before responding. If necessary, I’ll follow with introspective questions to provide clarity and depth to your stories. 

Once the filming session has concluded, I’ll pack up the gear and make sure everything is back in its place.

 

Final video

The audio and video from the interview will be edited to put your story together. I’ll remove my voice so we only hear you talking about your life, one topic at a time. The topics will be arranged to flow from early childhood up to the present. I will also add the digital photographs/documents you provide to enhance your stories.

Once a rough cut of the video is finished, I’ll send you a link so you can review it before it’s finalized. You’ll receive a copy of the final video on USB memory drives. Additional drives can be purchased, if needed. A private link to the video on Vimeo will also be provided to make sharing with others easy. 

Step-by-step description of the process

  1. Gathering Information and Making a Decision – I’m happy to discuss by phone or email the service I provide and the process for making a legacy video. I offer two regular packages, and I’m open to discussing a custom package tailored to your interests.
  2. Select a Package -Choose a package and send me an email with your selection, location, and any comments or questions you may have.
  3. Contract  and Retainer – After agreement on the interview package and any changes, I’ll prepare a contract and send to you. Sign the contract and submit payment of 50% of the total amount as a retainer.
  4. Schedule the Interview/Filming  – After payment of the retainer has been received, I’ll coordinate with you to schedule a day and time for the video shoot.
  5. Advance Planning for the Shoot – To help you start thinking about your life story interview, I’ll email you a list of potential questions. Following that, we’ll have a couple of communication sessions to establish rapport and discuss the experiences you wish to cover. The idea is to develop a comprehensive storyline that encompasses the significant events you wish to share in the time we have for the interview. When the storyline is complete, we’ll agree on a final set of 10-20 questions to guide you through your life story during the filming session. You’ll have a copy of the same interview questions to help prepare for the interview. This approach still leaves plenty of room for spontaneity in the interview moment.  
  6. Photos – If possible, please select photos related to each question. Photos are very helpful in telling a story and will be added to the film in post-production. If you have photos that you’d like to have digitized for inclusion in the final video, you can opt for the convenience of mail-based services like Legacy Box or The Digitized Center.
  7. Shoot the Interview – On the day of the shoot, I will arrive at your home or chosen location with cameras, lights, and audio equipment. Please allow approximately 60-90 minutes for equipment set up. With your permission, I might make small changes in your furniture layout so you and your home look their best on camera. Any furniture moved will be returned to its original position after the interview.
  8. Rough Cut – Please submit digital versions of photos you’d like used in the film within 5 days of the video shoot. After these items have been received, allow up to three weeks for a rough cut to be generated. The rough cut will be available for your review by internet link. After reviewing the rough cut, please email me a list of any changes you would like to make.
  9. Mastering – The final cut will be completed within 3 weeks of receiving your list of changes/edits. A link to a final cut will be sent to you by email for final review.
  10. Final Deliverables – After you’ve approved the final cut, submit the final payment for the package and I will complete editing/production within 2 weeks. You will receive copies of the final video on flash drives. I will also post the video to a private account on Vimeo and provide you a link that you can share with your friends and relatives. The link will be active for 2 years.