Legacy Documentaries...Sharing a Life Well-Lived
Time has a way of slipping by, and the opportunity to pass on your legacy is precious. Allow us to help you tell your story - one cherished memory at a time. While life can be wonderful, we're often reminded of how fragile and unpredictable it is.
Gareth and I have spent many years capturing the essence of the families we have worked with, and now, with our new Legacy Documentaries, we are expanding that service. This new service goes beyond traditional photography, creating a compelling film that encapsulates and preserves your legacy for generations to come. Whether it's your family's rich history, the story of a successful business you've built, the impact of a life-saving nonprofit, or a passion project close to your heart, we will work closely with key family members, business partners, or friends to conduct heartfelt and engaging interviews. These conversations reveal the stories, memories, wisdom, and milestones that define your life's journey. Paired with treasured photos, videos, and meaningful memorabilia, these interviews are artfully crafted into a narrative that captures the heart and soul of your personal, professional, or family legacy, with every detail thoughtfully curated.
We approach each project with warmth, professionalism, and a deep respect for your privacy, ensuring the final product reflects the unique spirit of your family, business, or passion. From the initial consultation to the final edit, Gareth and I are committed to creating a film that documents your history and celebrates the connections, achievements, and love that have shaped your life.
To Those Who Have Lived and Built: Your wisdom and experiences are invaluable. Share the lessons you’ve learned, the knowledge you've gained, and your life stories. Let your voice be heard by those you love today and those yet to come, ensuring your legacy lives on.
FIRST STEPS
PRE-PRODUCTION COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION:
Gareth and I will meet the storyteller(s) and anyone else who would like to be present for a one-hour telephone, Zoom, or in-person consultation at the interview location to discuss the process, what to expect on interview day, and answer any questions.
We'll briefly chat about your stories and what photos and other kinds of visuals might be good choices for illustrating the subjects you'll be talking about during the interview. We can use anything that can be shot or scanned. Ideally, we will take your items and perform this task in our studio and then return them to you. However, if you're uncomfortable letting certain items leave your possession, we can arrange to shoot or scan them at your location.
We'll then schedule the interview and create a list of questions based on what we discussed, which you can think about before the filming. The questionnaire is optional, but helpful, in organizing your thoughts and staying on track during the interview.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
On the day of the interview, we'll need approximately 60 minutes to set up and 45 minutes to break down. This entails creating a professional recording environment with lighting and microphones. Next, we will begin recording the interview. Think of this as a conversation, which can make the process feel much more natural. During the interview, we suggest you wear "video-friendly" clothing - no busy patterns, stripes, checks, or logos and avoid bright white, bright yellow, or bright red if possible. On request, make-up and hair can be arranged for you.
We look forward to hearing your stories and having fun with you on the day!
WHAT WE OFFER
JUST THE ESSENTIALS
This is a great starting place for anyone interested in simply recording a personal story video.
Jan as Your Interviewer and Gareth as Your Videographer
Individuals: 2 Hours of Interviewing
Couples: 3.5 Hours of Interviewing
Up to 10 Historical Photos/Documents
Pre-Interview Questionnaires
Light Editing with Chapter Markers
Sharable Videos on Private Webpage
Digital Delivery of the Final Production
MINI-DOCUMENTARY
Everything in the Essentials package plus a Mini-Doc.
Jan as Your Interviewer and Gareth as Your Videographer
Custom Edited 30-Minute Film
Individuals: 2 Hours of Interviewing
Couples: 3.5 Hours of Interviewing
Up to 55 Photos/Documents Retouched and Sharpened as Needed
Old Video Clips Upsized to 4k if Needed
Pre-Interview Questionnaires
Full Edit with Chapter Markers
Sharable Videos on Private Webpage
Digital Delivery of the Mini-Documentary
DOCUMENTARY
Extend the length of your Mini-Doc.
Jan as Your Interviewer and Gareth as Your Videographer
Custom Edited 45 to 75-Minute Film
Individuals: 2 Hours of Interviewing
Couples: 3.5 Hours of Interviewing
Two-camera setup with comprehensive editing, including custom titles
Up to 75 Photos/Documents Retouched and Sharpened as Needed
Old Video Clips Upsized to 4k if Needed
Pre-Interview Questionnaires
Full Edit with Chapter Markers
Sharable Videos on Private Webpage
Digital Delivery of the Documentary
PROOFING
One proof cycle is included in the Essentials package with the proof reviewed at your convenience via an online private link. All changes are to be provided to us in one document within 10 days of receiving the private proof link. Additional photos beyond the 5-10 included in the package can be added at a per-photo rate. More changes beyond the one included proof cycle will incur additional fees at our standard hourly rate.
Two proof cycles are included in both the Mini-Documentary and Documentary packages via an online private link. All changes are to be provided to us in one document within 10 days of receiving the private proof link. Additional photos beyond those included in each of these packages can be added at a per-photo rate. More changes beyond the two included proof cycles in each of these packages will incur additional fees at our standard hourly rate.
*Pricing for all packages is quoted on an individual basis, with travel being an additional charge. Call Jan to discuss your project and get a quote.
These finished products are priceless heirloom gifts to be cherished by all - now and by future generations.
IN SUMMARY
WHAT WE'LL DO:
Find out what stories and recollections you’d like to share.
Draft questions and send them to you before the interview filming.
Schedule the interview.
Record, on video, an interview with you at your home or other location of choice.
Shoot or scan the visuals you provide.
Edit your video and deliver it in digital format.
PRIVACY POLICY
All private materials, including photographs, home movies, and videos, are digitized in-house.
You can be assured that Gareth and I treat your privacy with the greatest respect and care. We don't showcase any complete examples of legacy projects on the website because we prioritize your privacy.
Furthermore, full consent is given by our clients for the use of any video clips on our website, and we include a non-disclosure agreement in every client contract.