What are the questions you’ll ask?
After scheduling our introductory call, we will send you a list of questions that are custom-tailored to your story. This basic question list (about 15 questions) are written to spark memories and dig up stories from your past. Based on your answers, we will make a custom question list customized to your experience.
Where does the interview take place?
We will film in an environment that you’re most comfortable in. Typically, this is your home, in a room with visual material representing who you are. Examples include hobbies, collections, medals, and family photos. This isn’t required, but to help with the location process, a guided video call (via FaceTime or Zoom) is available to help you prepare your interview space so it reflects who you are. If you’re uncomfortable with shooting the interview at your location, we also have remote studios available as an option.
How long does this take?
A typical interview session will be 1 hour, with a 20-minute equipment setup and a 10-minute breakdown. Overall, plan on a 2-hour block for the entire interview process.
What do I need to do to prepare?
Other than thinking of the answers to your questions we send you, dress in something that you enjoy wearing and feel comfortable in. We discourage dressing up too much, as this is more of an intimate conversation for future generations to enjoy and cherish. Make sure to collect any memorabilia (medals, collections, photo albums, archival photos of family, younger self, art, quilts, etc.) you want to have in the film as well -the more the better!
I don’t like the idea of a camera in my face…
We use a two-way mirror system when we film the interviews, so you won’t see the camera. This system allows a more intimate conversation with the person interviewing you, with the mirror system hiding the lens as you look directly at the audience.
What do I get at the end?
You will receive the final video file via an online link to download. If you would prefer we can also load the file on a USB drive (at a separate cost), and even send the file to a family member of your choice. It’s all up to you, and we will work on a specialized delivery plan that’s custom for each person.
