How long does it take to make a life-story documentary?

This depends on many factors, including how many people you wish to include in the video, any necessary travel, scheduling, and the availability and accessibility of key ingredients like family photos and home movies. In general it will take three to six months to complete a standard life-story documentary. Under some circumstances this process can be sped up, to accommodate an important event, last-minute anniversary or birthday gift. However, if you are considering creating a memoir video, it is best to begin the process as far in advance as possible.

How much does it cost?

The cost of each life-story documentary is determined by the time spent on all four phases of the process. Families who decide to make a video, but find the cost prohibitive, will often invest with their siblings or extended family members to make it more cost-effective. We will do our best to work with you to make sure that you are able to create the film you want while sticking to your budget. Family legacy videos are priced on a project-to-project basis.

Please call Arielle at (773) 263-1169 to begin discussing your projects needs and to receive a quote.

What are my options?

The possibilities are almost endless, which can seem overwhelming. There are many structures to choose from, below are a few ideas to help get your imagination going:

"A day in the life"

A day in the life of you or your family member(s), cut together with family photos, interviews, and music.

"My life"

An interview with you about your family's history and your childhood, edited together with footage from your daily activities, photographs and music of your choosing.

"Story of us"

Interviews with you and your spouse, footage from your daily lives, old home movies, photographs, music, and love letters.

"In memoriam"

A documentary about a loved one who has passed on, might include interviews with surviving relatives sharing stories and fond memories of the person, cut with photos, home movies, etc.

"Tribute"

A short 5-15 minute video that can be screened as entertainment at a special event, family reunion, anniversary celebration or birthday party. Interviews with friends, family members, and colleagues about their favorite memories and stories of the person or people being honored, edited together with old home movies, photographs, and music.

I have so many family photos and home movies that I would like to include in the video. How do I choose which ones? I don't know where to start!

That's why you're hiring us. Family Legacy Productions can sit down, review all your material, and work with you to sift through all the wonderful family memoribilia that has accumulated over the years. Also, keep an eye out for upcoming workshops in the Chicagoland area that Family Legacy Productions will be conducting on this topic.

I'm in the process of editing my own family history video,
do you do any consulting for do-it-yourselfers?

We are always happy to help people with their family history projects in any way that we can. If it's a quick, simple question you have, give us a call and we'd be happy to answer it if we can. For more extensive assistance with projects, you will find that our consulting rates are very competitive and our creative solutions cannot be matched anywhere!

What do you do for the camera-shy?

Even the most reticent of speakers warms up when asked the right questions in a comfortable, safe environment. But if this doesn't convince you, just imagine that you are talking to an old friend or a very enthusiastic grandchild. Before you know it, the camera has all but disappeared and you will find that the memories and experiences are flooding out of you like never before.

In addition, our equipment is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, so that even the camera-shy can forget that they are being taped. Our directors are experienced in dealing with all sorts of obstacles and creative solutions are our specialty. In the event that someone really doesn't want to appear on camera, projects can be catered to meet those needs. For instance, voice-over can be placed underneath photographs, home movies, and other moving or still images.

I feel like my life was uneventful, but my kids/grandkids want me to make a family history video. Why should I make a video?

As "boring" or "normal" or "uneventful" as you may feel like your life is, at Family Legacy Productions we share in the philosophy that every life has meaning and that everyone has something valuable inside of them to pass down. No matter what you have done in your life, big or small, your experiences mean something to those who love you.

Perhaps you're lucky enough to have a photograph or two of your ancestors, but just imagine being able to see them on your TV talking to you, reflecting on their experiences, and sharing moments from their lives. Your video will capture the essence of who you are so that future generations of your family can feel like they got to know you. It's magical that you have the opportunity to leave more than a photo with your name scrawled on the back.

I live in Chicago, but my relatives do not. Can I still make a legacy video with Family Legacy Productions?

Absolutely! Past projects have involved travel across the country, and when you have your initial consultation, you can decide how you wish to handle the issue of distance. Some people opt to fly relatives in, but the best-case scenario is always to interview people in their homes where they feel the most comfortable and at ease.

I'm interested in including genealogy research in my project. Do you do genealogy?

We work with an expert genealogy company that employs researchers worldwide. They offer special discounts to FLP clients. Call us to find out more about how to weave in genealogy research with your family history video, making your project all the more complete.

Do you offer any workshops or classes?

We frequently offer workshops on a variety of topics. Please click here to see what courses we are now offering or to find out how to schedule a workshop in your community.

Where can I view samples of your work?

Please click here to view a sample. If you have any difficulty accessing our online samples, please call (773) 263-1169 to arrange to receive a sample DVD in the mail.

What type of equipment do you use?

We use a Panasonic AG-DVX100 camera, which features 24p capabilities (the ability to shoot at the same 24 frames per second rate that film uses). We use Sennheiser professional wireless and shotgun microphones. We edit with Final Cut Pro on a Power Macintosh G5.

What is your mailing address? I need to send you documents, photos, or home movies for my project.

Family Legacy Productions
1416 Forest Avenue
Wilmette, IL 60091

What if I still have more questions?

Please visit our contact page — and contact us!