Step 1 – Pre-production

Research

• Pre-interviews with main participants to establish basic biographical information.
• Budget and film structure are discussed.
• Interview questions are formulated based on geographical, historical, and personal background.

Step 2 – Production

Interviews

• Interviews with the film's central figure(s) can range in depth from three to nine hours per participant. For instance, if a couple is the center of the documentary, each of the people might be interviewed separately and then together to create a full picture of their lives, and the time this takes will vary from project to project.
• Interviews with other key figures (e.g., spouses, children, grandchildren, close friends, siblings, religious leaders, coworkers, etc.)

B–Roll

• The central figure(s) is shot in a variety of locations doing various activities (e.g., playing cards, spending quality time with their family, working, shopping, etc.)

Step 3 – Post Production

Editing

• Interviews, B–Roll footage, photos, stock footage from important historical moments, magazine clippings, diary entries, letters, old home videos, and more are woven into the final documentary.

Step 4 – Output to Final Media

DVD/Video Creation

• The final documentary is output to either DVD, VHS, or both.
• Customized DVDs, including custom menus, chapter menus. photos, music & cover art, may be added for an additional fee.
• Finished films can range from 10–120 minutes.