Your Questions About A Family Legacy Video -Answered!

Over the years of filming family legacy videos, I’ve had the honor of interviewing hospice patients, who at the time of filming, are given less than six months to live. These are such a special group of people because not only do they have amazing life stories, but also the insight and perspective that one only has when nearing the end of life.

There is a common theme that runs across each of them:

They are a bit hesitant and timid before filming because they feel they do not have anything interesting to speak about and are nervous about the attention.

I’ve done numerous films and every single one starts out this way, but every single one ends this way:

               They all have a rushing sense of relief – not from it being over, but from being able to have shared their life story and everything that is on their mind. Uninterrupted and locked into their family’s history.

Because once we start the interview, it’s like a casual conversation with a new friend. It’s you and me (and whomever you would like in the room!).  We laugh. We cry. We reminisce over the photo albums. It’s cathartic.

WHY SHOULD I DO A FAMILY LEGACY VIDEO?

There are SO many benefits - for the mind, body AND soul - to doing a Family Legacy Video. Here are a few:

1.      It’s therapeutic. Getting it all out. Getting it documented. Having someone who gives their undivided attention to your stories for over an hour! If you don’t get these stories recorded – they could be gone forever.

2.      It’s truly a gift to your children and grandchildren.

3.      It strengthens the family connection, bridging ancestors to the current and future generations.

4.      It celebrates who you are and all you have accomplished.

5.      It strengthens the bond with grandchildren – they realize you were once their age and experienced school pressures, a 1st kiss and a 1st job. Have they heard these stories yet?

WHAT WOULD I TALK ABOUT?

So you think you don’t have anything interesting to say? You do. Everyone does. I promise. I am more worried about the technical aspect of my equipment than I am about finding some interesting conversation! Here are the many topics covered in a filming:

• Your personal history and childhood, your education, work experiences, married life, family life…

• Memories and stories. You have some great memories that always bring a smile to your face. Let’s talk about those! They could be from childhood, parenting, wedding day, no limits!

• Family traditions and heritage. Not only with your immediate family, but from early generations that you can share and pass on, stories that may have been forgotten.

• Photo albums – let’s share the stories and people behind the photos. And if you’d like some special photos digitized, I can do that for you.

• Words of wisdom, values that are important to you, advice for future generations; what would you say to them on their wedding day? The birth of their first child? Graduation?

• Family history – You are the last to know some of the stories from previous generations. Now is the time to talk about them. I never knew my great-grandfather was a singer and performer! Whoa! Imagine not ever knowing that.

• Legacy Planning – any last wishes, health history that everyone should be aware of, inheritance and financial asset information.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

We have a chat about the film – about your expectations, your hesitations and what you would like to include. At that time, we can schedule a date to film.

At this point, you really don’t need to do anything but dress yourself up the day of filming. I’ll send you a preparation document to help with that. You do have the option of gathering some favorite photos or photo albums, some special memorabilia and any projects you are proud of, such as art, woodworking, sewing, anything that showcases a special craft.

Filming day is VERY casual. It’s in your home, or wherever you most are comfortable. I do prefer quiet place with a window for some natural light. I take a bit of time to set up the equipment just right to get the best sound and lighting that makes you shine. Then we sit down and have a lovely conversation. We only talk about what you want to talk about. And remember it’s video – we can edit anything out of the final film! No worries. Everything you say is confidential and will remain only in the final video. I do not share your personal stories.

It will take me about 3-4 weeks to edit your film, weaving in your photos and some music to create a beautiful story on film. It will be delivered via a link that is private only to you and who you want to share it with. You can download the video onto a computer and memory stick and keep forever.

Don’t let your possessions become the only representation of your life! Schedule a chat today: https://www.viamusevideos.com/contact

Still not sure? Visit this page for more details. Or this page for samples.