Frequently Asked Questions

Perhaps you have some questions about the personal documentary process or you would like to know more about how prepare your loved one for the day of the interview. On this page are the most commonly asked questions from the preproduction, production, and post production stages of your cinematic portrait. If you don’t see your question on this page feel free to reach out to place your inquiry. We look forward to creating your video memoir.

  • Yes! We believe everyone has a story to share.

    Clients often comment about their daughter’s graduation or son’s accomplishments.

  • The preparation phase, also called preproduction, is designed to plan the day of filming. You can choose up to ten questions that encompass the story of the narrator.

    Additionally you may want to choose some stories before the consolation.

    Some narrators will be able to recall their life events with just a question. Some will want to write or type out the answers to help with the prompts. Either method will work to help easy the anxiety on the day of filming.

  • After consultations, we will film at your home or another location of your choosing.

    Setting up the video, sound, and light equipment can take about 60 - 90 minutes.

    A ten question interview can take two to three hours.

  • Once the equipment is set up we take some time to build rapport prior to filming. When you are comfortable we will begin recording.

    During the interview process we will be focusing on the stories and often the narrator forgets about the equipment.

  • Yes, we can include your spouse.

  • Our base package allows to set up time for the interview at one location. We can film B-roll footage in other rooms in your house, without sound, for no additional charge.

    If you would like to have video B-roll at another location, such as your former school or third place, then there would be an extra charge.

  • Yes! We would love to include photographs, videos, and artifacts that help illustrate the narrator’s stories.

    The narrator can hold physical copies of photographs, artifacts, and objects during the interview.

    Additionally a digital images and videos can be included in the editing process. Files will need to be at a minimum of size of 1080p or larger to ensure quality.

    Additional licensing fee are included for obtaining music from a third party vendor.

  • Yes, if you don’t happen to have a picture of your first car or a national figure that gives more context to your stories.

    Additional fees would include time of research or cost of use from other vendors.

  • After first edits we send the video to you for review. At that time you can make suggestions for the film. After changes we will deliver the film to you.