1. Choose a package according to your needs and budget
2. Select a date, time, and location for filming. Ideally, the primary location is the individual's residence, as the background of the room evokes meaningful memories for the viewer. In cases where this is not feasible, an alternative location will be chosen.
3. Inform us about the person being filmed, and if other individuals are also part of the filming, we need this information in advance. You will receive a "day of filming" form to fill out beforehand.
4. A 50% upfront payment of the package cost is required. This is necessary as considerable groundwork occurs before production, and it also covers travel expenses. If you reside beyond 200 miles from Augusta, GA a per diem of 65 cents per mile will apply. The remaining balance is required before shipping of the product.
Preproduction
Day of Filming
We will arrive 1 1/2 hours before filming to allow our technicians ample time for setting up lighting, audio equipment, and cameras. Each location is unique, requiring adjustments to audio mics based on the room's acoustics, and camera settings must be fine-tuned to accommodate natural and professional lighting. We are considerate of each location, taking care of the set, and if necessary, moving furniture with utmost care. When the interviewer is seated there may be a brief period of audio testing and camera adjustments to ensure the highest video quality.
Sitting in front of a large cinema camera and professional lighting might initially feel intimidating, but we understand this and work to make adjustments. Once the interview begins, most individuals tend to forget about these elements, and the process proceeds smoothly. We are committed to working with you to ensure that the day is as comfortable as possible.
Common Questions
Who will ask the questions?
Typically, we will be the ones asking the questions during the interview. Experience has shown that people tend to be more reserved and easily distracted when aware that a family member is present. There are instances when a friend or family member should pose the questions. In such cases, we will collaborate closely with the interviewer to ensure a smooth process. We ask more than 50 questions, with a majority being open-ended. This approach leads to numerous follow-up questions based on the interviewee's responses. Additionally, we welcome input from families, encouraging them to share specific questions they'd like for us to ask, suggest focus areas, or specify topics to avoid.
Are questions audible in the movie?
No, they are not. The objective is to craft an intimate viewing experience for the family by completely excluding the interviewer’s voice. Employing various editing techniques, such as the incorporation of photos, titles, and more, creates the illusion that a parent or grandparent is directly addressing the viewer.
Post Production
All content will be uploaded to our digital storage, and the editing process will commence within a few days. Editing typically spans 50-60 hours per video, encompassing the integration of the video footage, pictures provided, music, and titles.
Your video will be edited and dispatched within two weeks. We recognize your enthusiasm to view and share your legacy video, and we will make every effort to deliver it to you sooner if possible.
Upon completion, the finalized video will be transferred to a USB drive and shipped via mail.