Frequently asked questions
Everything people wonder before the camera arrives.
Still unsure which level fits? Describe the person and the family’s goal. We will recommend the smallest package that can tell the story well.
No. Your Life, Filmed creates life-story films with people who are living and can tell their memories in their own voice. Families often make them for a birthday, anniversary, reunion, retirement, health transition, or simply because now is the right time.
Those names often describe the same kind of work. Some families search for a legacy video, video biography, family history film, or personal documentary. We use “life-story film” because it is direct: the person is alive, speaking for themselves, and helping decide what the finished film includes.
That is common. People often compare their life to a public biography and overlook the details their family values most. Our discovery process finds specific, comfortable subjects and the interviewer follows natural curiosity rather than expecting a performance.
No. We do not use a script or ask them to rehearse answers. They receive broad themes in advance if that makes them more comfortable, but the filmed conversation remains natural.
Most interviews happen at home because it is comfortable and visually meaningful. We can also film at another private Lake County location. Venues, permits, travel, access, noise, and lighting are discussed before the proposal.
A quiet room with roughly 10–12 feet of working depth is helpful, but we can assess alternatives. Setup usually takes 60–90 minutes. Interview time is separate from setup; breaks are encouraged.
Yes. The Signature Life Film includes up to two interview participants, and the Family Documentary includes up to five. An additional interview can be added when the production schedule permits.
Start with images connected to stories, not every image you own: childhood, home, family, work, friendships, turning points, traditions, and favorite places. We provide an archive guide and exact limits for the selected package.
Yes. Printed photo scanning is $350 for up to 75 loose prints, including high-resolution scans, cropping, rotation, light cleanup, and file organization. Additional loose prints are $4 each. Albums, slides, damaged originals, and extensive restoration are quoted separately.
We include licensed royalty-free options. A specific commercial song may require additional licensing and may not be available. Music should support the voice, not compete with it.
Typical completion is 6–8 weeks for a Story Portrait, 10–12 weeks for a Signature Life Film, and 14–18 weeks for a Family Documentary. Archive readiness, scheduling, and revision response time can change that estimate.
The family receives personal viewing and sharing rights described in the agreement. Drafts and delivery are private. We do not use the film or footage publicly without a separate written release. The studio retains copyright unless a different written arrangement is made.
A 50% retainer and signed agreement reserve the filming dates. The remaining 50% is due before final delivery. Your proposal shows the exact schedule, total, and anything added beyond the chosen package.