One parent or grandparent
Story Portrait includes one subject at one Lake County location. It suits a focused 15–20 minute film, supported by up to 25 digital photographs and a lightly edited full conversation cut.
At-home video biographies
Life Story Films for Parents & Grandparents in Lake County, IL
Record the stories you want to hear from your mother, father or grandparent. We prepare and film a personal conversation at home, then edit it into a documentary for your family.
Arranging a film for a parent
Begin with the questions your family keeps meaning to ask.
You may know where your parent grew up without knowing what their childhood felt like. You might recognize the people in an old photograph but have never heard how they met. A filmed biography gives those conversations a purpose and preserves the person’s voice, expressions and way of telling a story.
Before booking, explain the idea to the person you would like to film. Share a few subjects you would enjoy hearing about and give them room to suggest their own. Taking part should be a decision they understand and feel comfortable making.
Our first discovery conversation helps identify the important names, relationships and themes. You do not need a finished biography or a complete family timeline.
Useful questions to bring to preparation
- What was an ordinary day like in your childhood home?
- Who helped you make an important decision?
- How did you choose your work or meet your partner?
- Which family traditions do you most want us to understand?
- What would you like your grandchildren to know about you?
These are starting points. We tailor the conversation to your parent’s experiences and interests.
Comfort during a filmed interview
Your parent does not need to rehearse.
The preparation guide introduces broad themes. During filming, we ask questions and listen to the answers; your parent can speak naturally instead of trying to remember a script.
A familiar room
Most interviews happen at home, where the setting and personal belongings already mean something. We discuss the available space, background sound and setup before the filming day.
Time for setup and breaks
Camera, light and microphone setup typically takes 60–90 minutes before the interview begins. Breaks are encouraged. Share any concerns about comfort or timing during planning so we can discuss a suitable approach.
Clear themes and personal boundaries
Let us know which subjects your parent wants to discuss and which they would prefer to leave out. The film can focus on daily life, work, relationships or traditions without covering every event.
Read the complete filming processChoosing the scope of a parent’s biography
Decide whose perspective the film should include.
One person’s account can be a complete film. Additional voices are useful when they contribute a different experience or help explain a shared history.
A parent and a second voice
Signature Life Film allows up to two participants. A partner, sibling or adult child can add context, with more room for photographs, short clips and meaningful details at home.
Several generations
The Family Documentary allows up to five participants. Explore our multi-generational documentary service when the family’s shared history is the main subject.
Life-story film packages
Compare life story films for your parent.
Choose the level of interview time, family participation and archive material that suits the biography you want to make.
Story Portrait
One person. One focused story.
15–20 minute film
$3,800
Explore packageSignature Life Film
More voices. A richer family archive.
30–40 minute film
$7,500
Explore packageFamily Documentary
Several people, places, and chapters.
45–60 minute film
$12,500
Explore packageParents and grandparents in Lake County
Plan the interview around where your parent feels comfortable.
We serve Lake County families, including parents living in Lake Bluff, Deerfield and Grayslake. Tell us where filming would take place and who is helping organize it. We will discuss the setting, the people involved and a practical next step.
Birthday and anniversary films
Plan a personal biography around a family occasion, with time for filming and editing.
All life story film options
Review the kinds of personal histories and family stories we can help record.
Before we begin
Questions about filming a parent or grandparent
How do I introduce the idea of a life story film to my parent?
Explain which stories you would like to hear and who the film is for. A few specific examples can make the project easier to understand than asking someone to tell their entire life. Discuss filming with your parent before booking, so they can decide whether to take part and share any concerns.
What if my parent feels uncomfortable on camera?
Preparation is based on familiar subjects and a guided conversation. There is no script to memorize, and breaks are encouraged. Tell us about their concerns before filming so we can discuss the setting, pacing and whether the project is a good fit.
Can both of my parents be interviewed?
Yes. The Signature Life Film includes up to two interview participants, while the Family Documentary includes up to five. A Story Portrait covers one subject. We help match the package to the people and stories you want to include.
Can my siblings and I arrange the film together?
Yes. Agree on the main subject and the broad themes you want to preserve, then choose one family contact to coordinate scheduling, photographs and revision notes. Each package has a set number of participants and revision rounds, explained on the packages page.
Is this a memorial video made from photographs?
This service centers on a living person telling their own story in a filmed interview. Photographs and home movies can support that conversation according to the selected package. It is a personal biography made with the person taking part.
Will my parent need a complete family archive before we start?
No. Begin with a manageable selection of photographs connected to the stories you want to discuss. We provide preparation guidance and explain the archive allowance for your package. Printed-photo scanning and other additions are priced separately.
Your Life, Filmed
Discuss a film for your parent.
Tell us who you would like to film, where they live and the stories your family hopes to hear.
Start a conversation