Frequently Asked Questions
WHO IS THIS SERVICE DESIGNED FOR?
The best gift we can give to our loved ones is our voice, our laughter, our stories, our history and our shared messages that are important to us. These "legacy" video interviews are gifts that will last forever – to be shared now or in the future.
HOW LONG ARE THE INTERVIEWS?
Generally, each recording is about 60 - 75 minute conversations. If you sign up for multiple recordings, they will be done on separate days to allow time to process a bit. Additional interview time is available upon request.
DO I HAVE TO COME UP WITH THE QUESTIONS OR TOPICS?
Since this is YOUR story, you get to talk about WHATEVER you want to talk about. However, since this is a conversational format, you will be guided from question to question so you can relax and just focus on telling your story and talk about the topics that are most important to you.
WHAT IF I GET NERVOUS AND MAKE A MISTAKE? OR WHAT IF I NEED TO TAKE A BREAK?
That’s perfectly fine – we have the ability to edit all videos and can stop recording the interview at any time. We want this to be a positive experience for you!
IF I CAN’T DO THE INTERVIEW IN PERSON, DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FOR THIS INTERVIEW?
You will need a device with a recording camera – a cell Phone, laptop, desktop or iPad/tablet. You will also need to download the free ZOOM app on your recording device. We can send you download instructions, and we will also do a test run before the actual recording to make sure all equipment is set up properly and working for you.
WHAT IF I’M NOT THAT TECH SAVVY?
It might not be a bad idea to get somebody to help you out, and maybe be on standby during your interview to help out with the process, in case you need help with internet service or other program glitches. You will want to make sure that where you set up you have good internet speed and connection. Once the technical piece and equipment setup is worked out, the rest is a piece of cake! You get to just talk and tell your story!
HOW WILL I BE ABLE TO WATCH THE VIDEOS WHEN THEY’RE DONE?
Once your video interviews are edited and ready to go, we will email you a link to your videos in a private online folder. This link will be available for one year can be shared and downloaded for free during this time period. You will also receive a flash drive (by mail) with your video files, as a backup in case your computer crashes at any time in the future. After one year, we will send you a reminder by email to make sure you’ve downloaded your online copies, and then your video link will be deleted from our system. As long as you have your flash drive and/or you’ve downloaded and saved the videos to your computer, you will be able to watch and keep these videos FOREVER.
CAN ANYBODY DO THIS? DO I HAVE TO BE A CERTAIN AGE?
If you have a story to tell, we want to hear it and produce it for you. This makes a great gift for your loved ones and any future generations. Your story matters and needs to be heard!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED FOR THE INTERVIEW?
If you have any special photos, mementos or family relics you would like to include or share, or any awards or service recognitions that you would like to talk about, be sure to gather those up. We can provide you with more information on these items during your pre-interview.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? WHERE SHOULD I SIT?
Wear whatever feels best for you – if you want to go for a casual relaxed look, go for it. If you want to dress up, that’s fine too. Think about where you might like to sit for an hour and have a chat with a friend…is that the dining room table? Your favorite chair? The couch or loveseat? Find a comfortable spot so you can focus on your interview. You’ll want to turn off your phone and try to eliminate any other background noises or distractions. If you’re using a laptop, you may want to set it up on some books or boxes so the camera is at eye level.
WHAT IF I WANT TO HAVE MY FAMILY MEMBER JOIN ME FOR THE INTERVIEW?
Absolutely, we encourage you to have a family member join you if you would like that. Additional interview time can be purchased if needed.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY VIDEOS BACK?
Once your interviews are done and we start the editing, we may ask you for additional photos and information. Please make sure all photos and family documents are saved and shared in .jpg format so we can easily insert that into your edited video. Once we have all the info we need from you, finalized videos are generally done in 1-2 weeks. Generally speaking, each 1-hour video has roughly 15 hours of work put into it, between the pre-interview meeting, the video recording, gathering all the info and then editing.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Once your service has been paid for, we will send you a welcome packet, and then we will be in touch with you to get your pre-interview scheduled.