Q. Why should I tell my life story on video?

A. Because you are the link between your family’s past and future generations. You know the stories of your life better than anyone else ever will. With this DVD, future generations will learn more about you and where your family comes from than any photo or second hand story could ever express. You probably know things about your family that no one else does. If someday your grandchildren want to know more about your family history, I would like to make this DVD so they can.

Also, a life story DVD is a celebration of your life, captured in an animated “alive” way that still photographs cannot capture. Regardless of your age, you have a unique story to tell and only you know the real story! Capturing the stories of your life in your words is a way of making sure these stories live on in your words long after you may be able to tell them yourself. It is a gift to give yourself, your family and future generations as a celebration of your very special, very unique life. There is only one of you!!!

Q. I think I’d be too nervous to do this?

A. That is probably because you’ve never done anything like this before. The questions are easy because they are about you, and you are an expert on your life!! I will ask you the questions and all you have to do is answer, just as if we are having a normal conversation. In my experience, people very quickly forget the video is there once the conversation begins. There are no difficult or trick questions. Don’t think ahead too much – we’ll do this together as a team!

Q. Can I see the questions ahead of time?

A. We can give you an idea of what we’ll be going over, and even a list of possible questions, just to get your memory banks started, but the best answers are spontaneous. If you study the questions too much ahead of time, you may try too hard to get it “right”. It will be easier and more fun if we act as if we were sitting down and talking about these stories over a cup of coffee. Remember, we’re going for a slice of your life rather than the whole pie.

Q. What about negative or challenging events in my life. Do I have to talk about those?

A. Only if you want to. We can avoid asking any questions that might bring up a sensitive subject (we will discuss this prior to the interview). On the other hand, some people want to let other family members know that you can deal with the challenges life brings and that they are not alone in facing adversity. But whatever you decide will be fine.

Q. Can we do this as a group? Maybe I could do this with a friend or someone else.

A. It’s your life story we want and we’re going to make it a fun experience. Group sessions can be done but they’re better left for family reunions and other family get togethers or specially organised group interview packages. With a group, you may get some interesting stories but often the quiet member of the family remains quiet and the other person who usually tells most of the family stories will again. Our interviews are designed especially for individuals or couples, although a more extended family/group package can also be arranged.

FAQ re Photo Slideshow Montages

Q. Why would I pay you to do a DVD slideshow montage when I can just do a Powerpoint slideshow myself?

The advantage DVD has over other media such as Powerpoint presentations on CD are that you can watch your photos on TV, allowing you to share them easily with family and friends. No more huddling around one photo album waiting for someone to turn the page! Or huddling around a computer screen – if you are lucky enough to have a computer nearby.

You can enjoy sitting & watching your ‘album’ together as a family on the TV – great for grandparents or other family members who have trouble seeing small printed photos or computer screens!

Q. But I could still do them myself couldn’t I?

Yes, you probably could, but do you have time?

Many people have great intentions of putting together slideshow montages for themselves or family and friends, but in our time-poor world, they often just never get around to it. With digital cameras we can easily take hundreds of photos in just one day, which is fantastic, but can also be overwhelming when it comes to doing something with them.

Additionally, many people do not have the right computer programs to do all they want to do, or maybe don’t have the skills to do so.

Using your photos we add transitions, special effects, opening and closing titles and music to create a professional photo slide show transferred onto DVD that will last for generations to come.