While no two Legacy Films are alike, they are all produced using a process that maximizes trust and enjoyment for participants, while minimizing work. We do all the heavy lifting for you!
We meet with clients in person, in a comfortable setting to discuss the scope of the project, its goals, and potential boundaries.
During this meeting, we walk interviewees through a detailed questionnaire, exploring the WHATs, WHENs, and WHEREs of their past.
Topics that we may explore during this session include: Parents, siblings, and ancestry; Education and training; Careers; Military service; Passions, hobbies, and interests; Spouse(s), partners, and friends; Children, grandchildren and other relatives; Religion, spirituality, and beliefs; Dreams for the future.
During this 2-3 hour session, we are most interested in gathering the facts. The stories will come later.
Based on these conversations our team develops a detailed set of questions that serve as a guide for the taped conversation.
Clients select photographs, mementos, and music that they would like captured in the final edit.
We arrive to set-up equipment (lights, cameras, and mics) and ensure the space is optimized for the shoot.
Interviewer and interviewee enjoy an unrehearsed conversation, filled with candor and emotion. This is when the interviewee shares his or her stories.
The conversation can take anywhere from 3-4 hours. While that might sound like a lot, it’s amazing how the time flies during these interviews.
After the shoot, we use state-of-the-art editing software to produce a high-definition Legacy Film.
Editing can be one of the most time-consuming parts of the process. We pore over the hours of raw digital footage to ensure that transitions are natural and sound quality consistent. During this phase we may layer in personal photos, home movies, b-roll footage, stock photography, music, and other elements, depending on the film package.
We create a custom showcase website so that clients can easily share their Legacy Film with friends and family. The website points to a password-protected page on Vimeo.com where our films are hosted. We also provide back-up files to clients on SD-card for safe keeping. DVDs can be made for an extra fee.
Post-production takes roughly 10 - 12 weeks.
“For years we tried to get my father to share stories about his life, but he was daunted by the volume of potential material to discuss, and he didn’t want to appear immodest. Rich, you immediately put those concerns to rest. Your thorough approach and easy manner made the process smooth, even enjoyable for Dad. I know this would not have happened without the skill, sensitivity and expert resources that the Acknowledge Media crew brought to the table. This was an unforgettable experience for our family and something we will always have to treasure.”