The step by step process of recording life stories

People often ask about the process for recording a life story video, so in this month’s blog I’m sharing the exact steps and process followed.  As you can see, there’s plenty of planning and preparation time so that we get to know each other first.  That way when it comes to recording you’re more relaxed, and it’s just like have a catchup with an old friend.

Here are the 9 steps followed – starting from the first meeting to the distribution of the video:

Step 1 – Meet and have a chat

The first thing we do is meet each other.  This can be either online or in person.  It’s a time to get to know each other a little, as you will be sharing some personal thoughts in your story and memory sharing, so you want to know who you’re dealing with.  During this time we will also discuss the main focus of your video and what has helped you decide to create this legacy for your family.

Step 2 – Timeline of life highlights

We come up with the timeline of life highlights you want to include in your video story.  I recommend that rather than following a date driven timeline, you look at the themes throughout your life and pick  the life “highlights” you want to focus on. This makes it much less daunting than looking at your entire life timeline from birth to now.

Some examples themes may be family holidays, special birthdays, career highlights, sports highlights, hobbies, life lessons, favourite pets, etc.

Step 3 – Photo memories

Photos can be wonderful triggers of events, places and people in your life.  One photo may have a whole story behind it, and I encourage you to dig out some old photos related to the timeline created in step 2.

Step 4 – Life story interview questions

You will be provided with a list of 30 suggested life story interview questions.  You may also have some of your own to add, and there will be a few other more emotive questions that will be asked at the time of the interview (these are saved for the day of filming).  You will decide on the questions you want to answer in your video life story, and that will give us an idea of the length of the video.

Step 5 – Book a filming date

We book a time and date that works for you to record your stories and memories.  The face to face filming generally takes about half a day – sometimes longer if we include trips to favourite places or activities such as community groups you’re involved with.  For online recording, we can usually manage to get everything wrapped up in an hour or so.

Step 6 – Recording day

We record your video life story, in the comfort of your own home (either in person or remotely). We stop when you need to, and there’s no presssure to share anything that you don’t want to share.  It’s your story, and you are totally in charge.

Step 7 – Editing the video

The editing magic happens next, and this can take 2-3 weeks (depending on the number of photos and extra footage to be included).  We can also include old video footage if you have this.  One client had some clips included of his Scottish Country Dancing days, and another has some footage from the 60’s that we managed to convert from 8mm reels and include!

Step 8 – Review and make changes

You review the first cut, and small changes can be made.  There may be additional photos added at this point, or you may have some other edits you would like made.  These final edits can usually be completed within a week and the final cut is then sent to you for sign off.

Step 9 – Video launch time!

Your video is ready for sharing with your friends and family!  You will receive a private shareable link to the file (either Dropbox or Google drive) and this will remain available to you for up to 12 months.  After this time, you will need to store the file on your own system (unless other arrangements are made for permanent storage online).

A copy can also be sent to you on a USB stick if you would like this option as well.  Additional USB stick copies can be made as you may want to send them to friends or family members.

Book a call with Nicola

If you need help with getting started with recording your family traditions, stories and memories, I offer a free 30 minute call to help you identify key areas of your life to focus on, and tips to get you underway.  Here’s a link to book a time:

https://bookwithnicola.as.me

Resources & Links

Free list of 30 life story interview questions:

https://www.movingmemories.nz/30-life-story-questions/

10 Tips for Video Confidence (Free E-book)

https://www.movingmemories.nz/top-10-tips-for-video-confidence/

YouTube channel – Saving Family Memories:

https://www.youtube.com/@savingfamilymemories