Frequently Asked Questions
What is a video biography?
A LifeStory Arts video biography is a memoir of the stories of your life, told by you, and/or others in your life. The finished product is usually a 30 minute to 1 hour edited video tape or DVD. More importantly, your story (or those of loved ones) is preserved to enjoy now and for future generations as well. It's an heirloom and a lasting legacy that will be treasured by you and your family.
Who's right for a video biography?
Everyone! Everyone has a story– his/her life story to tell. And everyone's story is important. We believe that all persons deserve to have their story preserved. While the natural person to be interviewed might be someone getting on in years, perhaps a parent, a grandparent, or a favorite aunt or uncle, a person at almost any age is appropriate for a LifeStory Arts video biography. Younger people too are finding that they'd like to document their lives, milestones, and stories to date, and then create additional LifeStory Arts video biographies every ten years or so.
Can I give a LifeStory Arts video biography as a gift to someone ?
Yes, a LifeStory Arts video biography makes the perfect gift! We have gift certificates available and can personalize one for your loved one.
How does the process work?
The process involves a casual interview or interviews where we visit you (or a love one or ones) at the place of your choosing. We take a little time to get to know you, and perhaps ask a few brief questions before we start the video camera. We don't come in with a film crew, as we believe the best life stories are told when just the LifeStory Artist and the person or persons being interviewed are in the room. It's a relaxed, conversational experience. Sessions normally run somewhere between an hour and three hours. In fact, everyone who has had a LifeStory Arts video biography done has commented that it was a positive and enjoyable experience.
Where do we do the interviews?
We'll do the interview sessions wherever you feel most comfortble. Usually it's in the person's home or a family member's place. But other venues such as an office can work as well.
How long does it take?
While we have done some video biographies in as few as one, two-hour session, to truly get the depth of a person's life story, we recommend between 3 to 6 sessions staggered every one or two weeks. Once the interview sessions are completed, it usually takes approximately two to three weeks for editing, production, and the finished DVD or videotape to appear on your doorstep. Again, if you have a time-sensitive situation, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
What is unique about LifeStory Arts?
We are excellent listeners and we come to this business with a great appreciation and respect for all individuals, their stories, and their life histories. We are people who love to engage with people. We're sensitive, caring, and compassionate when the stories turn difficult, sad, touching, or beautiful. And we have a good sense of humor, and will laugh right along with you when the tales are light and comical.
How much does it cost?
As each LifeStory Arts video biography is unique, the cost depends on your preferences. The finished price depends on the number of interview sessions, whether photos are incorporated, how much editing is necessary, and if travel is required. We'd be happy to discuss options and give an estimate.
Sometimes clients will share the cost with siblings or relatives and have a video biography done of their parents or parent, or a favorite aunt, uncle, or grandparent. A LifeStory Arts video biography makes a great gift for someone.
Will you travel to do an interview?
Yes, we'll travel anywhere in the United States. We've got locations currently in Alaska, Arizona, and Wisconsin, and would be happy to talk with you more about travel details. We've done video biographies as close as next door and as far away as Florida.
If you have other questions that we haven't answered here, please call or email us. Thanks!
What is a video biography?
A LifeStory Arts video biography is a memoir of the stories of your life, told by you, and/or others in your life. The finished product is usually a 30 minute to 1 hour edited video tape or DVD. More importantly, your story (or those of loved ones) is preserved to enjoy now and for future generations as well. It's an heirloom and a lasting legacy that will be treasured by you and your family.
Who's right for a video biography?
Everyone! Everyone has a story– his/her life story to tell. And everyone's story is important. We believe that all persons deserve to have their story preserved. While the natural person to be interviewed might be someone getting on in years, perhaps a parent, a grandparent, or a favorite aunt or uncle, a person at almost any age is appropriate for a LifeStory Arts video biography. Younger people too are finding that they'd like to document their lives, milestones, and stories to date, and then create additional LifeStory Arts video biographies every ten years or so.
Can I give a LifeStory Arts video biography as a gift to someone ?
Yes, a LifeStory Arts video biography makes the perfect gift! We have gift certificates available and can personalize one for your loved one.
How does the process work?
The process involves a casual interview or interviews where we visit you (or a love one or ones) at the place of your choosing. We take a little time to get to know you, and perhaps ask a few brief questions before we start the video camera. We don't come in with a film crew, as we believe the best life stories are told when just the LifeStory Artist and the person or persons being interviewed are in the room. It's a relaxed, conversational experience. Sessions normally run somewhere between an hour and three hours. In fact, everyone who has had a LifeStory Arts video biography done has commented that it was a positive and enjoyable experience.
Where do we do the interviews?
We'll do the interview sessions wherever you feel most comfortble. Usually it's in the person's home or a family member's place. But other venues such as an office can work as well.
How long does it take?
While we have done some video biographies in as few as one, two-hour session, to truly get the depth of a person's life story, we recommend between 3 to 6 sessions staggered every one or two weeks. Once the interview sessions are completed, it usually takes approximately two to three weeks for editing, production, and the finished DVD or videotape to appear on your doorstep. Again, if you have a time-sensitive situation, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
What is unique about LifeStory Arts?
We are excellent listeners and we come to this business with a great appreciation and respect for all individuals, their stories, and their life histories. We are people who love to engage with people. We're sensitive, caring, and compassionate when the stories turn difficult, sad, touching, or beautiful. And we have a good sense of humor, and will laugh right along with you when the tales are light and comical.
How much does it cost?
As each LifeStory Arts video biography is unique, the cost depends on your preferences. The finished price depends on the number of interview sessions, whether photos are incorporated, how much editing is necessary, and if travel is required. We'd be happy to discuss options and give an estimate.
Sometimes clients will share the cost with siblings or relatives and have a video biography done of their parents or parent, or a favorite aunt, uncle, or grandparent. A LifeStory Arts video biography makes a great gift for someone.
Will you travel to do an interview?
Yes, we'll travel anywhere in the United States. We've got locations currently in Alaska, Arizona, and Wisconsin, and would be happy to talk with you more about travel details. We've done video biographies as close as next door and as far away as Florida.
If you have other questions that we haven't answered here, please call or email us. Thanks!
