Here at Ancestor Speaking, we often compare a DVD project to a quilt, as we combine many different elements and formats to create a beautiful and dynamic story. DVD projects can be small or large, short or long and can combine video, photographs (both old and new), documents, old family footage and favourite music. It can result in a full-feature documentary, a simple video recording or a slideshow with voice-over or music. Whether recording a family reunion, interviewing grandparents about their early years, or documenting someone’s important collection, Ancestor Speaking works with individuals, families and groups to determine the scope and particulars of their project, which is custom tailored to each client’s purpose and budget.
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Here are some ideas to get you thinking:
Who is That and What are They Doing in That Photograph?
Using a family photo album, we will interview an elder in your family about their life story so that the photographs and albums that will be inherited will be understood and appreciated by generations to come.
How Did You Meet Mom and How Did You Know You Were in Love?
Through interviewing techniques and resources, let Ancestor Speaking interview your parents or grandparents about their childhood memories, a pivotal time in their life or important life-lessons.
My Dad’s the Greatest!
Let Ancestor Speaking put together a lasting memoir or memorial to pay tribute to those in your life who you cherish by gathering photographs, Super-8’s, certificates, other memorabilia and audio reminiscences.
I Want My Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren to Know This About Me…
Whether you call it a Living Legacy or an Ethical Will, let Ancestor Speaking interview you about your important values, life-lessons and wishes for future generations.
Invite Ancestor Speaking
We love documenting family gatherings! Be they reunions, anniversaries or special birthdays, Ancestor Speaking can record the event and interview family members. An event such as this can produce a wonderful document in itself or can be a great way to kickstart a family-history project. We can also help you to organize a memory-telling circle that can be documented.
Mommie, I Have a Story to Tell, Too!
Ancestor Speaking is also very interested in documenting younger generations so that precious voices and moments are preserved for the future. A combination of video, photographs and audio recordings can capture that stage of life before it is transformed.
I Know I Was There, but I Don’t Remember a Thing!
Ancestor Speaking can interview your parents using your baby album as a guide. Find out where you’ve been and who made those cute little booties! The resulting audio, combined with photographs, produces a memorable document.
Family, Sunday Dinner, Loud Talk and Warm Hugs
We all have times we treasure – quiet Sunday mornings, loud and colourful family dinners or special moments between a mother and her child. Ancestor Speaking can document these precious moments through photographs, audio and film and then combine them to create a “snapshot” that epitomizes this time in your life.
My Nonna Makes the Best Biscotti!
Let Ancestor Speaking record those family recipes that have been handed down perhaps for generations and that only your grandmother knows how to make. Along with photographs and music, we will create a keepsake that will withstand the test of time.
Costs:
It is very difficult to offer set prices as projects differ both in their scope and length. Once we know what your wishes are, we will be able to give you a written quote detailing all of the tasks and responsibilities that Ancestor Speaking is willing to undertake. We have completed projects that have ranged from $1,000.00 to $15,000.00.
Process:
While every project is different, we begin by meeting with you to determine the scope and focus of the project. Once that has been determined, we develop a list of questions that then becomes a sort of “script.” At the same time, we begin gathering photographs and any other relevant memorabilia. Depending on the project, we may conduct historical and photographic research that will enhance the stories told. We then meet with the subject and begin to interview them, usually over a number of days. Finally, all of the material we have gathered is put together and edited into the format of a film.