Get the “Picture” on
Video Biographies

“Every Picture Tells a Story...Don’t It?”

Indeed—there are so many stories that pictures tell. A video biography can be one of the most treasured memories you own.

Many people have played around with video cameras, especially parents when they have their first child or two.

Not everyone is skilled in putting together a professional piece that chronicles your life.  But life story videos are now in demand and make great gifts.

I am a fan of stories about people that you can see on the A&E Channel or VH-1’s “Behind the Music”. These documentaries allow us to peer into the lives of the famous...and infamous.

The quality of these productions is apparent. You might think there is no way you could have a video production of your family history or personal biography that has the same quality.

But, you’d be wrong.

Just as there are many people anxious to write your biography or help you do it yourself, there are a number of video biographers. These professionals can put together a masterful collection of memories for you to keep on video, or more commonly, DVD.

What you are looking for is expertise, professionalism and quality.

You should also be able to see some samples, to ask questions and have a firm idea of cost.

Once again, Your-Life-Your-Story.com has done some research for you.

A fine example of a company that does life story biographies is Stellar Media. The husband and wife team of Eric and Marian Larson handle writing, editing and video services and can do histories about individuals, families or companies. They are located in North Carolina and you can visit them here to see more. This company was a previous Higlight Site (see here).

Family Legacy Productions is another video biography service with locations in Chicago and Boulder. Arielle Nobile is passionate about making highly professional life-story documentaries and has interviewed people from all walks of life.  Her inspiration for this line of work was a direct result of spending time with her Grandfather prior to his passing from cancer in 2002.  Her business has produced many family personal history documentary films.  Visit her website for to find out about the company's services and other helpful information - here.

An additional option on the West Coast (California) is Your Story Here - a video biographies service dedicated to preserving family history.  The husband and wife team of Peter and Jane Shafron are based in Southern California and they are both avid professional storytellers.  The stories they "tell" are from a wide cross section of people.  They produce high quality "A&E" style video biographies and video memorials utilizing interviews, photographs, historical footage and music.  Their work has received awards and media coverage and their website (yourstoryherehome.com) is full of useful and helpful information plus multiple samples of their work.

Now maybe you have a video camera and fancy yourself as doing the job. Nothing wrong with that! My only caution is that if you want a really nice professional job and don't have the time, expertise or equipment then you should consider hiring a pro.

However, lots of people are doing their own home videos and with digital software it is getting easier to do. BUT - it helps to have some directions.

Enter Family Legacy Video™. Steve Pender is a pro who has been creating professional commercial video projects for many years and has also become successful in the family history arena. He's also created a very good website that will tell you more about creating a life story video.

If you decide you want to do the video biography yourself make sure that you prepare properly. You want to have the proper equipment, a script to work from, someone to conduct the interview (you or a trusted friend or professional), and an idea ahead of time of what you want to cover. If, for example, you are going to video your grandfather be sure to take the time to make him comfortable with the proceedings. Spend some time talking about what you hope to accomplish with the interview. Obviously, do this before the camera is rolling!

A helpful training aid for those interested in producing your own life story videos is available from My Living Legacy.  The extensive information on this CD-ROM includes what you need to know for creating a successful video life story or video genealogy. 

Below you will find more suggestions. As always, feel free to contact me and I’ll be happy to help any way I can.