Legacy Films | Family stories preserved
I love people. And I believe everyone’s life story is fascinating.
Legacy films are a way to preserve your family’s history forever. They’re documentaries that tell the life story of one person or an entire family.
These films capture the essence of the interviewee’s personality in addition to their story, and distill that into a film that their loved ones will cherish. It often turns out that even complete strangers find the films entertaining.
Spotlight legacy film: Marguerite Johnson
Marguerite Johnson lived an incredible life. She had her own radio show in the 1930s and 40s. She raised 6 children while moving around the U.S. during World War II. And she generously gave her time to children in need well past her 100th birthday. Her greatest legacy is her family, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. And as you’ll see in the 45-minute film, she also had incredible wit and boundless love for the people around her.
This legacy film was made for Marguerite’s family, with Marguerite conducting a 4-hour interview at the age of 104 with her great-granddaughter, Kendall. Her daughter Bonnie and son Ted were also present to assist with details. Her family then rallied to collect photos and other archival material to complete the film.
“This beautiful legacy film of my grandmother, Meg, will be forever cherished by our family. Its completion shortly after her death is the gift we all needed with which to remember her. James lovingly captured her wit, spunk, and wise reflection as she shared the story of her life. His attention to detail in weaving together interviews, family photos and music has made this a true celebration of her life. I know we will return to it often to hear her laugh, listen to her storytelling, and share with future generations. We are so grateful!”
- Debbie Jo Rock, Marguerite’s granddaughter
Legacy Film Pricing & Details
A legacy film can take on any form, but here are a few starting packages:
Short film | $4,495
Up to 30-minute film
One interview subject, up to 4 hours of filming
Life story interview mixed with archival photos, videos, and music
Full film | $6,995
45- to 60-minute film
Single or multiple interview subjects, up to 8 hours of filming
Life story interview mixed with archival photos, videos, and music
Optional add-on: Additional scenes/b-roll to heighten production value (i.e. make it extra cool)
Feature film | $12,000+
90- to 120-minute film
Single or multiple interview subjects, with as much time as needed for everyone
Life story interviews and documentary filming mixed with archival photos, videos, and music
Additional filming days optional
Highly recommended add-on: Additional scenes/b-roll to round out the storytelling and heighten production value
Remote film | $1,995+
Up to 30-minute film
Interview conducted over video call, or interview filmed by family member and sent to us
Life story interview mixed with archival photos, videos, and music
Travel expenses
I live in Seattle, WA. Travel within a 3-hour drive of Seattle is no additional cost for a single day of filming. But our crew is available to film anywhere in the world with reasonable travel costs. In many cases, trusted freelancers are also available to conduct the interviews at no additional travel cost.