We offer 3 package options to record your family history
All service options are custom-built by request. Please see the FAQ section below for pricing information.
30-60 minutes, up to 150 images, includes home videos
Private consultation with a producer to discuss important life events, prepare interview questions, and share your vision
Custom scripting
Interview prep for you and your family members
A full day of on-site interviews and b-roll shots
One or two camera sets with staging, lighting, and audio
Professional editing to weave together photos and videos from your shoeboxes, hard drives—even your phone
Scanning of still photos, as necessary
Complete production with seamless transitions and royalty-free soundtrack
Rough-cut for pre-approval
Web-ready movie files and up to 3 DVD or Blu-ray copies
Biographies
Starting at $6,500. Share your family’s legacy.
Each one of us is a part of history; unless we tell those stories, they’ll never be passed on. We bring in our Emmy-award-winning crew to transform conversations around the kitchen table into a full-length biography featuring your family’s story, or the story of someone you love. We combine a full day of production and interviews with your own images and home videos to craft a film you’ll watch for years to come.
30 minute memoir
Private consultation with a producer to discuss important files and share your vision
Custom scripting
Professional editing to weave together photos and videos from your shoeboxes, hard drives—even your phone
Scanning of still photos, as necessary
Complete production with seamless transitions and royalty-free soundtrack
Rough-cut for pre-approval
Web-ready movie files and up to 3 DVD copies
Memoirs
Starting at $1,975. Transform your photos and videos into a film.
Empty the shoebox. Dust off the photo album. Pull out the home videos. When was the last time you enjoyed these memories? We preserve your life’s magical moments by weaving together photos and home movies into a high-quality narrative film, perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, and graduations. (We’ve come a long way since the standard slideshow.) Our professional editors will create a movie you can save, share, and cherish for years to come.
15-20 minute memento
Private consultation with a producer to share your vision
One hour of studio time to record your story
Professional lighting
Prepared questions and coaching (so you look and feel your best)
Professional editing to turn your interview into a polished piece
High-quality digital copy
Momentos
Flat cost of $750. Invest in future memories today.
10-20 years down the road, what will you tell your children or grandchildren about your life? From reflecting on a memorable year to having a conversation with a loved one, our team will work with you to capture time capsules your family will cherish for generations. We’ll set up studio lighting, prepare questions in advance, and guide you through the process—all you have to do is bring yourself.
Ideas from our clients
A 60th birthday present
Walt wanted to give his wife something unique for her 60th birthday. His biography told the story of her life through interviews with her parents, brother, daughters, close personal friends and of course her husband. The result was a beautiful love story.
A holiday gift for the whole family
Lisa and Leon’s children were grown, some married with grandkids. They were past the years of buying gifts for everyone and wanted a holiday present for the family. Our producer interviewed Lisa and Leon as they recounted how the met, fell in love, and raised a family. We worked closely with Lisa to curate her family photos, digitize home movies and create the unique story of her family.
A graduation video
Maria always wanted to create a graduation video for her daughter but was not sure how to start. We helped her sift through years of home movies and photos, created a storyboard of her daughter’s life, and had Maria introduce and close the video with her best wishes.
Celebration of 75 years
Cathy’s mom was the heart of the family, the one always doing for everyone and doing little for herself. The family wanted a way to show and tell her how much they appreciated her. Their 75th Birthday video included interviews with Cathy’s dad, all her siblings and their spouses, grandchildren, and best friends. Relatives who could not be present recorded best wishes on their devices and sent them. We worked closely with Cathy and her sisters to find the perfect photos for this biography and the family even had us record some funny antics to weave into this heartfelt gift.
FAQ
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to reach out to us at Eileen@BackstoryMedia.com.
Biographies
Why should I choose your company?
We are broadcast professionals with 25 years’ experience working on documentaries and feature stories. We combine our experience in journalism and high-quality production teams to tell your life story.
How much does it cost?
We quote all services upon request, and create a quote to fit your needs and budget. Our biography packages begin at $6,500 and run to $12,000. Our clients spend $6,500 on average.
How do I prepare for production?
We have a process that works, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. We conduct a personal, hour-long phone call to help you prepare for the experience. If you’re creating a biography, we prep each family member for the interview process (if needed, we can step in and conduct the interviews for you). We’ve had clients send us entire shoeboxes full of old family photographs, and we don’t skip a beat. So relax, and enjoy this trip down memory lane.
What if I’m not comfortable in front of the camera?
This is a common fear, and one we work through with each of our clients. We look at our sessions as “conversations,” so you feel as though you’re chatting at the kitchen table with old friends.
How do I prepare the photos I want included in my biography?
We will work closely with you to determine the type and number of photos that work best. See below for answers to questions about preparing and sending photos.
Do you travel?
Yes, we have and do travel to different cities and states to record a biography. Contact us for a quote on travel packages.
Memoirs
How do I decide which photos to use?
We have created hundreds of memoirs over the years. Our producers will work closely with you to select the best photographs for your custom video.
What photos work best?
If you have a choice, horizontal (landscape) photos work better than vertical photographs. Try to avoid photos that are blurry or out of focus. Avoid photos used on Facebook or Instagram, sending the original photo instead.
How do I deliver the photos and videos to your production team?
We will send you a link where you can upload your digital photos and video. Photos that need to be scanned can be shipped or dropped off.
Do you use an automated program to edit my video?
No — every video we make is unique. We script every video to ensure the pictures, video, music, and overall storyline flow seamlessly throughout the entire cut.
How much does it cost?
We quote all services upon request, and create a quote to fit your needs and budget. Our memoir packages begin at $1,975 and run to $3,000. On average, our clients spend $2,200.
Are there added costs?
We charge extra for digitizing old movie tapes and fixing photos that are damaged. You will be given a quote to approve in advance.
How long does it take?
No two videos are alike. We work closely with each client to ensure the videos are completed in time for lifetime events such as weddings or anniversaries. On average, a memoir takes between 1-2 months to compile.
Can I make changes to my video?
Yes. We send you a rough-cut for pre-approval and allow up to two hours of edit changes.
Can’t I do this myself?
Of course. But keep in mind, we use professional editing software, combined with a lifetime of experience, to build videos that convey emotion and are cherished for years to come.
Momentos
How does this work?
Our team will set up a consult to help you prepare and send a list of suggested questions and prompts
Where do I go?
We can record your stories virtually or you can come to our safe and secure location.
How long does it take?
Typically, a momento takes 2 weeks to prepare. This allows time for scheduling, recording, editing, and production.
How can I use my momento?
You can use it to record family history or an important moment in your life. How will you tell your children and grandchildren what life was like in the year 2020? Your memories are your legacy — momentos help you capture them.
What is the final product?
You will receive a private link with an edited version of your recording you can share with your family and friends.