Are you thinking of recording your parents or grandparents sharing memories? Recording a parent or grandparent on video is a great way to ensure their stories and your family history will be available for younger generations to know. But making an heirloom quality Video Memoir involves more than simply pushing the ‘record’ button.
As a Legacy Video producer, below are a few of my own tips on what you will need and need to know in order to make a Video Memoir.
How to Make a Video Memoir
Equipment
While you can record your parent or grandparent with a smart phone, you will quickly discover its limitations. Below is the equipment I recommend for an heirloom quality Video Memoir.
- Video
These days it’s easy to find a great consumer video camera online. As you research which one fits your budget and needs, be sure to read the reviews. Key information to look for is recording time, battery life, as well as image and sound quality. Don’t forget a tripod, even if recording with a smart phone.
- Audio
While on camera microphones are getting better every day, they still leave much to be deserved. To avoid picking up sounds other than voice (ie the hum of an HVAC or a neighbor’s lawn mower), you may want to invest in a microphone. I use a lavelier microphone that clips to a person’s collar.
- Lighting
Clouds move, trees sway, the earth rotates. The key is to control the light. Film the interview in a room where natural light can be blocked by closing curtains or shades. You can either purchase professional lights or try working with your own lamps. Just plan for time to make adjustments in case grandma is looking a bit flat or night-stalkerish.
The Interview
People like to talk about themselves so prepare for the interview to run longer than you expect. Below are a few things to think about before and during the interview:
- Interviewer
Keep control of the interview. Make a list of what you want to cover and don’t be afraid to gently move a parent or grandparent along. Otherwise you may find Dad spending 20 minutes on one story and you running out of time.
- Interviewee
Have your parent or grandparent sit on a comfortable but firm chair or sofa. If a cushion is too soft, you may find them slowly sink out of the frame over the course of the interview.
- Technique
Ask your parent or grandparent to pause before answering a question. This will prevent the two of you from talking over each other and make editing much easier.
- Questions
For a list of interview questions to ask, visit my post: ’25 Legacy Interview Questions’.
- The Setting
Be aware of what is behind your subject. You may not notice the plant sprouting from grandpa’s head or your own reflection in the mirror until midway through the interview. Also, turn off all phones, reschedule the lawn service and consider sending the dog to the kennel.
Editing
You have hours of interview footage. Now what? You can either leave it as is or create a captivating video memoir by editing stories, adding family photos, etc.
- Editing Software
Consumer editing software can be found online for free or for a nominal charge. While these have limitations, they may be perfect for your needs. Again, read the reviews. I use Final Cut Pro, a professional editing software with lots of bells and whistles but one that has a steep learning curve.
- What to Edit Out
As you review the footage you will quickly spot content that can be removed: stories that go off topic, long pauses, interruptions, corrections, and more. You may even decide to remove your own voice (as I do) to make the movie even more personal.
- What to Add In
Bring your parent’s or grandparent’s stories to life by weaving in family photos, documents, maps and other memorabilia. Add titles, chapters, music and more for a truly heirloom quality Video Memoir your family will cherish for generations to come.
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Once your movie is finished, select a special occasion for the big reveal! Or you can upload your Video Memoir to a family website and give everyone a copy of the movie on a flash-drive as a keepsake.
Have a question?
Post it in the comment section below!
Family Tree Video LLC
Susan Saunders
Legacy Video Production
Since 2008
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‘There are only two lasting bequests
we can give our children.
One is roots, and the other, wings.’
H. S. Carter
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for Future Generations
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How to Make a Video Memoir
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