Frequently Asked Questions about
Legacy Videos
What is a Legacy Video?
A Legacy Video by Family Tree Video is a memoir on video that captures a parent, grandparent or multiple family members sharing life stories, family history and memories for younger generations to know. Woven together with family photos and other memorabilia, this beautiful “moving portrait” is a modern-day heirloom your family will treasure for generations to come.
My grandson dabbles in video. Why should I use you?
While it’s ideal for a family member to record you sharing your memories, few have the equipment, skills and time needed to produce an heirloom quality Legacy Video. A Legacy Video typically involves 75+ hours of editing.
My father’s memory is fading. Will that be an issue?
It’s only natural for us to forget details from our early years but memories often resurface when the right questions are asked. For that reason many of my interview questions are designed to bring a person back to a specific time and place, i.e. “describe the neighborhood where you grew up”. While I may not necessarily be looking for a description of the neighborhood, the process of remembering often triggers memories that may otherwise have been lost.
Can I be in the room when my mother is interviewed?
Yes…though I generally recommend against it. I find people are easily distracted and more reserved when they know a family member is listening. Sometimes, a family member will sit in a nearby room where they can still hear our conversation but can’t be seen. Or they run errands and check in every so often. Most times, though, it’s just myself and the person being interviewed.
What questions do you ask in an interview?
I ask over 100 questions in an interview but most are open ended so there are many follow-up questions based solely on a person’s response. I also encourage families to let me know if there are specific questions they would like asked, topics I should focus on or even areas I should avoid.
Do you do genealogy research?
No. My focus is on capturing the oral history – memories shared in one’s own words. While ancestry.com is a great resource, a parent or grandparent’s stories often add a whole new dimension!
I see you list research in one of your packages. What type of research do you do?
I often do light research for images that enhance a story, such as a photo of a parent’s childhood home or a school, church or temple they attended.
Do you use professional equipment?
Yes, I use professional video, audio and editing equipment and software.
Do we hear you asking questions in the movie?
No. My goal is to create an intimate viewing experience for the family so I remove my voice entirely. Through a variety of editing techniques (the use of photos, titles and more) a parent or grandparent appears to be talking directly to the viewer.
Our family has a few “skeletons” in the closet that we prefer remain there. How do you handle those if they come out in an interview?
Every family has a few skeletons and while some don’t mind them being part of family lore, others do. Once I start the editing process, you will be able to view the movie on a password protected webpage and provide feedback. I will simply edit out any information you wish to keep private.
What should I wear for my interview?
Something comfortable. I typically frame the movie from the waist up so feel free to wear your coziest slippers!
My grandfather is in Iowa and you are in Chicago. Do you travel?
Yes, but travel expenses are additional.
How long have you been producing Legacy Videos?
Since 2008. In 2021 I changed my business name from Family Line Video LLC to Family Tree Video LLC to better reflect the generational stories I help capture.
To learn more about capturing your parent or grandparent’s stories for your family to know, contact me.
A legacy Video is a modern-day heirloom your family will treasure for generations to come.
Family Tree Video, LLC
Legacy Video Production
Since 2008
Susan Saunders
(312) 402-6406
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Legacy Video FAQs
“There are only two lasting bequests we can give our children.
One is roots, and the other, wings.” — H.S. Carter
Legacy Video FAQs
Legacy Videos
Capturing Life Stories & Family History
for Future Generations
The Gift of a Lifetime
Family Tree Video
Video Biographies ~ Video Memoirs ~ Family History Videos
Family Documentaries ~ Anniversary Videos
Video Tributes ~ Heirloom Videos
‘Legacy Video FAQs’
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