How It Works

No two stories are alike so no two story telling processes are alike either, but here’s a general overview of what you can expect when you work with Your Own Words.

Prior to filming

Questionnaire: We start with a written questionnaire that covers family history as well as personal history and asks for as much detail about your life and background as you’re willing to share.  

Pre-Interview: Based on the written questionnaire, we’ll do a follow-up interview either by phone or, if possible, in person.  

Scheduling: We’ll then agree upon filming dates, locations and logistics.  

Photos / Home movies, etc.: We’ll also ask for any photos, home movies and videos and any other memorabilia you have to enhance your story.

Filming

Day 1 - typically it takes 1 hour for setup and 1-2 hours for filming of each person to be filmed per scheduled interview session(s) 

TBD - Day 2 - a shorter follow up interview and b-roll filming, meaning other activities that illuminate your story. * 

Editing: The overall editorial process usually takes 4-6 weeks.  After about four weeks, you’ll be asked to review a preliminary cut.  Based on your feedback, we complete the edit, including the addition of music and graphics, color correction and audio mix.  Prior to delivery, you review the final cut.

Delivery

You choose any combination of streaming media, your own You Tube channel or DVD for your finished memoir. You’ll also receive a full transcript of the finished film. 

The entire process usually takes two to three months.

*We’re happy to film additional interviews with family, friends, colleagues, etc., at an additional cost.