1) THE AUDIO / MUSIC NARRATIVE -- This economical package includes
up to 120 photos, with original voice recording, animated effects and titles, plus complete program editing and
music. A 6 - 12 minute program for $800 - $1,225. (Inclusion of additional charts, edited video
or film is extra.)
Birthday & Family History
2) THE VIDEO-NARRATED HISTORY: Double
the number of photos (240), with a video (or audio) narration recorded in studio or on-location, from an interview or
script; inclusive of all editing, DVD design, music, animation and tiles. This program is up to :30-minutes and
$2,000 - $2,575. Genealogy charts and additional film or video footage is extra.
3) THE FAMILY EPIC: This program is similar to #2 above, with video
or audio narrative ... with considerably more content, including up to 450 photos, a half dozen genealogy
charts, and totaling an hour of finished play time for $3,690. All DVDs include a color
disk label, a chapter menu, and jewel box.
Wedding: A Family Story
(Click on Photo for Sample.)
PRODUCTION TIPS
Almost every wedding we've produced in the past three years has included a 'photo montage' for the reception ... photos set
to music. But it can be much more! A couple's 'Photo Montage' can be a starting point for a more extensive
visual album about their history. The "Family Story" or an individual Biography has developed into
an entertaining and important archival program for every family... for weddings, anniversaries, and especially as
a keepsake for future generations. It typically combines pictures, videos, charts and the story-telling
voices or video of the family. It's similar to the TV show"Biography" -- and now you can have these same effects,
historical detail, pacing and showcase quality for your own family legacy... on DVD and on the web.
The critical issue for most people is DELIVERY and DISPLAY -- getting the photos out of the shoe-box, and
onto a viewable medium. It takes considerable time, technical and organizing skills. We make it easy
... and collaborate with you to make it look professional, and easy to view for future generations:
HERE'S HOW
1) The family selects a spokesperson who meets with the videographer to plan the program. We
help to identify major segments in the program, while the family selects photos and music. (Good photo organization
with captions can save considrerable money.) Typically, the major segments for a biography are as follows -- for a family
history it might be similar, with more emphasis on a 'time-line' or selected generations:
* Childhood * Schoolling * Employment * Marriage * Hobbies, Friends and Recreational
Activities * Grandchildren * Values, beliefs or an ephiney
2) Next, the family agrees on a location and date to shoot any new footage, where participants talk
about experiences, important events, accomplishments and personalities. It could be just one spokesperson -- recorded
in audio or video, in our studio, or at home or outdoors. We can 'create' a background with a 'green
screen' and any visual, and even use a scripted teleprompter. Optionally, we can simply cover the images with music
and titles.
3) We scan and digitize your photos -- crop and color balance each one. We add titles, and an
opening animation effect. Typically, we estimate each still photo will require 5 seconds with transitions -- so
100 pictures should produce a 10 minute program with music, complete with titles, or 15 minutes with a
video narration. We select appropriate background music tracks from our library based on your style preference,
or use your favorite music.) Longer programs can be :30 or :60 minutes, with up to 500 photos.
4) The cost of a biography or family history is unique to each job ... it depends on production
time, as well as studio recording, music, special effects, charts, or travel to a location. There are cost examples
above which are 'typical' but not exact, depending on your needs. Keep in mind that this is a living project ... it
takes time to organize and plan. it is a professional effort. And it CAN be updated throughout the years.
It's a good time to start while the older generations can give insights and clarity to your family history ... "Time
is of the Essence."
DISPLAY & VIEWING: When the program is complete,
you might want to schedule a special event to display the video for friends and relatives ... a reception, home theater, office,
birthday or anniversary ... or celebrate with a 'virtual party' on the Internet, and broadcast the program worldwide.
We can provide all the on-site or on-line display and sound equipment, plus an operator for your special event.
RENT OUR SPEAKER SYSTEM AND PROJECTOR: show your video at a banquet or meeting,
using our complete presentation packaqe of twin speakers, mics, projection system and an operator -- for audiences up
to apx. 250. Our presentation service makes it easy and economical to produce and display your program:
$150 / hour with operator.
