Do an online search for “video memoir services” and you’ll find a wide array of packages and prices, typically starting around $1500 for an edited 30-60 minute video, on up to thousands of dollars for a complex “video biography.”

Complexity, however, doesn’t necessarily enhance watchability.  In this era when attention spans are shorter than ever, and most YouTube videos are only watched 50% of the way through, keeping things simple and concise is key.

  Compare this to other services that shoot the video in person and provide a full-edit, and you’ll see what a value this is. The pricing is the same whether you are a couple or an individual, and it includes:

An experienced interviewer and videographer (versus some other resources where the principals don’t do the actual work, but instead hire a stable of freelancers).

Preparation for the filming, and provision of a “conversation guide” ahead of time.

An in-home video session of up to sixty minutes of conversation.
An edited version of the conversation, including:

• Opening and closing titles.
• Music for the opening and closing (from a limited selection of stock music).
• A variety of shots, both close up and wide.
• Section headings (corresponding within the video (corresponding to the sections in the conversation guide) to make the video more easily searchable.

• Inserts of up to 12 photographs (these may be provided as jpeg or png files, or even as hard copy photos,up to 8×10 inches, which I will scan at no additional charge).

• An upload to a private link of the final edit as an mp4 file for your review and approval. One round of revisions to the edit, if needed, is included in the package price.
• The final edit will be available for download at your private link for six months. It can be played on smart phones, tablets, and computers, or converted into a DVD (we do not provide that service, but it is easy to find online).