Question 1

What makes Legacy Studio unique?

Accepted Answer

At Legacy Studio, we believe your life story deserves more than a collection of photographs or a written memoir. We create a living, breathing record of your life — in your own voice, with your personality, memories and stories.What makes our approach different is the care we put into every part of the process. From the professional interview and thoughtful questions that uncover the stories behind your memories, to the careful selection of photographs, music, captions and editing, every film is crafted specifically around you.We don't limit the number of photos or secondary video that is included, and we go the extra mile by sourcing relevant secondary footage, photos and music. By weaving your interview footage together with music, photos and other video, your stories will be brought to life.We film with two cameras, which allows for a much more seamless, polished and visually interesting final edit, and this also allows us to more easily edit out stutters, pauses and "ums and errs", so you don't need to worry about this during your interview.We take the time to understand what matters to you and the people you love, creating something that is deeply personal rather than a standardised production.And perhaps most importantly, we want the experience itself to be enjoyable. We create a relaxed environment where you can reminisce, laugh, reflect and share the stories that have shaped your life.The result is more than a film. It is your voice, your memories and your story — preserved for the people you love and for generations to come.

Question 2

Why should I record my life story?

Accepted Answer

Because your story is unique, and once it’s gone, it can never be recreated.A written family history can preserve names, dates and important events, but a film captures so much more — your voice, your expressions, your humour, your personality and the way you tell a story.It also preserves the stories that might otherwise be lost: the little memories, family characters, funny moments, challenges overcome and experiences that have shaped who you are.For your children and grandchildren, hearing you tell these stories in your own words can be incredibly meaningful. And for generations who may never have had the chance to meet you, your film can provide something remarkably personal — the opportunity to see you, hear you and get to know the person behind their family history.

Question 3

Why should I do this now rather than leave it until later?

Accepted Answer

None of us know how long we’ll be here for and there may never be a better time to tell your story.Our memories are precious, but they can fade or become harder to recall with time. Photographs and home movies can also become damaged, lost or forgotten. Recording your memoir now means capturing your voice, your personality and your memories as they are today.And you don’t have to wait for a milestone birthday or a special occasion. Your life story is already worth preserving.The sooner you create your film, the sooner you can share it with the people you love — and enjoy watching it together while you’re still here to see their reactions.

Question 4

I don’t think my life is interesting enough. Is a Memoir Film really for me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In fact, this is something we hear quite often.You don’t need to have led a famous, extraordinary or adventurous life to have a story worth preserving. What may seem ordinary to you can be fascinating to your loved ones — because they want to know you, not a celebrity.Imagine you had high definition interview footage of one of your great, great grandparents talking about their life experiences. There’s no way you wouldn’t find it fascinating in every respect!It’s often the small details around life events that make for the most interesting stories: how you met your partner, what your parents were like, the home you grew up in, your first job, family traditions, adventures, challenges, triumphs and the funny things that happened along the way.And you may be surprised by what comes out during the interview. A good interviewer can uncover stories and memories you haven’t thought about for years, simply by asking the right questions.To the people who love you, there is no more interesting story than yours.

Question 5

What makes a Legacy Studio Memoir Film different from making a video myself?

Accepted Answer

Of course, you could sit down with a phone or camera and record yourself talking about your life. But creating a truly compelling life story on film is about much more than simply pressing record.At Legacy Studio, we bring together professional interviewing, filming, sound, lighting and editing to create a film that is engaging, personal and enjoyable to watch. Our interviewer knows how to put you at ease, ask the right questions and follow the unexpected stories and memories that emerge.We use professional cameras, lighting and sound equipment which together put the recording on a different level to phone or consumer cameras.We then carefully combine your interview with photographs, home movies, music, captions and other treasured memorabilia, shaping everything into a coherent story rather than simply presenting hours of footage.Perhaps most importantly, you can relax and concentrate on remembering and telling your stories. We take care of the technical side and the creative process.The result is not simply a recording of you talking. It is a professionally crafted, documentary-style film that your loved ones will want to watch, share and treasure for years to come.

Question 6

Why is it so important to have a professional interviewer?

Accepted Answer

A great interview is much more than simply asking someone questions. The ability to conduct a truly effective interview is a skill developed through experience, and it is one of the most important elements in creating a meaningful memoir film.A skilled interviewer knows how to put you at ease, listen carefully and recognise the moments when a story can be explored further. The right question, asked in the right way, can unlock memories you hadn’t thought about for years and lead to stories that are more personal, emotional and revealing.Our interviewer isn’t there simply to work through a prepared list of questions. They listen, respond and follow the story wherever it naturally leads, helping you remember the people, places, experiences and emotions that have shaped your life.We believe this is one of the greatest values of working with Legacy Studio. The quality of the interview ultimately determines the quality of the story — and our job is to help you tell yours in a way that feels natural, authentic and truly you.

Question 7

Can I give a Memoir Film as a gift?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! A Legacy Studio Memoir Film makes a truly unique and meaningful gift — one that goes far beyond the usual birthday, anniversary or milestone present.You’re giving a loved one the opportunity to tell their story, preserve their memories and leave something of themselves for the people they love.That’s a priceless gift not just for them, but for their friends, family and future generations.

Question 8

Can you create a film for someone who has passed away?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We call this a “Tribute” film.A Tribute film is a beautiful way to celebrate and remember someone who has passed away. We interview family members, friends and other people who knew them, inviting them to share their favourite stories, memories and reflections.We then bring these personal stories together with family photographs, home movies, letters, music and other treasured memorabilia to create a unique and moving portrait of their life.The finished film can be shown at a funeral, memorial service or celebration of life, or kept by the family as a lasting reminder of someone they loved.

Question 9

Can you create a Tribute film for someone who is still alive?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! A Tribute film doesn’t have to be made after someone has passed away. It can also be a wonderful way to celebrate someone while they’re here to enjoy it.We can interview family members, friends and colleagues to gather their favourite stories, memories and reflections, then combine these with photographs, home movies and other memorabilia to create a unique celebration of their life.Imagine the surprise of seeing a film about yourself, made by the people who know and love you, at a milestone birthday, wedding anniversary, family reunion or other special occasion.It’s a wonderful way to celebrate a life, bring people together and create a truly unforgettable gift.

Question 10

Will you travel to conduct interviews?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We’re happy to travel to you if you’re outside Northland. We believe your own home is often the best place to tell your story, wherever that may be.For locations outside Northland, reasonable travel expenses will apply. We’ll discuss these with you in advance so there are no surprises.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

What makes Legacy Studio unique?

Why should I record my life story?

Why should I do this now rather than leave it until later?

I don’t think my life is interesting enough. Is a Memoir Film really for me?

What makes a Legacy Studio Memoir Film different from making a video myself?

Why is it so important to have a professional interviewer?

Can I give a Memoir Film as a gift?

Can you create a film for someone who has passed away?

Can you create a Tribute film for someone who is still alive?

Will you travel to conduct interviews?

Can someone help me prepare for my Memoir Film?

What preparations should I make before filming?

Do I need to have all my photographs organised before filming?

Can family members or friends contribute photographs and stories?

Where will the interview filming be done?

Are there any special requirements for the location?

How do you decide what interview questions to ask?

What if I’m nervous in front of the camera?

What if I can’t remember dates or details?

What if there’s something I’m uncomfortable talking about?

Can you interview more than one person?

How long does the filming take?

How many photographs can I include in my film?

Can I include home movies and video footage?

Can I include letters, documents and other memorabilia?

What if I don't have a lot of photos or memorabilia?

Can you digitise old film, VHS tapes or other formats?

What happens to my photographs after you have scanned them?

What kind of video cameras, lighting and editing software do you use?

How long will my finished film be?

How long does it take to produce my finished film?

Will I get to see the film before it is finished?

What format and resolution is the final film delivered in?

How is my finished film delivered?

Can I order additional USB copies?

We'd love to discuss your story...