The things families
ask us most.

Every project begins with a conversation — a relaxed call or email where we learn about the person you have in mind. From there it follows four steps: a filmed interview in the home, restoration of your photographs and home movies, a professionally edited documentary, and a private family website where everything lives. We guide you through each stage; your family mostly just shows up and enjoys it.

Yes. We film in your home, or wherever your loved one feels most at ease — the living room, the kitchen table, the back garden. Familiar surroundings make for a warmer, more natural conversation. A studio setting is also available with the Archive package if you prefer.

We are based in Toronto, Ontario, and most projects are filmed across the city and the surrounding area. We do travel for projects further afield — mention it when you reach out and we will talk through what is involved.

Almost everyone says this, and almost everyone surprises themselves. The interview is a guided, unhurried conversation, not a performance — no bright lights in anyone’s face, no script to remember. Most people forget the camera is there within the first ten minutes.

That depends on the package. Memoir centres on one person; Legacy includes up to two; Archive is built for three or more — ideal for siblings, couples, or several generations together. If you are not sure who should be involved, we will help you decide.

Very little is required of you — that is our job. It helps to set aside a few old photographs or objects that spark memories, and to let your loved one know roughly what to expect. We share a short guide and talk through topics beforehand so the day itself feels easy.

Of course. Before filming we ask about the stories, people, and chapters of life that matter most to your family, and weave them into the conversation. You are also welcome to tell us anything that is off-limits.

Yes. With the Archive package we can live stream the interview as it happens, so relatives in other cities — or other countries — can watch in real time. It is a lovely way to include the people who can’t be in the room that day.

Printed photographs, slides and negatives, plus home movies on VHS, Super 8, 8mm, MiniDV and most other tape and film formats. We clean, scan and colour-correct them so they can take their place in the film. If you have something unusual, just ask — we have seen most of it.

Usually, yes. We handle every item with care and can repair many common problems — fading, scratches, mould, tangled tape. We will always tell you honestly what can and cannot be recovered before we begin any work.

Always. Your photographs, tapes and keepsakes are returned to you in the same condition they arrived, along with clean digital copies of everything we scan.

It varies by package — roughly five to eight minutes for Memoir, twelve to fifteen for Legacy, and twenty minutes or more, with companion mini-films, for Archive. The length always serves the story rather than the other way around.

With the Legacy and Archive packages, yes — you receive the complete, uncut interview to keep alongside the finished documentary. Many families treasure the raw conversation as much as the edit.

Every project is delivered on a private, password-protected website that holds the film, the full interview, and the restored photographs and footage. Only the people you share the password with can see it, and it can be reached from anywhere. Hosting and upkeep are part of your project.

Yes. We can provide downloadable master files, and DVDs or other keepsakes on request. Many families gather for a first screening together — we are glad to help you plan it.

Every film is quoted individually for the family it is made for, because no two projects are the same. The best next step is a short conversation about who you have in mind and what you would like — there is no obligation and no pressure.

Sooner is always kinder, especially where age or health is a factor. If the timing feels urgent, tell us when you reach out and we will do everything we can to film quickly.

Yes, and we approach it with great care. When health is fragile we can often arrange filming at short notice. Where someone has already passed, we can build a remembrance film from interviews with the people who knew them best, together with their photographs and home movies.

You do. The film and all materials are yours, kept private and never shared or published without your permission. The family website is password-protected and visible only to those you invite.