What is a Legacy Video?

Ellen sits down for her Legacy Interview

You might call them Family Videos, Video Memoirs, or Heirloom Videos…but we call them all Legacy Videos.

In the tapestry of life, stories woven by individuals create a rich and intricate pattern that encapsulates their essence. As time marches on, the importance of preserving these narratives becomes increasingly apparent. One poignant method that has gained prominence in recent years is the creation of a family “Legacy Video." But what exactly is a Legacy Video, and why has it become a popular endeavor for families to undertake?

So, what is a legacy video anyway?

At Legacy Video Stories, we consider a Legacy Video, in its simplest form, as a short personal documentary crafted by family and friends to illuminate the stories and accomplishments of a loved one. This heartfelt endeavor is designed to immortalize the life of an individual, capturing their essence in a visual and narrative tribute. Typically commissioned for older individuals aged 70 or older, these videos serve as a profound testament to a person's journey through life. They become living documents and reminders of who they were and what they loved.

Life stories are among the most valuable treasures that individuals possess, and a Legacy Video is a testament to this sentiment. Commonly commissioned by children or grandchildren, these videos serve a noble purpose – to ensure that the subject is remembered for generations to come. It goes beyond a mere recounting of events; it is a means to pass down life experiences, beliefs, and the very essence of what made their life meaningful.

It serves as a visual testament, allowing individuals to witness and connect with the stories that shaped their family's history. This form of storytelling transcends generations, becoming a bridge between the past and the future.

Common approaches to creating a legacy video

The composition of a Legacy Video is as varied and unique as the individuals it seeks to honor. These videos can be complicated (with music, fancy editing and accompanying media) or as simple as an on-camera interview of the subject describing the most important events in their life.

One of the most common and often effective approaches involves direct storytelling by the featured individual through an interview. This interview then becomes the basis for the video and the person’s narrative. Our basic package is a 60-90 minute interview of this type and can include a second camera to add visual interest and allow for easier editing of the content.

To add color, the interview can be interspersed with carefully curated photos or videos spanning their lifetime. Some people prefer the longer interviews to be edited down into a shorter film of highlights in order to edit out poor answers or smooth out the narrative. Shooting with a second camera (or third camera) or adding pictures helps cover edit points in this scenario.

Some legacy videos can be more complicated and are treated as a documentary-style film about the subject’s life. These could include interviews with other people beyond just the main subject of the video like children, friends, and other relatives. This style of video is beyond what armature filmmakers are usually able to create and are done by professional companies.

Questions to ask during legacy interviews

The questions for a Legacy Interview usually revolve around every aspect of the subjects life, from early memories of childhood to coping with old age. Some questions might be factual for historical record and others might be emotive and personal. These interviews often are the best opportunity to document information about earlier generations and family details that the subject can remember. Stories about great grandparents and distant relatives can be passed down this way. Some of the best, most meaningful questions, go beyond just the historical facts about one’s life and ancestors. Questions that revolve around one’s regrets, passions, outlook, and gained wisdom often evoke the best answers.

Some legacy interviews are done with a married couple or a set of life partners on camera together. In this case, it is often best to highlight their interactions and to ask questions relevant to their relationship and lives together. In these scenarios, it is also a good idea to use at least two cameras. One camera should always be recording them together in a two-shot and the second camera can wander between who is answering a question. Not only does this make editing easier, but having the second camera means that when one person is doing most of the talking you can cut to a single shot of whoever is answering and you won’t see the silent partner just listening awkwardly.

Professional Videos vs. Do-it-Yourself videos

When considering the creation of a Legacy Video, individuals have two primary options. The first involves enlisting the services of a professional video company like our sister company, Tippingpoint Labs. This route ensures a polished and well-crafted production, with experienced hands guiding the process. The second option is the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach, offering a more personal touch but requiring dedication and effort from the family.

When we talk about legacy videos, we mean the professionally produced version, but there is a place for DIY videos. At a minimum, DIY filmmakers should strive to ask meaningful questions that will get the subject to open up about their life’s journey. DIY filmmakers should make sure your subjects are comfortable and should be an active listener so you are in a position to ask meaningful follow up questions.

Remember, a good Legacy Video is not merely a recording of moments and history; it is a testament to the profound impact an individual has had on the world. It encapsulates the spirit of a life lived, offering solace to those who create it and becoming a cherished heirloom for generations to come.