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Video Heirlooms

A video heirloom will last more than a lifetime. Film and video are unbeatable at capturing the physical side of life: what the kids looked like when they were growing up, the sound of people’s voices and laughter, crazy fashion trends, birthday parties, vacations, graduations and many other special events.

Touching lives

Life is full of pearls of wisdom and experiences that can benefit you and those around you. Preserve those life stories, that family history, wisdom and experience.  Putting together a video about the lives of the people most important to you is more than just a fulfilling experience, it is one of the most unique gifts you can give your family.

Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

  • Interview relatives about their lives. Ask them to recount stories about their childhood, friends, education, parents, memorable events, etc.
  • If possible, go to locations that have played an important role in their lives, and ask them to talk about the role these places have played in their lives, such as childhood homes, first schools, favorite hangouts, etc.
  • Let them introduce people around them who are important to them.
  • Show the audience cars, houses, and/or appliances that are popular.

Possible Interview Questions:

  • What’s your first memory?
  • What’s your proudest moment?
  • Who was your first crush?
  • How did you meet your spouse/partner?
  • Where were you at an important date in history? (e.g. When President Kennedy was killed, 9/11, etc.)
  • Where was your favorite place to live?
  • What was your favorite job?
  • If you could go back in time, would you change anything?

Create a video of your children’s lives and capture the important events on tape. They will be able to look back at their childhood and use it as a learning tool when they are parents themselves.

  • Capture their first day of kindergarten or high school.
  • Set up a tape and simply record them while they are interacting with their friends, the family pet, siblings, etc.
  • Immortalize their high school prom, homecoming, graduation.
  • Set up the camera and simply tape a conversation about their lives - what are they up to in school? Who do they hang out with? What are their hobbies?

Possible interview questions:

  • What was your first pet? What was its name? What is your favorite memory of your pet?
  • What’s your favorite toy? Why?
  • What sports do you play?
  • Who’s your favorite teacher at school?
  • What classes are you taking at school?
  • What do you want to be when you grow up?
  • Add your own!

Tips when recording:

The modern digital video camera has come a long way from its clumsy predecessor, and its light weight is a major leap