About & F.A.Q.
Beyond the Camera: Our Commitment to Your Family's Irreplaceable Story.
At Sacred Family Stories, our work is born from a profound personal understanding of family, legacy, and the preciousness of time. My own journey, reconnecting with my grandmother's side of the family after many years, truly illuminated the urgency and joy of preserving our shared history. What began as a personal mission to capture a family reunion through interviews quickly revealed a universal truth: there is an irreplaceable power in hearing our loved ones share their stories in their own voice, especially as we cherish the time we have with them.
With nearly two decades of diverse filmmaking experience — spanning narrative, documentary, commercials, and corporate productions – I bring a unique blend of technical mastery and an intuitive, empathetic approach to every interview. My strength lies in staying truly grounded in the moment, listening deeply without preconceived notions, and creating a comfortable environment where individuals feel truly seen and heard. This allows the authentic spirit and nuances of their story to naturally unfold. To me, these are not just interviews; they are personal conversations, revealing a family's living lineage far beyond what a photograph or name ever could. It is this commitment to the intrinsically human, to preserving those precious connections, that drives every film we create.
Watch the video below to learn more about our process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Uncovering Your Sacred Story
We understand that preserving a life's legacy through video is a unique and deeply personal endeavor. This section aims to answer your most common questions about the process, what to expect, and how Sacred Family Stories ensures a comfortable, high-quality, and unforgettable experience.
What exactly is a "Mini Documentary" or "Legacy Video"?
It's a professionally produced film that captures a loved one's unique life story in their own words. Through an empathetic interview and the integration of cherished family photos, we create a timeless visual and audio record of their experiences, wisdom, and personality for generations to come. For gift purchases, this experience is first presented with a beautifully crafted, personalized gift certificate and message sent directly to the purchaser so you have a tangible gift to give. The final result is delivered in a handcrafted wooden keepsake box, containing a USB of your video, and a digital copy is also saved in perpetuity in Sacred Family Stories' secure digital vault, protected in case years from now your videos lost.
How does the process of creating a legacy video work, step-by-step?
Your journey to preserving your family's sacred story is guided through these clear steps:
Step 1: Complimentary Discovery Conversation. We begin with a zero-obligation call or form submission to deeply understand your vision and gather all the necessary details to craft the best possible interview and service for your needs.
Step 2: Gift Certificate Delivery (If Applicable). If the service is purchased as a gift, we will then send the beautifully personalized gift certificate to you, the purchaser, for presentation.
Step 3: Interview Scheduling & Archival Photo Gathering. We confirm and schedule the interview for the primary subject(s) at their convenience, and provide guidance for gathering your cherished archival photos.
Step 4: Professional Interview Session. We conduct the comfortable, empathetic interview, capturing the authentic story.
Step 5: Meticulous Editing & Crafting. Our expert team then meticulously edits together the footage and integrates your photos, shaping a compelling and heartfelt narrative.
Step 6: Premium Delivery of Your Heirloom. Finally, your finished video heirloom is delivered to you on a durable hard drive and an elegant, custom-engraved USB drive in a beautiful keepsake box.
What's involved in the interview session? How long is it, and will my loved one be comfortable?
Our interviews are guided conversations, designed to be relaxed and engaging, not intimidating. We set up professional but discreet lighting and audio, and our interviewer focuses on creating a comfortable atmosphere where the story naturally unfolds. The core individual interview is typically up to two hours. For your convenience and comfort, we travel to where your loved one is most at ease – whether that's their cherished home, a third parties location, or our welcoming studio located in Sacramento, California.
How long does it take from the initial booking to receiving the finished video?
From the initial booking, the timeline is flexible, primarily based on when the interviewee is available and ready for the session, aligning with our schedule. This flexibility is designed for your convenience. However, once the video is captured, the final edited film is completed and delivered within approximately four weeks.
What do I receive as the final product?
You will receive:
Your finished video(s) on a durable hard drive.
An elegant, custom-engraved USB drive presented in a beautiful handcrafted wooden keepsake box.
For your peace of mind, Sacred Family Stories securely saves all video and raw footage in perpetuity in our digital vault, safeguarding your priceless memories in case your personal copies are ever lost. These premium deliverables are standard across all our services.
Can a Sacred Family Story service be given as a gift? How does that work?
Absolutely! Our services make profoundly meaningful and unique gifts. When purchased as a gift, we provide a beautiful, personalized gift certificate and message directly to the purchaser for them to present. The interview itself is then scheduled at the recipient's convenience, ensuring it's a joyful experience that fits their personal timeline.
My loved one is shy or nervous about being on camera. How do you help them feel at ease?
This is a very common concern, and it's where our empathetic approach truly shines. Our interviewer is skilled at building rapport, listening intently, and making the process feel like a relaxed chat rather than a formal interview. We prioritize comfort, patience, and adapting to their pace. To help them settle in, we typically begin with more general, "superficial" questions, gradually diving deeper into their story as they become more relaxed and comfortable with the process and our presence.
Do you travel for interviews or event filming, and what are the associated fees?
Yes, we can travel to capture your story. Travel fees are incurred for any services outside a 50-mile radius from Orangevale, CA. For out-of-state travel, a custom quote can be requested during your discovery conversation, and this quote will include any necessary lodging and per diem fees if multiple days of travel are required.
What kind of archival photos or materials can I provide, and how do I share them?
We can integrate up to 40 (or more with add-ons) of your family's treasured photos. These can be shared digitally via a secure cloud service like Dropbox, or we can discuss other safe submission methods. We'll provide clear guidance on organizing and submitting these. Additionally, during the interview session, we are happy to take new photos of your family member if preferred, capturing them in their natural environment. Archival video is usable too if it is digitized and the specific cut time is made available.
Can I review the video before it's finalized?
We strive to produce a video that perfectly captures your family's vision. To ensure your satisfaction, one round of editing revisions is included with your service. Should additional adjustments be desired, further rounds of editing can be accommodated at an additional charge.
What if the interviewee's health declines unexpectedly after booking but before the interview?
We approach such sensitive situations with the utmost compassion and flexibility. During our initial Discovery Conversation, we always inquire if health considerations make scheduling a priority, and we will do everything in our power to prioritize and expedite an interview if health is a concern. In cases of unforeseen health declines that prevent participation after booking, we will discuss compassionate options with the purchaser, which may include a full credit towards another service or a refund based on the specific circumstances.
Will my family's story be kept private?
Your family's privacy is paramount. All interviews and final videos are kept strictly confidential. We will only share excerpts or use any part of your story for promotional purposes with your explicit consent, which we will specifically request from the individual being interviewed at the conclusion of their interview session.
Why should I choose Sacred Family Stories over other options?
We offer a unique blend of nearly two decades of professional filmmaking expertise and a deeply human, empathetic interviewing approach. Our commitment is to not just record, but to genuinely connect and craft an irreplaceable, high-quality video heirloom that truly embodies the essence of your family's sacred story.