FAQs
How can I find out more about familyfilm.ca?
If you don’t find the question and/or answer you are looking for here, please contact us. We would love to hear your story, and explain how we can help you get started making your own family film, alongside our creative team today!
Can I reach out to explore if a family film is right for me?
Of Course. The experience of having your stories turned into a professionally made documentary film is unique to most people. We’d be delighted to talk to you personally. We’d help you better understand our process and explore if we’re the right fit for you and your family story. The first meeting will always be free and there’s never an obligation to move forward if you don't, 'feel it'.
How quickly do you respond to any questions?
Often, it’s instant. If all our team are already in conversations, we’ll respond to you on the same day you connect with us or at the latest the very next day. Just leave us your name and the best way to connect with you and we’ll reach out to you.
Where are you located; can I come see you in person?
You’re welcome. We have spaces across the Greater Toronto Area in Canada, and in London, England, but we have remote teams working across North America and the UK, so you’re also welcome to connect with us online (we’ve all become good at that).
I am not sure if my story is suited for a documentary film, how do I know?
Your story is more important than you realize. You can read more about why it's important to tell your story here. This isn't just a project you do for yourself personally, it's much bigger than that. It’s for all the people who make sense of their world through your shared experience, and your story. Just imagine you can go back in time and speak to your ancestors in person, see where they lived, how they lived, and hear the story of their life in their own voice. This is the gift you’re giving your family, and nothing can be more valuable.
YOUR FAMILY STORY IN A DOCUMENTARY FILM
How much influence do I have over the content of my documentary film?
You have complete control over the content of your family documentary. Our role is to bring it to life professionally, but you will always have the final say on what goes in and what doesn’t. There’s more information in the 'how it works', section of our site. This is your story, not ours, and we know our role. It's to help you tell it.
How much old videos and photos do you need?
If you have material that’s still in an old format, we can digitize it for you. But you want to be selective about how much you give us. We typically use less then 10mins of old footage. We can of course arrange to have the bulk of your old photos and videos digitised if you like, but that would be an additional cost.
How much does it cost to make a documentary film?
A starter pack, costs around $5,000. This will give you access to our creative team and a 30- minute documentary. The cost can be significantly higher for a more complicated documentary. If there are multiple locations that our videographers need to visit, or if you opt for a script and narrator to enhance the storytelling process then this will affect your stories budget. You can connect with our team and explore what options are best suited for your story and budget.
How much time do I need to personally commit to the making of the documentary film?
At a minimum you, (or the person who story you want told), need to be available for eight to twelve hours. A few hours before our videographers come to shoot the film with you. Eight hours either in one day or over two days with our videographers. Finally a few hours to review and approve the draft before the final edit. But to get the best out of this process, you (or the person this story is about), should commit the equivalent of a week to this project, to make sure you get the most out of this documentary film and this process. The time you put to this unique project will be worth every second.
Who conducts the on-camera interview(s) and how long does it last?
Our creative director will prepare and conduct the interview(s). Depending on the length of your documentary, the interview(s) last around 3-4 hours for a standard film. For more complicated films this could be much longer, but you’ll know well ahead of time how long the interviews will be and when they are schedule to take place. In some cases, we have found the best person for the interview is a family member (son, daughter, wife etc), as they can add a unique richness to the questions that no outsider can. In those cases, our creative director will be on hand throughout, to support the process.
Is it possible to let my family be interviewed on Camera as well?
Yes, it’s possible. But it could make for a more detailed documentary and that may affect the cost of your video.
Is it possible to divide my family story into a documentary series, instead of just one video?
Definitely! Let’s connect and explore the best way to tell your story.
What if the starter package, with a 30 min documentary, is too big for my family story?
Once we share the interview questions with you, you’ll find there is actually more to tell than you might have anticipated. But if you still feel there’s not enough to tell, we might not be suited for your story. Our team and process are set up for more detailed stories. We would of course be delighted to introduce you to some of our partners, they might be better able to deliver what you need.
How do you share the completed video with me?
Your documentary is uploaded to the cloud and is password protected for you. If you would like to share your video with members of your family, we’d be happy to upload your documentary film onto a variety of video sharing apps online.
Can I watch other people's family films?
The family films we create are private and only the families can have share them. Unfortunately, we can share a sample, so you get a sense of what the film looks like.
I want to use your creative team for other purposes than my family video. What are the possibilities?
Our passion is your family story, but we do have partners who work in other formats so feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to connect you.
Can I pause the production process after it’s started?
Life does its thing and gets in the way, often unexpectedly. We’ll always work with you to complete your documentary film as efficiently as possible. We'll also work with you, when things go wrong, and the production process needs to be paused. Your creative director will be your point of contact, they will always work with you and support you to the finish line.
How many edits will I see before the final draft of my documentary film is signed off?
You'll be involved in the entire process. Our creative director will work with you and let you know what to expect. You will have an opportunity to review one draft of the edit and make as many changes as you would like, before the final version is presented. If you need to make more edits, our creative director will be happy to work with you, but it might affect the final cost of your documentary. We always recommend good planning ahead of time, and a careful detailed review of the first draft presented. This will save you both time and costs.
I’d like to create a family documentary film without my loved ones knowing about it ahead of time. Is that possible?
Totally.
My grandad’s birthday is a week away. Can you produce a film on time?
Yes. Call us and we’ll work with you to get it done.
I’d like to purchase your service as a gift. I’m just not sure the person would like the idea. Can I get my deposit back if he or she is not interested?
Yes.
Who owns the final documentary film?
You do.
How Do I pay?
You can pay online or via bank transfer.
Do I have to pay in full upfront?
You can pay upfront in full, but we also offer the following payment options. You will pay a 10% deposit at the start of the process. Your next payment of 40% should be made before the videographers begin the filming process. The final 50% is payable once you’re happy with the final edit.
Can I pay in advance?
Yes.