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Even the most hesitant
participant will be happy they completed their video
biography. We make the process stress free. From the
pre-interview through completion of the project, the rapport
developed between the “star” and your biographer will
ensure the project is a success.
Each project will be different.
Some people like to focus on their childhood. Others will tell
more stories about their parents, their siblings or perhaps
their career. Still, each project will follow the same basic
format. This includes:
Step
One - Pre-interview
The star of the video and any
interested family members will meet with Barry Zlotowicz in
person. Together, we will create a
project plan for your autobiography. The goal of the
pre-interview is two-fold: first, to develop a rapport between
you and your historian. The better our relationship the easier
the interview will go; and second, to get you thinking about
your life and how you want to portray it in your biography.
During the pre-interview, you
will be provided with a question and answer sheet for you to
work on in advance of the interview. It includes the many
questions you will be asked during your interview. Space is
provided for you to write out notes in advance of the
interview. This avoids “stagefright” and helps you
organize your thoughts. It also gives Barry an outline of your
life a.k.a. a “storyboard” from which to work from.
Questions we will discuss include
categories such as:
-
Parent’s
Information
-
Sibling’s
information
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Childhood
-
High School
-
College
-
Military Service
-
Courtship and
marriage
-
Career
-
Children
-
Retirement
-
And more
Step Two – Videotaped Interview
Barry will come to your home or
place of choice to conduct the interview. Depending on the
package you select, the interview can last from one to six
hours or more. It sounds like a lot but you’ll be surprised
how quickly time flies when you are documenting your own life
story.
We will provide all the equipment
needed including lighting, microphones and the video camera.
You simply show up prepared to reminisce.
Note that on some occasions, the
interview has to be divided up on more than one day.
Step
Three – editing, adding music, other
The final stage occurs at Chicago
Video Memoirs office space and/or depending on the package you
choose, on location at one of our professional editors'
offices. Here we will convert your life story into a biography
or documentary of your life for your family to cherish.
Step
Four – Approval
Depending on the package you
purchase, upon completion of the first draft of your video,
you will have the opportunity to review it for errors or
omissions and to make changes you deem appropriate. Additions
and/or alterations may cost extra depending upon the package
your purchase.
Step
Five – Project Completion
Depending on the package you
purchase, after you review the draft, we will make final
changes to the video if necessary. Then we will author the DVD.
Your custom video will then be ready for your movie
premier.
Step
Six - Movie Premier
At the time and place of your
choosing, you can play the video for your family and/or
friends. You can play your entire video, play your
"highlights" video, or select portions of
the video to share. Either way, your loved ones will enjoy
seeing the end result of the work that you put into your
biography on their behalf. |
