Our Process

Lights, camera, action!

At Family Crest, we’re not just making movies, we’re making memories. We strive to make the entire experience easy, rewarding, and fun.

Here’s how we make the magic happen.

Wall decorated with framed pictures and documents, including historical aircraft photographs and an illustration of a soldier, on wooden panel wall.

1. Content Exploration

We kick off each life story video project with a scheduled conversation with family and friends of the star of the film. We’ll gather key themes and topics to explore, then combine them with our own proven set of effective and engaging conversation starters. We share this list of questions with our subject about 1-2 days before our shoot date—an optimal amount of time for them to reflect and recall meaningful details, while still keeping responses natural and unrehearsed.

An elderly man sitting in a black armchair in a living room with a fireplace, smiling and looking happy.

2. Location and Logistics

We visit the film location (usually the subject’s home) to plan lighting and camera angles, assess the subject’s comfort level, and connect personally. If they’re nervous or unsure, we answer questions and explain what to expect so they feel at ease—and excited—for filming their video biography.

An older woman is seated on a couch while a woman with crossed arms and a concerned expression sits in front of her during an interview or recording session. A boom microphone is positioned above them, and there is filming equipment set up around them.

3. The Shoot

Filming day is the most exciting part of our family history documentary process. We arrive early and spend about 90 minutes setting up the lighting, sound, and cameras. Using professional-grade equipment and studio mics, we capture multiple angles and crystal-clear audio—even from the quietest voices.



Before filming, a crew member offers simple interview tips—where to look, how to request breaks, and answering in full sentences. Once the cameras roll, most subjects quickly relax and spend a few enjoyable hours sharing memories, telling stories, and simply being themselves. The experience is uplifting for everyone involved.


Scattered printed photographs on a wooden table near a cash register.

Depending on the package, we carefully handle and scan selected family photos or artwork for the final film—using white cotton gloves to protect and preserve every item.

After filming, we pack up promptly and restore the space to its original—or better—condition, typically within an hour.

4. Post Production

At this point, all you have to do is sit back and wait with anticipation as we work our magic in the studio to edit, format, and bring the final legacy video to life.

Silver, Gold, or Platinum? See what our life story video packages include.

Close-up of two gold quotation marks on a brown background.

Mom is still singing your praises, as am I! Everything was done professionally, efficiently and most importantly with love. You ALL are amazing and we are blessed knowing you.”

—Sue B.

We preserve real, personal, deeply human stories—before they fade.