You will find answers to frequently asked questions below. If you have additional questions or would like more detail, please call us at 210.479.8815 and we will be happy to discuss those concerns with you.
How and where is the interview conducted? The interview is conducted in the comfort of your home by one of our Personal Story Consultants. An initial phone interview is conducted to gather general information about you and determine the goals of your story-telling time. You will then be provided a questionnaire to help you prepare for the interview and the interview will be scheduled. What do I need to do to prepare for the interview?
We ask that you review the questionnaire prior to our scheduled appointment so that you can be as prepared as possible. We also ask that you gather any photos to be included in the project and have them ready to be labeled and documented.
If I am having a video interview, how should I dress for it?
Whether you choose something formal or casual is entirely up to you. We only suggest that you dress in something that feels comfortable to you. We know you want to capture the essence of who you are for your future generations. This is your story and your time!
How much time should I set aside for the interview session?
For a 45-minute interview you should plan on the session lasting approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours. If a longer interview time is selected or another package, we can review that with you during the initial phone conversation. What happens on the day of the interview?
Upon arrival for the interview, we set up and test the equipment, have you review and sign consent forms, and then go over the questionnaire briefly with you. If there are any special stories that you wish to include or things that you would prefer not to discuss you can let us know at this time.
Next we review the photos that you have collected, label and organize them into the general layout of the interview, and then make sure that you are comfortable and relaxed.
At that point, your story begins. We gently guide you through the telling of your story, making sure that all the important parts are covered and that we have captured some of your very special memories.
What happens when the interview is over?
When the interview is completed we wrap things up and head out to do our work of editing and pulling all the pieces together into a video and/or storybook that your family will cherish for years to come. Depending upon the package(s) selected, we then set up a delivery time within a few weeks to present you with the final product.
What is the difference between a video and an audio interview?
Both interviews seek to capture your own voice by digitally capturing the interview and interweaving family pictures. With the video interview, you are seen on-screen with select family photos interwoven to enhance the telling. With an audio interview, we weave the story using your own voice captured digitally and adding your family photos to produce the image you'll see on screen.
What is the difference between a photo book and a storybook?
A photo book combines your photos with light text to capture your history's special moments primarily through photos. A storybook starts with a personalized interview to create a fuller story through the written word. Select family photos are then added to help fill out the story. Both books are professionally bound and a CD of the scanned images is provided. An unedited copy of the interview is also supplied in the storybook package.
Can I request more photographs and/or pages than the package includes?
Yes. Additional photo review time, scanning of pictures and additional pages are all available as add-on services. We will be happy to work with you to select the very best package for your needs.
Why does the storybook include interview time? The storybook includes interview time to help capture your complete story. Your Personal Story Consultant will then take the digital recording and the interview notes and create the written words to be used in the storybook.
Can I order duplicate copies of the photo book or storybook?
Yes. We can provide you with a cost for additional copies once the number of pages and/or scans is determined.
Can the video or audio package be more than 45 minutes long?
Yes. We'll be happy to work with you to determine how long you might need and provide you with the costs associated with any additional time. However, to ensure that you are at your freshest, we generally recommend that not more than 90 minutes be scheduled during any one session.
What if I need assistance in compiling my pictures for the photo book or storybook?
Our Personal Story Consultants can work with you to compile the pictures. Please contact us directly for the hourly fees associated with this.
How do I get my pictures back?
Your pictures will be treated with the utmost care and will be returned to you by your Personal Story Consultant when the final product is delivered to you.
What type of video editing do you do?
Our video editing uses professional quality editing software to enhance the video by such things as:
Transferring from tape to computer
Editing out / re-organizing "mess-ups" in responses
Scanning photos and incorporating them into the video stream
Adding some music if needed
Preparing the final video for DVD output
I have a special occasion I would like to document. Can you help me with that?
Yes we can work with you to create your customized package for a tribute, a special event, a concept or a flashback video and/or storybook. Call or email us for more information.
Why should I hire a Personal Story Consultant versus doing it myself?
Although many people feel they might be able to do it themselves, things somehow get in the way. Gathering the right equipment, learning the skills and simply finding the time are often some of the roadblocks people encounter. If you are finding yourself among those people, consider hiring a Personal Story Consultant.
We are professionals who will gently guide you in crafting your story and selecting the best ways to do so. We have the skills to keep you on track, the professional equipment and technology to ensure an exceptional product, and the passion to help you succeed.
Why do I need to tell my story?
Telling your story preserves your past for their future. It’s a gift of immeasurable value that can be passed down for years to come.
