Frequently asked questions.
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Film documentaries
Why a film documentary?
A film documentary is the best way to capture a person’s true essence (what they look like, how they talk, how they tell their stories) so that they so that you can see them, hear their voices, and listen to their stories whenever you want.
Why not write down my story? Why not write a book?
Because it takes too much time and its hard to know where to start. Capturing all the details of your life (or business) in writing is a long, tedious, and difficult task. A film (or podcast) documentary is the easiest, fastest and best way to do this. It also captures the essence of an individual, a family or a business so that you can see them, hear their voices, and listen to their stories whenever you want.
What if I’m uncomfortable being interviewed on camera?
We have deep experience helping people get comfortable while sharing their personal and business stories on film. We also offer podcast packages that don’t require you to be on camera.
When is the best time to create a film documentary?
Our clients often tell us they wish they had done this when their parents and grandparents were younger, able to tell their stories, or still alive. It’s always best to capture the stories of the people you love most while they are still able and willing so that their very essence (and their knowledge of your family history) can be captured and safely preserved for younger family members and future generations.
Where will the interview take place?
You can let us know which location is best for your documentary. For individuals and families, it might be your primary or childhood home. It could also be your summer or winter home. For entrepreneurs and family businesses, it could be your place of business.
Podcast documentaries
Why a podcast documentary?
Podcasts are a great medium for sharing personal and business stories for those who don’t want to be captured on film. Podcasts also engage and connect with listeners by immersing them in the narrative and allowing them to visualize what they are talking about in their minds.
Why not write down my story? Why not write a book?
Because it takes too much time and its hard to know where to start. Capturing all the details of your life (or business) in writing is a long, tedious, and difficult task. A podcast (or film) documentary is the easiest, fastest and best way to do this. It also captures the essence of an individual, a family or a business so that you can hear their voices and listen to their stories whenever you want.
Can you help me publish my podcast on Apple or Spotify?
Yes, our team can help you publish your podcast on Apple, Spotify or any other platform. Let us know if this is of interest, and we’ll provide you with an estimate for this service.
When is the best time to create a podcast documentary?
Our clients often tell us they wish they had done this when their parents and grandparents were younger, able to tell their stories, or still alive. It’s always best to capture the stories of the people you love most while they are still able and willing so that their very essence (and their knowledge of your family history) can be captured and safely preserved for younger family members and future generations.
Where will the interview take place?
Our podcast documentaries are typically recorded in our studio. For individuals or families, it can also be recorded in your home, childhood home, or summer/winter home. For entrepreneurs and family businesses, it can be recorded in your place of business as long as its quiet.
Selecting a package
What type of packages do you offer?
What stories do people typically tell?
Our clients typically tell six types of stories including autobiographies, relationships, family histories, milestones, family life, and business. If there’s another story you would like to tell, just ask!
Do you offer any other services?
We offer a number of add-on services. Explore our packages for details:
How do I know what package is right for me?
Please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you select a package based on your needs.
What if I don’t see a package that seems right?
If you have something different in mind, contact us to discuss a package that’s right for you.
Do you create custom packages?
Yes, we do! Contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss a package that’s right for you.
Individuals & families
Why should I start with my parents and/or grandparents?
Our clients tell us how relieved and grateful they are to have captured their parents’ and grandparents’ stories, personalities, voices, and very essence before it is too late. Many are comforted to know that once their loved ones are gone, they can look at them, hear their voices, listen to their stories, and ultimately ‘be with them’ whenever they want. It also gives many people peace of mind to know that their family history is now safely preserved for young family members and future generations.
Why capture a family milestone?
Milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, graduations, and bar/bat mitzvahs are the perfect opportunity to create documentaries so these moments in time can be captured, preserved and shared with future generations.
Why create a documentary about family life?
Kids grow up so quickly! If you document a snapshot of family life every year or two, over time you can build an invaluable keepsake to look back on, enjoy, and pass down to future generations.
Entrepreneurs
How can you capture the story of an entrepreneur?
Our founder also runs Broad Reach Communications, a PR agency that specializes in executive profiling (telling the story of leaders and their organizations, including entrepreneurs). Andrea and her team have over two decades of experience doing this in a strategic, engaging and legacy-focused way.
Family businesses
How can you tell the story of a family business?
Our founder also runs Broad Reach Communications, a PR agency that specializes in executive profiling (telling the story of leaders and their organizations), including family businesses. Andrea and her team have helped multigenerational family businesses document their legacy. They have also worked closely with Family Enterprise Canada, so they know a lot about family business.
Advisor Referral Program
Who can join our Advisor Referral Program?
Any advisor can join.
How will I benefit?
You will receive a fee for all successful referrals. Please contact us for details.
How will my clients benefit?
They will receive a discount on their package. Please contact us for details.
How do I track my referrals?
Introduce us to your referrals in in advance by email so we know who you referred.
When will I receive a referral fee?
You will receive it 30 days after your referral completes their purchase.
Is there a limit to the number of referrals I can make?
There is no limit, so feel free to refer as many people as you like.
Location & travel
Does your team travel?
We travel across Canada, the US, and around the world. We tailor packages based on geographic location and travel requirements.
Preparing for your interview
Why is there a pre-interview?
During your pre-interview, we’ll take note of the topics you want to discuss and the details you want to include. This will help us prepare questions for your interview and help ensure what you want to talk about is covered.
Can I have a say in the questions that are asked?
Yes, absolutely! If there are specific questions you would like us to ask you, just let us know.
How can I avoid questions and topics that make me uncomfortable?
During your pre-interview, we will go over the stories you want to be asked, as well as the ones you want to avoid. The more information you provide, the better. If there is anything that comes up that feels uncomfortable during your interview, let us know right away.
How should I prepare for my interview?
Think about the stories you’d like to tell and try not to script or memorize anything. Just tell your stories in your own words and be yourself.
Who can I invite to participate in my documentary?
While we try to minimize the number of people on set, you’re welcome to include others. Explore our packages for Individuals & Families , Entrepreneurs , and Family Businesses for details on the maximum number of individuals you can include. If you want to include more people, contact us to discuss what you have in mind and we’ll come up with a solution.
What should I wear?
The most important thing is that you are comfortable. Avoid anything that could be distracting on camera, including white or patterned clothing and loud, flashy jewellery.
Should I have my hair and makeup done?
We want you to feel your best, and if that means having your hair and makeup done, go for it!
Will your team wear a mask if I want them to?
We are happy to accommodate any special distancing or masking requests.
Your interview
What will my day look like?
Once we are briefed on all the details of your documentary, we will send you an agenda so that you know what your day will look like in advance.
Will there be breaks?
Yes, our schedule will definitely include breaks, and they will be included in the agenda. If you’d like more breaks, let us know and we’ll accommodate your needs.
How long will it take to capture my story?
It will typically take a full day. Explore our packages for Individuals & Families , Entrepreneurs , and Family Businesses for details on the length of time we are on location.
What if I forget what I want to say?
During your pre-interview, we’ll take note of the topics you want to discuss and the details you want to include. This will help us prepare questions for your interview and help ensure what you want to talk about is covered.
Do you conduct remote interviews?
If someone you want to include can’t make it or lives in a different city (or country), we’ll design a package that meets your needs.
What languages do you offer?
While our interviews are currently conducted in English, we plan to offer more language options in the future.
Editing
What if I say something I don’t want to include in my documentary?
If you’ve said something you don’t want to include, let us know right away. You’ll also have the opportunity to let us know during breaks, at the end of the day, and for up to five days after that.
What if I want to answer a question a different way?
We can ask a question a second time if you want to record another take of your answer. You can also stop after you answer a question and let us know you will record another take.
How long will the editing process take?
Once we understand the specifics of your project, we’ll let you know how long we think it’ll take.
Can my personal photos, videos or audio clips be included?
We love to personalize documentaries by including photos, videos, and audio clips and we’ll let you know how to share these with us once we get started. Explore our packages for Individuals & Families , Entrepreneurs , and Family Businesses for the number of photos, videos, and audio clips you can include.
How will I know which photo, video, and audio clips to include?
Our clients find it easy to select these clips after their interview is done, so they will fit perfectly into the stories they have told.
Final product
How can I watch or listen to my documentary?
You can watch and listen to your documentary on a desktop computer, mobile device, or tablet.
Do I own the rights to the final version?
Yes, you do.
How long will the final documentary be?
This will depend on the package you select. Explore our packages for Individuals & Families , Entrepreneurs , and Family Businesses for details.
When I receive the documentary, will that be the final version?
We gather all the information we need in advance to create a final version that is aligned with your vision. Additional fees will be required for any editing requests after the final version is delivered.
How will I receive the documentary?
Your documentary will be securely stored on a personalized, password-protected website. You’ll also be able to download individual episodes to your devices. Explore our packages Individuals & Families , Entrepreneurs , and Family Businesses for details.
How can I share my documentary with others?
Your final documentary is securely stored on a personalized, password-protected website. Sharing it with others is as easy as sending them the link to the page (along with the password). Alternately, you can download individual episodes and share them with others with a file-transfer service. You will also receive two short clips that you can post on social media.
How can I share clips of my documentary on social media?
As part of your package, you will receive two short clips that you can post on social media.
Do I get to keep the raw footage?
Raw footage is collected directly from the camera and microphone. It does not represent the high-quality final product, as it’s untouched and unedited. That’s why we don’t provide it as part of our final product.
Can we create new episodes in a year or anytime after that?
We would be thrilled to create new episodes for you as part of a new mandate. This is a perfect idea for parents who want to capture their kids’ growth and milestones over time, or for families and businesses experiencing a lot of growth and change.
Security & privacy
How are documentary files stored?
All files are securely stored on a personalized, password-protected website, only accessible to you and the people you share your password with.
What is your privacy policy?
We understand that the stories you share are personal and private and we keep all information you share with us confidential. Read our full privacy policy
Pricing & payment
How much do your packages cost?
Every project is different. Once we connect with you to understand your needs, we’ll provide you with an estimate.
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept e-transfers, cheques and wire transfers as forms of payment.
What are your payment terms?
Half of your estimate is due when you sign your contract. The other half is due four weeks before we shoot or record your documentary. We accept e-transfers, cheques and wire transfers.
Giving a gift
Can I give a package to someone as a gift?
Yes, absolutely! They are perfect for celebrating parents, grandparents, spouses, and retiring employees. Explore our packages for Individuals & Families , Entrepreneurs , and Family Businesses .
I am purchasing a package for someone. Can I be on there when they tell their story?
Yes, absolutely. While we try to minimize the number of people on set and in the studio, as long as you have their permission, we’ll find a place for you to join us.
Give a gift that will last generations.
There is no more meaningful gift than preserving someone's story. For an individual, a couple, or a family enterprise, gift an entire documentary experience or contribute to part of one.