As we all try and find our way along this crazy COVID path, each one of us has our safe space, our comfort zone, our decompression place. It’s been quite a challenge.
But, as our community members and family are being vaccinated, we can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Our strength, patience and resilience will pay off.
While we’ve all been at home, finding that ideal combination of work, school and play under the same roof has been taxing, testing all of our instincts and creativity to make it work. Our priorities have evolved and we are grasping with what should be our primary focus. Although the stress can be overwhelming, this time has also given us the opportunity to think about family and its continuity, based on values, ideals and principles. But the larger questions to pose? What is the message for the rising generation, and generations to come?
A family legacy documentary is a dynamic, interactive approach to preserving our family stories. It is crucial that the future generations learn and understand the generations past. The stories of the matriarch and patriarch help shape the message, and support decision making and future planning, whether it be education, business or philanthropy.
Constructively illuminating the narrative, the accounts of the immigrant, the businessperson, the successes and failures, the philanthropic priorities, are all invaluable to chronicle. The anecdotes and articles, legends and folktales, all set the scene to create a comprehensive memoire of the family history. Imagine a dynastic circle, where the first generation has passed away, and no one has written down or recorded any history, stories, or wishes. The directives of G1 are unknown, providing no insight as to skills or talents, experiences or proficiencies, priorities or passions. All of this lost, unnecessarily. The impact this makes on G2 and beyond is profound, although most likely unrecognizable till those questions arise – what were the passions of my grandmother? Why was grandpa so successful?
The process focuses upon working intensely with families to ensure that these stories are collected, detailing the “who, what, when, where, how?” The key lies in guiding each individual family in its journey to preserve the legacy, incorporating interviews, photos and videos along with carefully selected music to create a comprehensive memoire. By utilzing this format, it provides the unborn heirs the ability to actually see and hear those past generations, and understand the desires and aspirations of those they will never meet.
It begins with a family meeting, untangling generational the tree and prioritizing the major topics. Determination of family, friends and business associates that help clarify the history, timeline and narrative is discussed and narrowed down based on specified priorities. With consistent communication, a storyline is clarified, and specific interview questions are spelled out to guarantee the coveted stories are told. Logistics are made to coordinate the most efficient travel for on sight, personal interviews as well as gathering key scenic and historic footage. Photos, film and video are gathered by assorted family “historians” to create the perfect backdrop. Designated family members review the video through its progression and then, when all the elements are in place, the final edits are made for a cohesive family documentary.
Whole Story Productions has been working throughout this pandemic, tapping into the extraordinary power of the world wide web to complete projects for our clients. We’ve used all recommended safety measures when necessary to physically transfer equipment while taking advantage of no touch communication and file transfer via VIMEO, Google Docs, Dropbox and other internet-based software. The times have been challenging but we have coordinated with clients whether close by or distanced. Technology has been our friend and it has worked at both ends of the equation.
We at Whole Story Productions are grateful for the opportunity to work with our clients on essential projects such as legacy videos. We have all been thrust in to a 100-year experience, realizing more than ever that life is precious. Take the time to share your values, beliefs and principles with your family members. Prioritize the stories that will bring your experiences to life and convey the message to the rising generation. Now is the time. Don’t wait!
