FAQs
Preparing your film
What’s my role in the production process?
How much will my film cost?
How long can it be?
How long will it take to produce?
Can my film be a surprise for the recipient?
How do I choose imagery from my home media collection?
What formats can my home media be on?
What do you mean by memorabilia?
How can you guarantee the safety of my home media if I send it to you?
What about confidentiality?
Creating your film
What does audio recording involve?
What does filming involve?
How do you deal with nerves?a>
What do you mean by graphics?
Can I have music in my film?
What do you mean by creative editing?
Viewing your film
What format will my film be on?
How can I ensure I will be able to view the finished DVD?
Preparing your film
What’s my role in the production process?
How much or little you want to get involved is entirely up to you. We’re happy to work to your ideas or combine them with our own advice and suggestions. You will be assigned a Producer who will supervise your project and always be on hand to talk to if you have any questions. Opportunities for you to view and approve work on your film are built in at various stages of the process.
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How much will my film cost?
An edit of a home media collection starts from £600 and a specially shot film from £1500. However, your film is a bespoke product and factors such as the number of filming days, type of music used and any specially created graphics will have a bearing on the total cost. We always ensure an itemised budget is provided and agreed before work begins.
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How long can it be?
Your film can be any length you like from a thirty-second video greeting to a feature length production. As a general rule, a 10-20 minute film allows plenty of time for your pictures to “tell their story”. If you plan to show your film at a busy event such as a wedding or party, up to ten minutes is about right.
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How long will it take to produce?
Generally speaking, three to four weeks depending on the length of the film and how much media is involved. If copyright clearance is required for music, please allow a minimum of four weeks. Before starting work we will agree a project schedule and completion date that will take into account any delivery deadlines such as a special event. The schedule will also allow plenty of time for consultation, preparation, production and approval.
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Can my film be a surprise for the recipient?
Absolutely. As long as you can provide us with as much information as possible we need never make contact with the person it is for. We can deal exclusively through you and at times convenient to you.
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How do I choose imagery from my home media collection?
We send easy-to-follow guidelines to help you select and organise your material. However if you prefer it we can arrange a home visit or you can book an appointment to come to our office. Together we will make a selection that will tell your story in a meaningful way and scan your photos on the spot.
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What formats can my home media be on?
We use a high-resolution scanner to transfer print photos and slides be they loose, in albums or negatives. Digital photos can be emailed to us or sent on memory sticks, memory cards, multimedia cards or CDs. We can also transfer most home video and film formats. Although not ideal, images from mobile phone cameras may be usable.
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What do you mean by memorabilia?
Memorabilia includes items such as letters, diaries, postcards, clippings, certificates and so forth. This kind of material can often be scanned but we may need to use a special camera to photograph 3D items.
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How can you guarantee the safety of my home media if I send it to you?
We only use reputable couriers and always confirm safe delivery and return of your home media. We take great care of your material during the transfer process and securely store it whilst it is on our premises.
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What about confidentiality?
We treat your personal information, home media material and film content with the utmost confidentiality and provide you with a written guarantee before the production process begins.
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Creating your film
What does audio recording involve?
This allows you to provide commentary, tributes and anecdotes to accompany your imagery – using your voice, those of family or friends, or two or more voices together. There are a number of ways of doing this and we can discuss what will be best for you.
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What does filming involve?
Filming can take place anywhere, be it your own home or a special location of your choosing. It’s an ideal way to capture the moment or include interviews and commentary on photos and imagery. Although complex projects may require a larger team, we generally film with a small crew of two and take care of any logistics and planning required.
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How do you deal with nerves?
We film in a discreet fashion and are adept at making people and children of all ages feel at ease. As for interviews, our ‘chat with a friend’ approach is warm and supportive. We are skilled at asking just the right questions to help interviewees express themselves in a natural, spontaneous way.
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What do you mean by graphics?
Graphics is a term for imagery or words that complement and enhance pictures and film on screen. For example, we can use text to provide information about your pictures or create attractive frames in which they can sit. Graphics can be static or moving, simple or more complex – in the style of the scrapbooking craze for example. The possibilities are endless but we can guide you through the choices and show you examples.
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Can I have music in my film?
Yes of course. Music is a great way to create mood or establish a sense of time and place. You can choose your own music (subject to copyright clearance) or we can find a selection for you to choose from. We can also arrange for original music to be composed especially for your film.
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What do you mean by creative editing?
We edit your film using Apple’s Final Cut Pro Studio 2 software. By combining your photos, home movie footage and specially recorded material with music, graphics and special effects we ensure your film looks great and tells the story.
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Viewing your film
What format will my film be on?
We will receive two copies of your film on DVD in specially designed packaging, though you can order as many more copies as you like. We can also send a file that can be uploaded onto the internet.
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How can I ensure I will be able to view the finished DVD?
Although your DVD should work in most DVD players, we cannot be held responsible if is not compatible. In order for us to guarantee normal playback, make sure your player displays the DVD-R logo either on the player or in the instructions. If you are unsure, we can provide a sample DVD.
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