The process of reviewing and grouping all of your old pictures is a great opportunity to remember old times… and it can really be a lot of fun! This guide is a tool to assist you in that process. Simply follow the steps below and return this form along with your pictures to us.(See address on last page.) You will soon be enjoying your most precious memories again in a fresh, new way.
“HOW DO I SORT OUT ALL OF THESE PICTURES?!”
Before you even look at the pictures, take some time to just think about the purpose & subject(s) of the montage and ask yourself a few clarifying questions:
What stands out about the person(s)?
What do you want to communicate? How can this be done?
How should the material be organized? Are you covering an individual over a period of time? Should they be grouped chronologically or by subject or theme?
Are there any comments or captions that you would like placed over certain photos?
What are the “must have” photos? Do the “must have” photos suggest a possible outline or theme?
Is there any music that is particularly appropriate or meaningful? Where should the music selections be placed?
Are there elements of humor?
Are there some particularly memorable times- periods of difficulty or great achievement?
Any aspects of the individual’s personality that you would like to highlight?
Search for pictures that convey your emotions and what you want to communicate.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
There are a few things to keep in mind as you start the process of gathering your photos.
First, photos are not all we can use! If you have some particularly meaningful heirloom or souvenir that you would like filmed and placed in the montage we can do it (i.e. a military uniform, medals, some nicely framed photos, an old journal or notebook.) Just bring them to us along with the photos.
Keep to your purpose – is it to honor someone, celebrate an achievement, highlight a career, humor… try to focus on telling a story with the pictures!
Think of other people who may have heirlooms or pictures that may be overlooked.
We can also use old video tapes and even older 8mm reels that can be converted to video and added to the montage (contact us for pricing to transfer 8mm to DVD or VHS.)
Is there a special message that you would like to deliver personally? We can videotape your comments and include excerpts on the montage. Interviews can personalize the montage and allow you to share your sincerity and warmth directly with the viewers. The interviews provide for a very intimate expression of appreciation or tribute to the recipient.- this will not look like a home movie! Our interviews can be conducted on-site and truly look like an excerpt from a documentary.
#1 Write the title or a message that you want at the beginning of the video (sometimes it is best to come back and do this last):
#2 Organize your material into “Chapters” (usually 1 chapter per song) organized by time or theme and provide titles for each group of pictures. Also indicate CD track or recording to use. Remember that a normal paced song usually allows for 4-5 seconds per picture.
Chapter Title 1:_____________________________ Music to use:_________________
Chapter Title 2:_____________________________ Music to use:_________________
Chapter Title 3:_____________________________ Music to use:_________________
Chapter Title 4:_____________________________ Music to use:_________________
Chapter Title 5:_____________________________ Music to use:_________________
PICTURES: Please group the pictures in envelopes or rubber-bands in the exact order you would like them to appear with notes indicating which chapter each group belongs to. Pictures usually display 4-5 seconds each – so a 3minute song will fit about 40 pictures. Songs with slower tempo will accommodate even less, songs with a fast tempo will need more photos.
CAPTIONS: If your package has captions, please write them on a post-it note and affix it to the back of the corresponding photo.
MUSIC: Due to copyright laws, music CD’s must be supplied to us- or we can purchase music for you if necessary. Purchased or borrowed CD’s will be delivered with the finished video.
VIDEO CLIPS: If your package incorporates video clips, please do the following:
1. Write a clear description of the clip including how it begins and ends.
2. Write down the EXACT index/footage number of the clip start and finish. If you have
more than one video tape, please affix a note to each one as needed.
HEIRLOOMS/INTERVIEWS: If your package includes either interviews or heirlooms to be filmed, please indicate where you would like them inserted by placing a note on the picture each segment will preceed.
#3 Write the end credits or a message to be displayed at the end of the last chapter:
#4 If you have elected to have us narrate any portion of the video, please attach a script to this guide and be sure to indicate what pictures are being commented over. Keep in mind- when timing a script, each picture is displayed for approximately 6 seconds.
#5 If your package inludes an interview session, please call or e-mail us to make arrangements.
#6 If your package includes Dolby Surround Sound, please supply ample background audio (from VHS tapes, etc) for dubs. (See the price list for typical lengths of each package.)
#7 MAIL YOUR PHOTOSOR DROP THEM OFF AT OUR STUDIO
