Recording your life story - FAQ’s
Recording your life story can be quite daunting, especially if you are commissioning someone to help, so please do feel free to get in touch and ask questions! Alice@thestorykeepers.co.uk or call me on 07903582474.
Do you do gift vouchers?
Yes, we do!
How much filming or recording time will we need?
This is such a tough question and impossible to answer. I have worked on many projects where we had two hours to capture all we could due to budget or time restraints and others where we are still recording many hours later.
In general, in a two-hour interview, we will cover the most important stories and memories and capture a real sense of a person. For many storytellers, maybe those with good memories, a good recall of family history, or who enjoy exploring their stories in more depth, four or six hours is a good idea.
Why the Story Keepers, can’t I make a life life story film myself?
I set up The Story Keepers as I believe your story is important for you and for your family. We hear so often how someone wished they had recorded a parent or grandparent. For some reason or other, it didn’t happen, time or another barrier got in the way.
We are trained and experienced in Oral History. Listening to and recording Life Stories is what we are good at and love to do. We carefully prepare for each individual interview. We create a safe and relaxing environment and can often draw out stories that relatives may not, and afterwards, we take pride in thoughtfully editing your film or recording.
However, if you want to do it yourself, you should; it’s a great experience.
Where will the life story interview take place?
We want you to feel relaxed and comfortable, so your own home is normally the ideal location. If this is not possible, then we can find somewhere quiet that works for us both. Ideally, we will do the interview in a quiet room.
Can you work remotely?
Yes, we can; give us a call to discuss what we can do and how, as it can also be cost-effective for you…
Can I have someone with me during a life story interview?
Yes, you can! Depending on the situation, another person can be distracting and sometimes inhibiting, but at other times, it can be lovely having family there to listen or even to participate with you. I am always happy to discuss the best solution for you.
I don't think that I have much of a story to tell
Our experience in oral history tells me that this is very unlikely; everyone has a story to tell. It is true that some of us are not used to telling our stories but that is where our skills as an interviewer will come into play. We will help you.
What are the possible disadvantages or risks?
We find that the experience of taking part is almost always hugely enjoyable and even cathartic for those that we interview. However, sad or challenging experiences might well be recalled but this is not generally something to worry about, and is something we are very experienced with.
How long does the whole process take?
The process normally takes four weeks from the interview to the completed film. An audio recording can be completed within two weeks of a final interview if need be, but contact us if you have a particular deadline.
I would like to capture the stories, but I am not sure about the filming part. My parents may be shy.
Let’s do an audio interview and either create an audio memoir or a life storybook. Please contact us for more information.
Can more than one person be interviewed together?
Yes, we can interview two people at the same time, in fact, this is a lot of fun!
Do you travel out of London?
Yes, but where the interview is more than one hour from our base in North West London, reasonable travel expenses will be added.
Do you have a team of people that work with you?
Yes, I do! I have a number of editors and proofreaders and many others who I work with. For book projects I could not manage without the awesome Transcription Centre !
