personal documentary & legacy films · Albany, NY & the Capital Region
stories worth telling.
films worth keeping.
A familiar voice. A story from childhood. A turning point that deserves more than a passing mention. I create personal documentary films that keep the people you love on screen, in their own words, for your family to return to.
You don’t need a script, experience on camera, or a production plan. I guide every step, from the first conversation to the finished film.
featured work · graduation documentary
Jada’s story.
a chapter on film.
A personal documentary created to mark Jada’s graduation, bringing interviews with her loved ones together with cinematic storytelling.
Some moments become more meaningful with time. A film keeps the voices, expressions, and stories that photographs alone can’t fully hold.
two signature film experiences
two ways to tell
your story.
a meaningful new chapter
the milestone film
A cinematic short documentary celebrating a graduation, a move, an engagement, an anniversary, a milestone birthday, a retirement, or another turning point. Typically 4–6 minutes.
what’s included
- one story-planning session
- a written story plan you approve before filming
- interview questions shared ahead of time
- one guided interview
- filming at one meaningful location
- your photographs woven into the story
- editing, music, and sound design
- refinements to the agreed edit
- private online delivery and a high-resolution download
a life in stories
the life documentary
A legacy film about someone’s childhood, family history, relationships, lessons, and wisdom, made to be revisited and shared across generations. Typically 10–15 minutes.
what’s included
- in-depth story development sessions
- a written story plan you approve before filming
- interview questions shared ahead of time
- interview preparation for each participant
- multiple guided interviews with family and friends
- filming at multiple places that matter to the story
- your photographs woven into the story
- home videos woven into the story
- a narrative edit that connects stories across a lifetime
- color correction for a consistent, polished look
- editing, music, and sound design
- refinements to the agreed edit
- private online delivery and a high-resolution download
Interviews, locations, deliverables, and review rounds are confirmed in your written scope. Refinements cover adjustments to the agreed edit; a new story direction, additional filming or interviews, extra locations, and elaborate scenes are quoted separately.
a personally guided experience
you bring the memories.
I’ll handle the film.
what I’ll ask of you
- tell me who the film is about and why it matters
- gather photographs with the help of my preparation guide
- set aside time for the interview
- share feedback at the agreed review points
what I take care of
- shaping the story and writing the interview questions
- planning the filming schedule and location
- guiding each interview so it feels like a conversation
- filming, editing, music, color, and sound
- delivering the finished film privately to your family
the story-first promise
you’ll know the story
before we film it.
Before filming begins, you’ll receive a written story plan covering who we’ll interview, what we’ll explore, where we’ll film, and the dates we’ll work toward. We refine it together, and filming begins only after you approve it.
truthful storytelling.
room for imagination.
I enjoy finding creative ways to bring a story to life, including staged narrative clips and playful action sequences when they fit the person and the film.
We’ll discuss these ideas during planning. Elaborate sequences, additional locations, and special production requirements are quoted separately when appropriate.
a clear path from
first conversation to finished film.
share your idea
Tell me about the person, story, timing, location, and investment you have in mind.
a story discussion
I review your inquiry and suggest a conversation if the project is a good fit.
plan with purpose
You approve a written story plan, scope, and schedule before anything is filmed.
film the story
I guide the interviews and capture the agreed supporting scenes.
shape and refine
I bring the material together in the edit, with your feedback at the agreed review points.
keep and revisit
Your finished film is delivered privately, ready to watch together and keep. Some families choose to show their film at an event, such as a graduation dinner, on a large screen or projector for everyone to enjoy.
film investment
a personal film.
a considered investment.
Film commissions begin at $3,500, with more elaborate productions reaching $10,000 or more.
Every story is different. Each film is individually planned around the people, memories, and experiences you want to preserve. Milestone films start at $3,500. Life documentaries are quoted based on the scope of the project. Your final investment depends on the creative vision, the number of interviews, filming requirements, locations, and the overall complexity of the project.
Pricing may change over time; your written scope and quote confirm your investment before you commit. I personally make a limited number of films each year so that every story receives my full attention.
Planning a film for a graduation, an engagement, or another dated milestone? Reach out early so there is time to plan and film before the day.
inquire about a commissiona few things
you may be wondering.
what is a legacy film?
A legacy film is a short documentary that preserves someone’s life story, voice, and wisdom for the people who come after them. It usually combines guided interviews with family photographs, home videos, and cinematic footage of meaningful places. My work includes legacy films. The life documentary is designed as one and typically runs 10–15 minutes.
how much does a personal documentary cost?
Film commissions begin at $3,500, with more elaborate productions reaching $10,000 or more. Milestone films typically run 4–6 minutes and start at $3,500. Life documentaries typically run 10–15 minutes and are quoted based on the scope of the project. The final investment depends on the creative vision, the number of interviews, filming requirements, locations, and project complexity, and you’ll receive a written scope and quote before committing.
where do you film?
I’m based in New York’s Capital Region and film in Albany, Loudonville, Latham, Niskayuna, Bethlehem and Delmar, Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs, Troy, and surrounding communities. Projects that require significant travel may include additional travel expenses, which are discussed in your proposal.
what if I don’t know where to start?
Start with the person or moment you want to preserve. I’ll help explore the story and the people who could contribute to it.
what will my family need to do?
Very little beyond sharing the story. I’ll send a simple preparation guide for gathering photographs and choosing who to interview, and I’ll guide each interview as a relaxed conversation.
is this a wedding or event video?
No. These are planned documentary films, filmed on scheduled days around interviews and meaningful places. A film celebrating an upcoming marriage, for example, is made before the wedding rather than filmed at it.
can we include old photographs and family footage?
Yes. We can plan for archive material within the agreed scope and discuss selection, file quality, permissions, and any preparation the material needs.
how long does a project take?
The schedule depends on availability and production scope. We’ll agree on realistic filming, feedback, and delivery dates in writing before you book.
can I keep the full interviews or share a short excerpt?
Those can be added as optional deliverables. They require their own preparation and are included only when specified in your quote.
your story, thoughtfully told.
Tell me who the film is about, what you want to preserve, and the timing you have in mind.
share your story