FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Clarity on Your Path to Documenting Family History
Your Guide to Creating a Lasting Record
Preparing for a legacy interview can raise many questions regarding the process and technical details. We have compiled this list of frequently asked questions to help you understand how we work, what to expect during the filming session, and how your final video will be delivered. We aim to make this experience as transparent and stress-free as possible for you and your family.
What are The benefits of a video interview?
For starters, you get to see and hear the stories directly from the source. What are they wearing? How does their face change when they talk about different things? What are they most excited to share? When working with Memory Vault, you also get the benefit of an experienced interviewer to put them at ease. We handle all of the technical aspects so you don't have to! We'll provide you with an edited video which can include pictures from other periods of the person's life and support what they're talking about.
Written family histories are great, but require a lot of work and usually result in just one physical copy. Digital videos can be easily preserved, shared, and viewed by multiple people at a time.
What should I expect after I buy a package?
We will contact you to set up a short phone conversation to talk about the process and answer any additional questions. We will also discuss potential filming locations (usually in your home) and what, if any, images you would like to include to support your memories. Then, we'll schedule a date and time to come record your story and see you soon!
What does the interview day look like?
We'll arrive and get our video equipment set up. It's not a lot - one person can carry it all in! Please have any images or items that need to be digitized, ready and laid out so we can do that first. After that, we'll go over what we plan to talk about, get you situated with a clip on microphone, position some small lights, and start recording! We'll take breaks as needed or after 50 minutes or so.
Can you include family photos?
Yes! We love adding visual elements to enhance your story. All packages include at least 10 images. Going back through photos or other items is also a great way to help you recall the time or subject you want to talk about. If you already have the images digitized, we will work with you to get them ahead of the interview day.
What if my photos aren't digitized?
No worries, we can do that for a small additional fee. We just need all photographs or other items to be present on site the day of the interview. We'll build in an additional half hour to our filming time before the interview begins to make sure we capture everything.
Can you include items other than photos?
Absolutely. Sometimes the best items to help tell a story aren't photos - they could be newspaper clippings, diplomas, a uniform, or a family heirloom. It just has to be something we can film or photograph on the day of the interview. If you're not sure if we can include something, please reach out to ask us!
Can I buy a package for someone else?
Yes! Memory Vault videos make great gifts. If you are buying a package for someone else, we do recommend that you make sure they are open to being recorded on video first. If you buy a package for someone and we are unable to schedule an interview with them within 4 months, we will allow you to transfer the package to someone else.
Why don't you offer DVDs?
The goal of Memory Vault is to help you preserve your story - unfortunately, DVDs are not a stable way to do that. They get scratched, lost, or people no longer have a way to play them. By providing digital copies, you can also easily share a link with family and friends.
I have audio recordings, can you help?
Yes! It's great that you already have a head start on recording family stories. Depending on the source of the audio (CD, cassette tape, etc.) we can work with you to digitize the audio files and edit them together with pictures. We are not setup to digitize home movies, but it may be possible on a case by case basis.
Book a free half hour phone consultation
Interviews can be scheduled within roughly a two-hour drive of Fairfax, Virginia. For interviews further afield, please contact us for options and additional travel expense.