+ What is a Legacy Video?

A legacy video is an incredible opportunity to record someone’s life story. Often when someone passes away their family and friends are left with only their memories and a couple of photographs. A Legacy Video enables you to preserve someone’s voice, mannerisms, opinions, idiosyncrasies and character. In short, the path that led them through their life. A legacy video also incorporates family photos and home movies, turning it into a time capsule of a person’s life and their family history.

+ Why make a Legacy Video?

Our parents and grandparents have seen a lot and lived through all sorts of challenging situations. Disease, Wars, famine, recessions… They have a wealth of experience. Many of them have had to dig deep to get through difficult times. These hard times have provided plenty of wisdom along the way. Wisdom about themselves, their families and what it is to be a good person. A legacy Video allows you to capture all this knowledge and preserve it for future generations to benefit from.

People who are unwell or have been diagnosed with a serious illness also make Legacy Videos so their family and friends will always know who they are, what life has taught them, what they stand for and what their hopes and dreams are for their children. Often in such Legacy Videos people leave separate specific messages for significant moments in their children’s lives; like their 21st birthday or wedding day.

+ How much do this Beautiful life Legacy Videos cost?

Everyone’s story is unique and all of our films are individual. We have a range of packages to suit different budgets. We offer affordable 10 minute “highlights of my Life” packages, that beautifully capture someone’s memories and milestones, through to feature length documentary films that not only interview the subject of the film but also their friends, family and colleagues. These films also feature footage of the subject of the film doing the things they love. Generally speaking, the longer the film the greater the cost. Please contact us for a full price list.

+ Where are the interviews filmed?

We find the best place to film a Legacy Video interview is in the subject’s home, surrounded by the things they love. That way, they are comfortable and at ease, which makes for a better interview. It’s also a way for your family and friends to see you where they will always remember you, in your natural element.

+ Can more than one person commission a film?

Yes, in fact it’s very common. Once people are a certain age, they don’t really need any more things. A This Beautiful Life Legacy Video transcends material things and honours a parent for all the things they have done for their children. Often siblings will go in together to commission a film about their parent.

+ Why not just get my Grandson to film it on his phone?

This is certainly an option. However, This Beautiful Life films are professionally made and broadcast quality in stunning 4K resolution. Family members often say it’s like watching an episode of Australian Story.

Most importantly, if a family member does the interview, it means you miss out on seeing the subject as a real person. Their answers will always be somewhat guarded or filtered because they are talking to their grandchild or niece etc.

In order to really benefit from a Legacy Video, the person being interviewed needs to be able to be their true, honest self. Not a sanitised version. Many families of people who make Legacy Videos with This Beautiful Life describe seeing their parent or grandparent in a whole new light when they watch the finished film. The most common thing they say is, “I had absolutely no idea… I can’t believe they did that. Or went through that.” This illustrates the true power of Legacy Videos. Especially for future generations. If they can see that their Grandparent encountered difficult times and managed to navigate their way through them… When it’s their time to battle adversity, they will feel they can get through it too. Also, learning a person’s true complete and unfiltered story provides a new level of understanding that often brings families together.

+ Can the film be about two people?

Absolutely! We also offer Anniversary Videos that essentially consist of us interviewing a couple talking about how they met, their kids and what their life has been like together. These films utilise the couples wedding photographs which is a great way of digitally preserving them for the future. This is a wonderful present for a Significant Wedding Anniversary.

+ I don’t think I have done anything that interesting. What if I have nothing to say?

Once you sit down and start to tell the story of your life there is always an abundance of fascination, particularly for your loved ones. Things like your parents, siblings, childhood, choice of career, partner, hobbies, fears, passions, politics, travels, pet hates etc etc. The times you felt fate gave you no choice and the consequences that followed… The most interesting story is often right in front of you. You just need a gifted professional to help you tell it.

+ Why choose This Beautiful Life?

This Beautiful Life is a small company that consists of award-winning journalists and film makers who are all passionate about telling peoples stories. Working for This Beautiful Life, gives each of us a chance to make deeply rewarding, meaningful films that genuinely help people and their families. We deliver broadcast quality Legacy Videos that not only perfectly capture the essence of someone but also celebrate them… their triumphs and tragedies, memories and milestones and the unique journey of their life.

+ What if I said something in the interview but don’t want to put it in the video?

The whole idea of you making a Legacy Video with This Beautiful Life is for you to love the finished film. They are a CELEBRATION of your life. We always ask you to watch the film, before anyone else sees the final product, so you can make sure the photos etc are in the correct places. At this stage you can ask for anything you’re not 100 percent happy with to be removed.

+ How can I share my Legacy Video with family and friends?

Each film we make is hosted on the This Beautiful Life Vimeo page and given a password. Then you can easily share a link (and password) to the film with anyone you would like to show the film to. In addition, we also give the subject a hand crafted This Beautiful Life Presentation box that houses copies of the film on a USB drive. These make stunning presents if one or more Adult children are going in together to commission the film for their parent.

+ Do you offer Gift cards?

Yes, if you would like to surprise a family member with a Legacy Video. We can give you a beautiful Gift voucher to present them with on their significant birthday or Anniversary etc.

+ Do you take Credit Cards?

Yes, Credit Card payment is possible.

+ Do you make Legacy Videos about people with Dementia?

Yes, we do but it depends how advanced the dementia is. Usually, we make Legacy Videos about people who have recently been diagnosed with dementia. The idea being that in the days ahead, the person will be able to watch the story of their life, and hopefully find some comfort in it. If the persons dementia has progressed too far, we also make Legacy Videos which are told by their partner or child. Essentially telling the story of the person with dementia so it can be used as a therapeutic tool.

+ When is the perfect time to make a Legacy Video?

Anytime is a good time. Some people in their 90’s are as sharp as others in their 50’s. Ideally we like to record someone’s story when they are at the top of their game, mentally nimble with their faculties completely intact.

Sometimes people can think but I’m not ready yet. My life is still happening etc. Please don’t think that by making a Legacy Video you are saying that you have come to the end. That’s not the case at all. You are merely celebrating the journey so far and recording it at a time when you are at the peak of your powers.

None of us have a Crystal ball and are able to see how long we have. It is always possible to add more to people’s stories later if they want to but in the meantime your family, friends and future generations will always know who you are, what you stand for and what life has taught you.

No one lives for ever… but your story can.