Legacy Videos

As a documentary filmmaker and video journalist, I've learned that everyone truly does have a story -- and an interesting one at that -- if it’s told in the right way.  I can help you tell the story of a loved one, a friend, or a special place in an interesting and informative way. 

  • Do you have a family member you would like to see featured in a documentary film? Perhaps you'd like to have a tribute film to be shown at an anniversary, retirement, or recognition event?

  • Is there a special place, such as a family home, farm, cabin or business, that has a story to tell? Using photos, home movies, and video interviews, I'll make a film that will preserve the history and memories of that place.

Send me an email at steven.date@yahoo.com and let's talk about your idea for a film.

Here are five clips from legacy films that I’ve made:

Legacy Video promo clip: Mary Caouette Gorzicky tells us about a special birthday present from her father. (1:03) (I collaborated on this film with Barbara Shelton https://babscasting.com/ . She produced and directed and I shot and edited the video.)

Legacy Video Clip: Bev Mooney remembers growing up during World War 2. (1:35)

Legacy Video Clip: Art Mueller recalls a special night with his grandfather when Prohibition ended and Gluek’s Beer, his family business, was allowed to make beer again. (1:16)

JaneThamesPromo_1 from Steven Date on Vimeo.

Legacy Video Clip: Jane Thames talks about going to secretarial school and some of the jobs she had while her husband was serving overseas in WWII (1:08)

Pricing

Since the cost of making a legacy film is comprised almost entirely of my time spent working on it, my price for a legacy video is based (from experience) on the number of hours it takes me to:

  • Preparation — phone conversations, preparation of interview questions, background research on places and events in the subject’s life, etc.

  • Shoot the video — usually two sessions of 2-3 hours each. (plus driving time if outside the city of Minneapolis)

  • Edit the video, making use of any family photos or home video you can provide (scanning and editing photos and family videos comprise a significant percentage of my time making a film). I will show you a rough cut of the film for your consideration and input before I finish the film.

  • Rough cut of the project, which I will show you and get your approval to proceed.

  • Adjustments in the video for visual and audio — color, brightness, framing, audio quality and consistency

  • Final Cut of the film - I’ll make 5 copies of the film on DVD (standard definition), plus an HD copy of the film on physical media such as a Thumb Drive.

  • Provide you with “improved” digital copies of any photos that I scan and use in the film (on the Thumb Drive).

  • I’ll also post the film on VIMEO, a streaming service, as “unlisted”, so you can control who has a link to view it. You will also be able to download the film from there.

For an approximately 60 - 75 minute film, my total price will be about $2,200 - $2,500 for most projects in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. This could vary slightly, mostly depending on number and length of recording sessions, photo scanning and the distance from my home in south Minneapolis. I will quote you a price upfront based on information you give me about the project so there are no surprises later. A ask for 1/3 before the first recording session, 1/3 when I show you the rough cut, and 1/3 when I deliver the finished film. I accept checks or PayPal (you pay the PayPal fee of 2.9%). I will discuss a time line and a deadline for final delivery when we have our initial conversation.