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 High Definition 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.

  • 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, amount of photo scanning, “home movies” and other media you provide and the distance from my home in 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 payment before the first recording session, 1/3 when I show you the rough cut, and 1/3 when I deliver the finished film. We will discuss a time line and a deadline for final delivery when we have our initial conversation.