Frequently Asked Questions
Why Purchase a Personal Interview Video
I can record videos with my phone, why should I pay for a personal interview video?
A well-conducted interview is experiential. These personal interview videos are a unique opportunity for interviewees to recount their life and significant moments. That process alone can be profoundly impactful and is not easily accomplished if we are recording ourselves. We also tend to use shorthand references when talking to those close to us. After decades of shared experiences, interviewees can feel awkward providing the kind of basic background information that an unknown interviewer might ask for as they guide the storytelling process. This awkwardness can take the interviewee out of the experience and affect the quality of the interview. Video interviews are also time consuming to edit, and the longer the final product the more time it takes. For many people, the time investment needed to edit an-hour-long documentary video is itself daunting and one of the main reasons why these kinds of projects go uncompleted, even with the best of intentions.
What if I want to gift this experience to someone else? Do you provide gift certificates?
Yes, gift certificates are available. Contact me with either the amount, or package, you wish to gift and the full name of the recipient. You can include a personalized message as well if you wish. I will send you a payment invoice and then email the certificate directly to you.
The Interview Process
Where will the interviews take place?
I am equipped to conduct virtual interviews and I can help you check your equipment, adjust your settings, and lighting before we start so that the final product is one that retains the quality of an in-person interview while allowing you to remain distanced and safe.
I recently began offering limited in-person interviews within a 40-mile radius of San Mateo, CA. In-person interviews would take-place in the interviewee’s home. To prioritize the safety of all interviewees, myself, and my family I do require proof of COVID vaccination and booster, as well as a negative COVID test prior any in-person interview.
What should I wear for the interview?
You are likely going to be most relaxed if you wear something comfortable. Also, keep in mind that whether the interview is in-person or virtual the video frame will not show your feet, so for them I recommend whatever will make you feel grounded (bare feet, socks, slippers, your favorite pair of shoes).
What topics will the interviews cover and what will the interview questions be?
You (and the interviewee if it is someone other than yourself) determine the topics of the interviews. Each project will begin with a 30-minute virtual call to discuss the desired focus of the interview and discuss some interview questions. The process is informal and helps the interviewee begin to think about the part of their life we will be re-visiting during the interview.
English is not my parents’ first language; will you be able to interview them?
Absolutely! I am functional in French and speak a little Spanish, however I would not conduct an interview on my own in either language because I would not want my lack of fluency to cause me to miss the nuance of their story. If there is another family member or friend who is willing to act as an interpreter, I can lead the interview with their assistance in whichever language your parents feel most comfortable. Please let me know if an interpreter will be needed during our initial call.
Can you interview relatives and friends who live outside the bay area? Or in different time zones?
Absolutely! I have conducted virtual interviews with relatives across the US as well as in Ireland, England, Germany, and India. The interviewee will need a quiet location and a high-speed Internet connection.
Can you interview someone with dementia?
Yes, I can interview people with dementia, though ideally the person would be in the earliest stages. The interviewee needs to feel comfortable with the interview process and be able to consent to the interview. In some cases, these video interviews can be helpful to a person as they progress through the stages of dementia because they provide life stories from the perspective of the interviewee (much like life story books which have shown to help improve cognitive functions and decrease depressive symptoms in people with dementia). You may want to consult with your family physician before using these interview recordings.
Check out the resources from Alzheimer’s WA on creating life story books.
Final Product
How much do you edit interviews?
I edit the raw interview footage so that the stories told by the interviewee flow together as their own narrative. Most often, you won’t hear me asking questions in the video for example. Very occasionally someone will say something in an interview that they do not want included in the video. I will remove any material upon the request of the interviewee.Check out the resources from Alzheimer’s WA on creating life story books.
Can I request specific music (my mother’s favorite song, for example) to include in the final video?
The short answer to this question is that although I do include music in these videos, I cannot include any copyrighted/licensed music. So, chances are I will not be able to include a favorite song. If you are unsure about a specific song feel free to ask me.
Who owns the interview material and how is it stored?
You retain ownership of the interview material and the final video product. The final video is stored Vimeo and you will receive a link to your personal password-protected site. You will have access and unlimited downloads of your video from Vimeo for one year, after which the video will be deleted. I do not retain any backups of the original interview video or of the final editing videos.
For more information on storage and privacy see the Privacy page on this website.
Can I share the final video online?
Yes, as the video owner you can use and share the video; however, I do ask that if you share portions of the video on social media, or your own website, that you provide proper video credit.
How long does it take to receive the final video once the interview(s) have occurred?
I will keep you informed of the expected delivery date of your video, but most are completed within two-to-three-weeks of the last interview.
Payment
What forms of payment can you accept?
I can accept checks and Venmo (preferred) as well as credit card.
What is the payment structure?
During the introductory call we will discuss the interview structure and any additional add-ons. After our call I will send a summary of that agreement with quote. At that time a 33% deposit is due to begin the project. The remaining 66% is due upon completion of the final video.