FAQ's
Q: What is EverStory?
A: EverStory is dedicated to preserving and sharing personal stories. We offer documentary filmmaking, video and audio interviews, and audio documentaries to capture the essence of your loved ones’ stories in a heartfelt and professional manner.
Q: Where is EverStory located?
A: Our main office is in Bountiful, Utah, where we have a professional film set for interviews and documentary filming.
Q: What is an EverStory Documentary Film?
A: An EverStory documentary is a biographical film that tells the life story of an individual, with a focus on key events and experiences. The documentary may include photographs, archival footage, reenactments, animations, and interviews to bring the story to life.
Q: What is the difference between a Documentary Film and a Life Interview
A: The key difference between a Documentary Film and a Life Interview lies in the depth of storytelling and production elements.
Documentary Film: This is a more comprehensive and cinematic approach to storytelling. It involves a detailed narrative structure, incorporating various elements such as interviews, historical footage, photographs, and narration. The production is akin to a professional film, with attention to cinematography, sound design, and editing. This format is ideal for those looking to create a legacy piece that not only tells a story but also captures the essence and emotions through a visually rich medium.
Life Interview: A Life Interview, on the other hand, is more focused and straightforward. It typically involves a filmed or recorded session where the individual shares their life experiences, memories, and insights. This format is less about cinematic storytelling and more about capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of a person’s narrative. While it may include some basic editing, the emphasis is on the authenticity of the conversation, offering a personal and intimate glimpse into the individual’s life.
Both formats have their unique appeal and serve different needs, whether it’s creating a lasting family heirloom or capturing a more direct and personal account of one’s life experiences.
Q: What is the difference between an Audio Documentary and an Audio Book?
While both our Audio Documentary and Audio Book services focus on preserving personal narratives, the format and presentation of these offerings differ significantly.
Audio Documentary: Our Audio Documentary service is akin to a film documentary, but in audio format. It involves weaving together various audio elements such as interviews, ambient sounds, music, and narration to create a rich, engaging story. This format is designed to take listeners on a journey, providing a deeply immersive experience that captures the essence and emotions of the subject’s life story. It’s a crafted narrative that paints a vivid audio portrait of the individual’s experiences and legacy.
Audio Book: Our Audio Book service, on the other hand, is more akin to our Life Interview but structured in a format familiar to audiobook enthusiasts. It involves recording the individual’s life story and segmenting it into chapters, much like a traditional book. This format allows for a clear, organized presentation of the narrative, making it easy for listeners to follow along and revisit specific moments or chapters. It’s a straightforward, chapter-by-chapter recounting of a person’s life, presented in a way that’s both accessible and engaging for audio audiences.
Both formats offer unique ways to preserve and share personal stories, with the Audio Documentary providing a cinematic audio experience and the Audio Book offering a structured, book-like approach to storytelling.
Q: What services do you offer?
We offer a range of storytelling services including:
- Documentary filmmaking
- Video interviews
- Audio documentaries
- Audio interviews
Q: Do I need to be filmed?
A: Not at all! We understand that not everyone is comfortable in front of a camera. You can choose our audio documentary or audio interview options if you prefer not to be filmed.
Q: How are EverStory documentaries made?
A: EverStory documentaries are made by interviewing, gathering photos, archival footage, and other media related to the subject’s life. The film is then edited to include the interviews, photos, archival footage, and other visual elements to bring the story to life.
Q: How long does it take to produce a documentary or interview?
A: The production time varies depending on the project’s scope. We collaborate closely with our customers to ensure each project is handled with the utmost care and respect for your timelines.
Q: Can EverStory help write a memoir or family history book?
While written memoirs and family history books are not part of our standard pre-priced offerings, we’re more than happy to accommodate these requests. If you’re interested in adding a memoir or family history book to your project, let us know, and we’ll provide a personalized quote tailored to your specific needs. We collaborate closely with our trusted book-making partners to ensure your vision is brought to life with the utmost care and quality.
Q: What makes EverStory unique?
A: Our personal touch, deep respect for stories, professional setup, and commitment to accurately and heartfully representing your stories set us apart.
Q: How can I get started with EverStory?
A: Getting started is easy! Contact us through our website, and we’ll schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and how we can best capture your story.
Q: How do I prepare for telling my story with EverStory?
A: We provide you with a guide at the beginning of your EverStory journey that gives you instruction on how to prepare before your recording session. These instructions include things like what to wear, how to gather your photos and videos, and how to build out your story. Visit our product page to download one of our free guides.
Q: What kind of questions will be asked for the interview?
A: We have a story guide of questions built around the Hero’s Journey Story Arc. We want you to be the hero of your own story and using the Hero’s Journey as a way to frame your life makes you the hero, and creates a compelling and beautiful story that will be cherished and remembered for generations to come. Visit our product page to download one of our story guides that include our story prompts.
Q. After filming is done, how long does it take to receive the documentary?
A: The 30-minute documentary takes 90 hours of editing to finish, while the 90-minute documentary takes 160 hours. We strive to make high-quality films to preserve your story, so completing the film may take 2-3 months depending on the length of the film.
Q: Is EverStory's service only intended for end-of-life situations?
A: Absolutely not. While our services are indeed cherished in end-of-life circumstances, we encourage capturing stories at any stage. It’s about celebrating life and preserving memories, not just reflecting at life’s end. Our goal is to help people of all ages share their experiences, wisdom, and legacy with future generations.
Q: How do I approach a loved one about creating their EverStory without causing offense or discomfort?
A: A great way to introduce the idea is by linking it to a significant milestone, like a birthday, anniversary, or another special occasion. You can present it as a unique and meaningful way to commemorate the event. Explain that this is a chance to celebrate their life’s journey and the impact they’ve had on those around them. Emphasizing the celebratory and commemorative aspect of the film can make the suggestion feel more like an honor and a gift, rather than implying any sense of finality.
Q: What if my loved one is hesitant about being recorded or filmed?
A: It’s common for individuals to feel a bit hesitant about being on camera at first. We suggest highlighting the unique value of video in capturing not just their stories, but also their expressions, gestures, and personality — elements that bring a deeper dimension to their legacy. Our team is skilled at creating a relaxed, respectful filming environment, making the experience comfortable and enjoyable. If they’re still uncertain, we can start with a simple, no-pressure chat on camera to ease them into the process. Remember, audio is always an option if they ultimately prefer it, but many find that once they start, the video becomes a cherished and irreplaceable part of their family’s history.
Q: How can EverStory help in making the experience comfortable for someone close to the end of their life?
A: Our team approaches every story with sensitivity and respect, especially in end-of-life situations. We ensure a comfortable, empathetic environment, and work closely with families to create a respectful, dignified experience that honors the individual’s life and legacy.
Q: Is there a right time to record someone’s life story?
A: There’s no specific ‘right time’ – every story is valuable at any stage. Whether it’s capturing the vibrant tales of youth or the reflective wisdom of older age, each story adds to the rich tapestry of family history and personal legacy.
Q: Do you have any referral programs?
A: Yes, our referral system incentivizes referrals by offering 1 referral credit to each party, which can be applied toward your EverStory product. Please visit our referral page to learn more about the value of these credits and our referral program.
Q: How can I contact EverStory for more information?
A: Feel free to reach out to us via email, phone, or through our website’s contact form. We’re here to answer any questions and help you start your storytelling journey.