They say that a picture is one thousand words, so I think that a video is essentially priceless. Life Story knows the value of those stories. The company, which was started by Laura Dostillo and her husband when they themselves were looking for a way to tell the story of Dostillo’s own grandmother.
I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Dostillo about Life Story’s wonder inception as well as the impact that it currently has. As someone that has lost a loved one an incredibly young age, I cannot underscore the value of maintaining someone’s story, not only for purposes of family tree, but also of lineage. Read on to learn more about the wonderful business that Life Story is.
What inspired you to start Life Story?
My grandma inspired me. She was 98 when my husband, a TV producer, had the idea to film her and I am so grateful that we have a beautiful video keepsake of her now that she has passed. I miss her every day and we are so grateful to have her laugh, smile, voice, and the look in her eye when she says our name to cherish forever and share with future generations.
What is the process of getting a video done through Life Story? How do people get the final product?
1. Fill out the intake form so we can tailor questions to your needs.2. We schedule an interview with your loved one and travel to them to film them. 3. We edit the video and send it to you. We want you to be completely satisfied with your video so you have the ability to let us know what edits you want. You will receive an unlisted youtube link and digital download link to have forever.
How do you come up with questions for loved ones?
I send you an intake form of what areas the video should focus on (family history, childhood, love, career, traditions, advice). I tailor the questions based on what the family or person wants to talk about.
The Life Story interview is a conversation — your loved one can share whatever they want, and we engage them about their happiest memories to inspire more stories about their past. Clients feel comfortable and at ease during our interview process.
How much does it cost to get a video done?
We have 3 packages (Bronze, Silver, Gold) for filming 1 person and couples and they are priced based on the length of filming and the length of the final video.
Why do you believe it is so important to preserve the memories of loved ones?
Family stories communicate traditions, values, and experiences. We learn so much about ourselves and our family when listening to unique life stories, especially when shared by our older loved ones. They have deep, rich experiences and carry wisdom that is so valuable. However, our lives are busy, and we don’t often get to simply sit, listen, and enjoy.
Life Story leaves your family’s next generations with a video they will get to watch, learn from, and treasure. But it’s more than just a video — it’s a legacy that lives on.
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