Legacy Films – Frequently Asked Questions
📽️ What is a Legacy Film, exactly?
A Legacy Film is a professionally produced, story-driven film that captures your loved one’s voice, values, and life experiences—while they’re still here to share them. It’s not a memorial. It’s a celebration of life in the present.
🤔 Is this just a recorded interview?
Nope. We don’t ask yes/no questions and hit record. We create conversations that unlock meaningful stories—often ones your loved one didn’t even realize they had inside.
🎤 What if my family member doesn’t like being on camera?
Most people don’t! We’ve filmed hundreds of people who said the same thing. Within minutes, they forget the camera’s even there. We create a relaxed, natural space that feels more like a conversation with a friend than a formal setup.
🎞️ Do we have to tell their whole life story?
Definitely not. Legacy Films focus on defining moments, not dates. We dig into the stories that shaped them—the turning points, the values, the wisdom—and build something rich and meaningful from there.
👨👩👧👦 Can we include more than one person in a Legacy Film?
Absolutely. Some of our favorite films involve couples reflecting together, siblings swapping childhood stories, or full family reunions where generations gather to share laughter and legacy.
Whether it’s a quiet two-person conversation or a roundtable of cousins and grandkids, we’ll structure the day and the questions to bring out the richness of every voice involved. The possibilities are endless—and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
👶 Are Legacy Films only for older generations?
Not at all. Some of our favorite Legacy Films feature young families in the thick of it—toddlers running around, baby toys in the background, parents soaking in the beautiful chaos of raising little humans.
Whether it’s capturing the story of your first childbirth, the wild toddler years, or the magic of becoming new grandparents, Legacy Films are designed to celebrate the stage of life you’re in right now—whatever that looks like.
Because these moments?
They’re fleeting.
And one day, you’ll want to remember exactly how it felt.
🧳 Do you charge extra for travel?
Yes, for projects outside of Wilmington, NC, we calculate travel expenses (mileage, lodging, flights, per diem, rental cars, etc.) specific to your location.
But here’s the thing—you’ll know the total cost upfront. No surprises. No nickel-and-diming later. Whether you’re in Texas or Tuscany, it’s all transparent before you book.
💰 What does it cost?
We offer three Legacy Film experiences:
- 🎧 Captured Conversation – Raw, multi-hour filmed interviews with minimal editing (Starting around $4,500)
- 📚 Chaptered Legacy Story – Thematic storytelling with thoughtful editing and narrative flow (Around $7,500–$12,500)
- 🎬 Cherished Legacy Film – A fully-produced, cinematic family documentary with layered visuals and archival enhancements (Starting around $15,000–$25,000+)
Ask about custom quotes or friend & family pricing if you’re a past Life Stage Films wedding client!
🌍 Where do you film?
Anywhere! While we’re based in North Carolina, we’ve filmed across the U.S. and internationally. We bring the full setup to you—your home, family gathering, or even your business.
🎙️ Why should we hire you instead of doing it ourselves?
It’s a fair question—and we love that you’re thinking about preserving your family’s story at all.
But here’s what we’ve learned after nearly two decades of capturing life on film:
The person behind the camera makes all the difference.
We’re not just showing up with lights and lenses.
We bring an outsider’s perspective—one that helps your loved ones open up in ways they never would with a relative. We’re neutral. We’re safe. We’re curious. We’re trained to ask the right questions that go deeper than surface-level answers.
And truthfully… if it were easy to do this yourself, it would have been done already.
Most families are too busy. Or too overwhelmed. Or simply don’t know how to turn a meaningful conversation into something that becomes an heirloom.
That’s what we’re here for.
We guide the process with care, emotion, and trust—so that when you watch the final film, you’re not just amazed…
You’re moved.
You’re connected.
And you’re proud.
🧰 Can you help us gather old photos and video clips?
Yes—we make that part easy too. We guide you on what to collect, help organize it, and even use AI tools to restore, remaster, or animate vintage media for your film.
⏱️ How long does the process take?
Depending on the tier, Legacy Films take 4 to 16 weeks from start to finish. We’ll give you a clear timeline when you book.
🕰️ What if we’re not ready for a full film yet?
We offer a “Captured Conversation” option—just get it on camera now, and decide later how to build the full story. You never regret capturing it. You only regret waiting.
💸 This isn’t something we’ve budgeted for… Can multiple family members chip in?
Absolutely—and it’s more common than you’d think.
Legacy Films are unlike anything most families have ever invested in. It’s not a vacation. It’s not a renovation. It’s a lasting gift to everyone who loves the person on camera—and everyone who will come after.
In many of our past Legacy Films, family members have pooled resources to make it happen. Whether it’s a few siblings splitting the cost, or grandchildren coming together to honor a grandparent, we don’t care how it gets paid—just that it’s covered before the shoot is scheduled.
This is about preserving something priceless, and we’re here to help you make it possible.
🧡 What if we can’t afford a Legacy Film right now?
We totally understand. That’s why we provide free resources like storytelling prompts and tips for capturing stories on your own.
Sign up for our newsletter and get valuable tools to preserve your family’s story—even if you’re not ready for a full production.