WE ALL HAVE A STORY

Filming personal memoirs is a passion project of mine.

We all have hazy recollections of parents and grandparents we've lost. Family and friends we took for granted at the time, then wished too late: “If only I’d asked...". Don't let that happen to the people you love. Leave your story on film.

Extract from Helen's story: A cup of coffee in Japan

Extract from Paul's story: Life and football

WHAT'S YOUR STORY?

Has your family been bugging you to write your memoir but you’re far too busy living?

Have you been on a wild adventure you want to share while it's fresh in your mind?

Do you want to pass on the secret apple strudel recipe your grandma handed down, so its never lost.

Maybe you've got a young family and you have just been diagnosed with cancer.

Perhaps you've realised, at your sister’s funeral, that you’re the only one left who remembers.

We all have our reasons.

Telling your story is precious because you are the only one who really knows it. No-one else can do it justice.

WHY TELL YOUR STORY?

How much do people know about you? Your friends will know some stories, your partner will know more. And there are the ones you’ve told your children. This collection of third-hand tales will be your legacy, unless you take control. Tell your story on film, your way.

Maybe it's someone else’s story you want to record. Who in your life has a story you treasure? It could be their sporting obsession, a grand adventure they’ve had, their love of cooking - or all three. If your person is the keeper of your family’s stories, there might be generations of story wealth to tell. In that case, we can discuss which to focus on.

WHY A FILMED MEMOIR?

Yes, you could write a memoir, but this doesn't record how you speak, or how you rub your chin when you're embarrassed. This is just as priceless as the story itself to the people who love you. Video shares a thousand tiny nuances that are hard to capture in words. And let's face it – writing a memoir is a big undertaking.

It's true that you could use your phone and do it yourself. But why not make it something really special? With my years of experience in broadcast TV, I can create a beautiful keepsake you’ll be happy to pass on to your children and grandchildren. All for around $3000. For that price, you could splurge on a luxury trip that's over in no time, or invest in an heirloom to last for generations.

Extract from Ann's story: BBC and the Goons

WHY NOW?

Our lives are busy, book it in while you think of it. Book it while you’re healthy and enjoying life – isn’t that how you’d like to be remembered? But if you decide to wait, don’t leave it too long. Believe me, (and I say this from bitter experience): You never know what’s around the corner.

Still need convincing? Let me answer a few of the most common worries:

"No-one around me is interested"

If they aren't listening to you now, its just because they aren't ready.

Think ahead and record it for their future. When you’re not around anymore, believe me, they will treasure every moment.

"Everyone knows all my stories"

All the more reason to tell them on film.

If you’re the storyteller, your family will value having them recorded.

Your stories are yours

and are best heard in your voice.

"Are you suggesting my life is over?!"

No, your life isn’t over, but I bet it's been pretty full.

Film the highlights of your story so far and you can always add to it later.

Don’t wait till you’re losing those precious marbles.

"My mum's memory is failing. Is it too late?"

It depends. I suggest recording as early as possible.

Perhaps have a family member alongside to help with any memory gaps.

Even incomplete memories now, could be a comfort later.

"I'm worried about privacy. What will you do with my recording?"

You will own your filmed media. After delivery, I will delete any media I have, unless you ask me to keep it.

I will ask your permission if I want to keep a clip for promotion purposes. You have the right to say no.

"I have a smartphone.

I can record it myself"

Absolutely, you can. Just make sure you do.

If you find it is too annoying or difficult, come back to me.

My years of experience in broadcast means I can provide you with a professional film as a keepsake.

"I’m sick – I can’t deal with this now"

Your focus is your health, completely understandable. But don’t forget what you’re fighting for. Your life is precious to you and to the people around you.

We can work around your treatment and take it slow.

"I can't afford it now"

I have a payment plan, so you can pay in instalments to spread the cost.

HOW DOES IT WORK?