Legacy Interview Videos

Years ago, I dedicated time to producing Legacy Interview Videos for the senior clients I worked with. While I handled the technical aspects of video creation, the content was entirely determined by the individual. We would collaborate to formulate interview questions that they wished to address. Additionally, I would inquire about any cherished photos, quotes, and songs they wanted to include. I also asked if they had a specific title in mind for their legacy. During our second meeting, we would review the questions and the responses they intended to provide. We would also discuss any items they wanted visible during the interview and coordinate our outfits to ensure mine did not distract from theirs.

On the day of the interview, I would secure a quiet location, set up my video camera, and arrange any special items the individual wished to showcase. Once we were both seated, the interview would commence. I did not impose a time limit, as it was their narrative to convey, though most interviews lasted under an hour.

After the interview concluded, my work truly began. I would scan all the photos onto my computer, download their chosen song, upload the interview footage, and start editing. The video would open with a slideshow of their favorite photos accompanied by their selected song. This would seamlessly transition into the title of the legacy interview, then the interview, which I generally left unaltered. Following the interview, the video would conclude with a closing message from the individual displayed on the screen, ending with a final photograph. Once completed, I would ask the individual to review the video for accuracy before making copies.

The cost of this project to the individual – zero. The emotional profit for me – priceless.

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Deb Hickling is an HHA Death Doula Candidate in Nova Scotia.