A Retold film is a deeply personal documentary, created to capture not just a person’s story, but who they are.

It can feature just an individual, couple or a whole family.

The stories told could be just the big moments, the memorable ones, or entire lifetimes.

We strive to bring out the character of each individual or family dynamic, so the resulting film feels true, meaningful and lasting.

In simple terms, it’s character, voice and stories, captured in detail, with professional video, sound and lighting, and crafted into a family heirloom.

Most often, it’s something arranged by family, for a parent, grandparent, or someone whose story feels important to hold onto.

While anyone can record moments on any camera or phone, Retold is for those who want something more considered, a carefully crafted film that captures not just what was said, but who someone truly is.

There isn’t a perfect moment.

In many cases, families feel a sense that it’s something they should do, but aren’t sure when to begin.

What matters most is simply doing it while there’s still the opportunity to capture someone as they are, naturally and without pressure.

This is very common and completely normal.

The process is designed to feel relaxed and natural, more like a conversation than a formal interview.

Often, familiar faces are part of the conversation being recorded, which helps people feel at ease and allows their personality to come through without it feeling staged or unnatural.

We approach this as quiet recorders and facilitators of conversation, but it’s important you also feel comfortable with who’s behind the camera.

Time is taken to get to know you beforehand, so when filming takes place, it doesn’t feel like there are strangers in the room.

That’s expected.

We guide the process and help shape the conversation during recording.

We’ll help you shape the key topics and stories ahead of filming, so there’s time to reflect and recall the details. This keeps things on track, while ensuring we focus on what matters most to you.

Most interview videos focus on recording answers.

A Retold film is constructed more carefully, shaped around the individual or family using:

• conversation

• archive material

• sound and music

• the smaller details that define character

• Cinema quality sound, lighting and cameras

The result is a thoughtfully constructed documentary, something engaging, personal and far richer than a simple record.

Each film is different.

Some are shorter, designed to be easily revisited, offering a way to reconnect without it feeling like a commitment.

Others are longer, perhaps exploring the biography of a parent or their experiences in greater depth.

Often, different versions can be created to serve different purposes.

Length is tailored to you.

Usually in a setting that feels familiar and comfortable.

This might be someone’s home or a place that reflects their everyday life.

Rather than creating an entirely staged environment, the aim is to preserve a sense of reality, so the film feels true to who they are.

It varies depending on the project.

Filming may take place over one or more sessions, followed by a carefully considered editing process. We try to limit each recording session to no more than 3 hours.

Some films are created over a number of weeks or months, while others, depending on circumstances, may be completed more quickly.

The film is delivered in a way that is simple to access and designed to last.

We guide you on how to:

• store it securely

• keep it accessible

• and preserve it properly for future generations

This may include a combination of digital and physical items, depending on what feels appropriate.

No. All films are private by default.

Nothing is shown, published or shared unless you explicitly choose to allow it.

Yes.

You’ll have the opportunity to review the film and request changes where needed.

This includes removing or adjusting anything that doesn’t feel right.

The aim is always for the final film to feel honest, respectful and comfortable to share within the family or future generations.

These films often involve personal material, and it’s natural for perspectives to shift during the process.

Where possible, we’ll always try to accommodate edits and adjustments.

Each project is different, so costs vary depending on what’s involved.

The easiest way to understand what might be right for you is to start with a conversation.

The first step is a conversation to learn more about you and what feels important to capture.

Just as importantly, it’s an opportunity for you to decide whether we feel like the right fit for you and your family.