What is a Legacy Video

Simply put, a legacy video is a short personal documentary that family and friends make in an effort to highlight a loved one’s stories and accomplishments. Not only does this act as a device that family and friends can use to aid in the grieving process, but it also helps to preserve the legacy of an individual approaching end of life.

Every person is a living library full of stories and information. This fact makes – even beyond inheritances – a person’s life stories among the most valuable of things that they have to pass on after death.

Can legacy videos really help in the grieving process?

There are a few things most people want at the end of life:

• To be remembered  in the line of the family ancestry.
• To pass down memories, messages, and experiences that will become a part of the family’s history and lore.
• To share parts of their life that may have been unknown to other family members that help humanize them and give a glimpse of who there were and how they lived their lives.

Much like a trove of letters, a legacy video offers a tactile and easily viewable way to experience a loved one again. To see them intimately, to hear their voice again, to make their memories endure.

What is involved in the creation process?

Making a legacy video is a straightforward process. It begins with first contact and discussion. Either by email or phone to talk about how it will all unfold.

Story

Next, you’ll want to outline this person’s story. What parts of their life are you hoping to address? What subject matter do you have the visual content (photos, etc.) to build around? Establishing this will be crucial for the next step.

Interviews & Content

What is a legacy video without compelling testimony? Conduct video interviews with your loved one and other selected family members. Ask questions like the following to elicit positively emotional responses:

• What is your favorite memory with this person?
• Can you tell me about your childhood?
• What people had the greatest impact on your life?

Also begin to gather photos, memorabilia, and old home movies to reflect the testimony in this video. These things can also be used to trigger positive memories throughout the interview process.

Editing

The next step is to use the video software that you decided upon to put it all together. You can find pointers on how to use the software here and here. Don’t be shy either – ask one of those technology savvy family members to lend a hand!

Be sure to follow the outline you’ve drawn up closely, but also to leave room for last-minute changes based on the testimony and content gathered.

Viewing

Share the finished piece with everyone you love at the next family gathering. When your loved one passes away, make copies for everyone close to them so that they can cherish this person’s memory for years to come.