When I
returned to my studio, I spent three months editing video, choosing family photos
and home movie clips, writing and recording narration, and scoring it all with
the appropriate music tracks. I was
quite nervous about premiering my family history documentary video “In Search
Of Grandma” in front of my entire family at my mother’s 90th birthday
celebration. Some members of my family came from as far away as Paris, France
for the event!
Shortly after
completing the documentary, I conducted some test showings for friends to gauge
the reaction from people not familiar with my family history. After positive
reviews, I felt “In Search Of Grandma” was ready for the most critical audience
possible: my own family. As a room full
of the toughest critics on the planet gathered around the big screen TV to
watch the premiere, I wondered: “Will it live up to expectations?”
As the
hour-long family history documentary video presentation filled the HD screen, I
watched the reactions of family members from the youngest to the oldest. They
were as quiet and attentive as can be. Even my youngest nephews (who never sat
still for anything!) were totally engaged with their great-great grandmother’s
life story.
Everyone
laughed uproariously at the funny parts. Tears flowed at the sad parts. And as
the final credits began to roll, huge applause erupted from the 30 or so family
members in the audience. My grandmother’s great-great-grandchildren experienced
her life in a manner they will never forget.
My eight year old nephew turned to everyone and said, “Hey, we’re
famous!”
I was
thrilled! This was by far the highest point of my media career. I can’t tell
you how gratifying it was for us to give our children the gift of their heritage
in an HD documentary film. The precious story
of how they fit into our remarkable family will be remembered for generations
to come. I was able to create a unique
work of art that preserved our family history. After several comments to the
effect of “Steve, you ought to do this for others!” the idea for Reel
DocuMemoirs was born.
Next: What I learned about preserving
a family history for future generations.
