I'm nervous about doing this.

That's completely normal. Before filming, we work through our Life Story Conversation Guide together so nothing comes as a surprise. On the day, the conversation is gentle and at your pace. It's not an interview, it's a conversation, and it can even be joyful.

Dear Family Films · Life Story Films

What we do

You know there are stories
you haven't heard yet. This captures them.

A photo of someone looking through old family photos Place your image at images/looking-at-photos.jpg

Their voice. Their laugh. Their stories.

We don't realise how much we don't know about the people we love until it's too late to ask.

Filmed in the comfort of their home.

No studio. No script. Just a warm, guided conversation, so relaxed that most people forget the cameras are even there. You don't need to be present on the day.

A keepsake for your whole family.

Delivered as a beautifully edited cinematic film, woven with personal photos and music, on a USB and private streaming link your family can share from anywhere.

We handle everything.

From the first call to the final film, the process is guided and simple. All you need to do is give us a call. We'll take care of the rest.

A moment from a Dear Family Films filming session

A moment from your filming Place your image at images/story-photo.jpg

"I want to thank you Michael for your kindness, patience and gentleness. I didn't think it would be as easy as this."

Why I started this

The moment I understood what this really was.

A few years ago, I filmed a life story interview with a close family friend. At the time, I thought I was simply capturing a conversation.

Not long after, she passed away. Her grandson was only one — a beacon of light through a difficult time. He'll never remember her voice. But one day, instead of hearing second-hand stories, he'll be able to see, hear, and know who his grandmother was.

That's when it clicked. This isn't just a video. It's something your family gets to hold onto forever.

— Michael Jacovelli Founder, Dear Family Films

Give This Gift

The process

Simple, gentle, and completely guided.

Three calm steps, from the first call through to the final keepsake. Watch the short film below to see how relaxed and meaningful the entire experience is.

We plan together

A relaxed discovery call where we learn about your loved one, their life, personality, and the stories worth capturing. Every question is crafted personally.

We film, gently

We come to their home with professional equipment and a calm, unhurried approach. No scripts, just a warm conversation. Most people forget the cameras are there.

Their film, forever

A beautifully edited cinematic film, with music, photos, and titles, delivered on a keepsake USB and private link, ready to share with your whole family.

What does filming a Life Story Video involve? Place your video here videos/process-explainer.mp4

Those we've filmed

Hear it from them.

These are real people sharing what it meant to film their life story, in their own words.

Rosemary's story Place your video here videos/rosemary.mp4

"Doing this interview, I found that I have thought about things that just put a smile on my face. Memories have popped up that I forgot I even had."

Rosemary, 76

Robina's story Place your video here videos/robina.mp4

"Some families wouldn't have a clue what their parents did. That is why it is so important to film your life story while you still can."

Robina, 77

John's story Place your video here videos/john.mp4

"I lived with my grandparents yet I know nothing about them. Filming your life story has to do someone some good. You have wisdom and lessons to pass on."

John, 87

Jean's story Place your video here videos/jean.mp4

"I think it's a great idea. I'm glad that I did this and filmed my Life Story Interview. It's something I think everyone should do."

Jean, 90

For the person being filmed

If someone you love sent you this page,
here's what you might want to know.

You don't need to prepare. You don't need to be camera-ready. You just need to be yourself. The rest is up to us.

It's a conversation, not an interview.

There's no script and nothing to rehearse. We talk gently, at your pace, and we follow the story wherever it wants to go.

You don't need to be camera-ready.

Wear what you'd wear any ordinary afternoon. We film in the comfort of your home. Most people forget the cameras are there within ten minutes.

Your story matters more than you know.

You might feel like your life has been ordinary. To the people who love you, every detail is a treasure they'll return to for the rest of their lives.

Take as many breaks as you like.

There's no rush. Tea, pauses, laughter, tears are all welcome. This is meant to feel good. Many people tell us afterward that it was surprisingly joyful.

The packages

Choose the film that fits their story.

The Memory Package

A meaningful snapshot

Short but powerful. Their voice and presence, captured in their own words.

10–20 minute cinematic film
Single filming session
Up to 10 personal photos
Keepsake USB + private link

Everything your family needs to hold onto forever.

Every package is delivered as a complete cinema-quality keepsake, ready to watch together the day it arrives.

Keepsake USB

A beautiful physical USB to keep, gift, or pass down through the family.

Private streaming link

Share instantly with family anywhere in the world, on any device.

Cinematic editing

Music, titles, and personal photos woven throughout the final film.

Ready in 3–4 weeks

Delivered after filming, ready to watch together with your family.

Still have questions?

We've heard these before.

“My parent or grandparent feels nervous about doing this.”

That's completely normal. Almost everyone feels this way before the day. Before filming, we walk through our Life Story Conversation Guide with them so nothing catches them off guard. There are no scripts, no rehearsals, and no surprises. When we arrive, it's a gentle conversation at their own pace. Most people forget the cameras are even there within the first ten minutes, and many tell us afterwards it's one of the warmest days they've had in years.

“I don't think my family would care.”

They will, often in ways you can't predict now. These films become the first thing families reach for at milestones, weddings, birthdays, and the quiet anniversaries that come later. Grandchildren who never got to meet them finally get to. What feels ordinary to you today becomes the most treasured thing your family owns tomorrow.

“Why not just film it ourselves at home?”

This is such a common and understandable thought. What I've noticed, though, is that people often open up differently with someone outside their immediate family. During planning sessions, I regularly hear things like, “My children don't know this.” Not because they didn't want to share, but because the opportunity never felt right. With a neutral listener, there's less pressure, fewer interruptions, and more emotional safety. Your children still benefit, but you get the space to tell your story fully, honestly, and without filtering.

“My story isn't interesting enough.”

Everyone we've ever filmed has said this, usually in the first ten minutes of the discovery call. But your story isn't interesting because it's dramatic. It's interesting because it's yours. It's the small, specific things that matter: the way your mum laughed at your dad's jokes, the house you grew up in, the year everything changed. Those are the details your grandchildren will lean in for.

“Do I need to be there on the day?”

Not at all. In fact, many families find their loved one opens up more freely with just us in the room. There's less instinct to perform for the people they see every week. We handle everything from arrival to pack-down, then deliver the finished film for the whole family to watch together.

“We've already got their memoirs written down.”

A memoir tells your family what happened. A film gives them the person. Their voice, their laugh, the way their eyes go soft when they talk about someone they loved. Words preserve the story; video preserves the person. Families who have both always say the same thing: the writing is a record, the film is the reunion.

The most meaningful
gift you'll ever give them.

You know there are stories
you haven't heard yet. This captures them.

The moment I understood what this really was.