Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a StoreyKeeper interview?
A StoreyKeeper interview is a guided, professionally filmed conversation designed to preserve the stories, memories, personality, and wisdom of someone’s life. We come to you, ask thoughtful questions, and handle the filming, sound, lighting, and editing. The person being interviewed simply talks. The result is a lasting family record, told in their own words and preserved for future generations.

Why “Storey” instead of “Story”?
In architecture, a “storey” is one level of a building. A life is built the same way: one level at a time.

The ground floor is childhood: early memories, family roots, and where a person came from. The middle storeys are the busy years: work, love, marriage, raising children, building a home, starting over, serving others, making a living. The upper storeys hold perspective: wisdom, reflection, gratitude, and the view back over a life fully lived.

StoreyKeeper is built around that idea. We help preserve the whole structure, not just a few scattered memories.

Who is this for?
For individuals who want to leave a history of their life. Most families commission a StoreyKeeper interview for an aging parent, grandparent, spouse, or relative whose stories deserve to be kept. These interviews are also meaningful at major life moments: a milestone birthday, retirement, anniversary, serious illness, family reunion, or simply the realization that time is moving faster than expected. Ultimately future generations, Grandchildren who may never get the chance to meet their decendent. Instead of Ancestry here is the opportunity to hear it from the person themselves.

What happens to the recording afterward?
You receive a finished, edited film on a USB memory stick, along with a private downloadable link that can be shared with family members. A written transcript of the final edit is also included, creating both a video keepsake and a readable family record.

How long does an interview take?
A typical interview session takes one to two hours. We move at a comfortable pace and follow the conversation where it naturally wants to go. Some of the best stories take a little time to surface.

Do we need to prepare anything?
We have a conversation before meeting to discuss the interview, who is involved, setting, questions and photos if they are to be included. We guide the conversation with questions and follow the trail that emerges. These conversations can be very spontaneous and rewarding for participants and families.

What if the person has memory challenges?
That is very common, and it is okay. Our approach is patient, unhurried, and respectful. We meet people where they are. Often, the right question, a familiar photograph, or a small detail from the past can open the door to memories that have not been spoken about in years.

Where do interviews take place?
We come to the place where the person feels most comfortable: their home, a care facility, or another familiar setting. Comfort matters. It helps people relax, and that comes through in the conversation.

Why are photos encouraged?
Photographs are one of the most powerful ways to unlock memories. A tiny detail in an old picture, such as a car, a kitchen table, a house, a uniform, or a familiar face, can lead to a story that has not been thought about in decades.

Bringing a small stack of favorite photos can make the interview feel more natural and comfortable. If photos are included in the final film, we can digitally scan them as part of the process.

Is StoreyKeeper insured?
Yes. StoreyKeeper carries commercial liability insurance for peace of mind during every shoot. If a venue, care facility, or organization requires a Certificate of Insurance, we can provide one.

What equipment do you use?
We use a professional two-camera setup, lavalier microphones, lighting, and, when helpful, a reflector to create a natural and flattering image. We film in a high-quality format that allows careful color correction, and the final film is edited in Final Cut Pro. Finished videos are delivered in 4K resolution on a USB memory stick, with a private downloadable link for family sharing.

How do we get started?
Reach out through the contact page and we’ll have a brief conversation about who you would like to interview, where filming would take place, and what you hope to preserve. There is no obligation. It is simply a chance to see if StoreyKeeper feels like the right fit.