Life story recording at home in Millburn, NJ

Making a short film

Some storytelling pros bring a video camera and lights and set up in the living room. Over a few sessions, they film your parent telling stories, then edit it into a short film with old photos and maybe some music. It is a lovely thing to show at a birthday or holiday.

Others work in audio only, which is less formal and great for shy speakers. Some help turn the stories into a printed book. Each profile says which they offer.

The filming itself is usually relaxed. The pro sets up in a comfortable chair, adjusts the lights and starts with easy questions. Breaks are fine. Most people forget about the camera after a few minutes. Families often say the hardest part was getting started, and once the first session is done, the rest flows.

Questions that open doors

Good pros come with questions but listen for the detail that leads somewhere. What did you want to be as a child? What was the hardest year? What do you want your grandkids to know?

Local memories are great prompts. Ask about nights at Paper Mill Playhouse, the commute from Millburn or Short Hills station, or what Millburn Avenue looked like decades ago.

Local history as a starting point

The Millburn Free Public Library keeps a local history collection, which can be a fun source of old photos and maps to spark memories before a session. Seeing an old picture of a street can bring back a surprising amount.

If your parent moved here from somewhere else, the story of why they chose Millburn is often a good one.

Some families use storytelling to collect stories from both parents, separately or together. Couples often tell the same story in delightfully different ways. A pro can plan sessions so each person gets time alone and some time together, which tends to bring out the best stories.

Cost and planning

Each pro charges an hourly rate of $50 to $150, and you can book 1, 1.5 or 2 hour sessions. Your total at checkout includes a $2.50 booking fee and a 10% service fee. Most projects take several sessions. Agree on the finished product, delivery and who keeps the raw files before you book.

Gift cards from $50 make this a popular family gift. After each visit, the pro writes a short note on what was covered.

Many families start with a single session to see how their parent feels about it. If it goes well, which it usually does, they book the rest as a weekly series so the momentum carries.