Many of our elders are hesitant
to have the stories of their lives captured on video. Some are fearful of the
camera and are intimidated by their perceived notion of the interview
experience. Others are simply humble or don’t believe that their stories are
worthy of being told. Here are a few ways to approach the more resistant elders
of your family, as well as some ideas about how to actually conduct their
family history interview.
The best time to approach resistant parents or elder relatives is during a family gathering, reunion or holiday. When multiple family members share their desire to have their elders’ stories recorded for their grandchildren and future generations to enjoy, the fears that the elders hold can surely be trumped by the love and respect that they now feel.
Let them know that they are doing you a favor. Preface with, “It’s important to me and the rest of our family to record the stories of your life. Your history is my history, and I really want your grandchildren to know where they came from.”
Deep down everyone wants someone to care about who they are and the stories that they have to tell, even if they say otherwise. By highlighting your desire to keep the family legacy alive eternally, you can crack through their walls of fear and humility.
Choose a setting that is familiar and comfortable to the elder being interviewed. Their home or the home of their children will create a relaxed atmosphere which will greatly enhance the quality of their storytelling.
To help elders feel more at ease with this experience, get a third party to perform the interview. Many times family baggage and judgment can get in the way of honest disclosure, and an experienced interviewer will create a safe and supportive space for your elders to relay their stories freely.
Hire a professional videographer to record the interview. When you get your elders to agree to the experience of sharing their stories, you want to be sure that the video is produced successfully. Many aspects such as lighting, sound and editing can be overwhelming for a family member or amateur to produce effectively. Also, many times the videographer is also the interviewer, so be sure to have him or her meet the interviewee before the day of the recording to create a comfortable rapport. Don’t hesitate to ask for samples and references to assure that you hire a truly experienced and responsible professional.
Like to learn more? Contact our friendly staff at Liberty Entertainment Group for pricing and more information.
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