Something you may not know about me – I love dessert. Baked goods, soft ice cream from upstate New York, and especially half-moon cookies.
So when I think about what makes a great legacy film, I see it like an ice cream sundae.
The interview is the ice cream – the core of the sundae and the heart of the story. But what makes it special? The extras. The “whipped cream” of archival photos, the “hot fudge” of live-action footage, and the “sprinkles” of home movies. These elements transform a simple interview into a vibrant and meaningful film.
In recent conversations with family office clients, two themes kept surfacing: the desire to include real-life footage of the family and the importance of incorporating the next generation.
Historical photos help illustrate the past, but for forward-looking narratives, nothing breathes life into a film like real, unscripted moments of family interaction. Seeing a family together laughing, cooking, playing, or working toward a shared goal makes the story come alive.
Including the next generation can be tricky. Unlike adults who may enjoy reflecting on the past, children and teenagers live in the present. They may not sit still for a formal interview and can’t always offer deep reflections. That’s why it’s best to involve them in a way that feels natural—capturing them immersed in an environment that holds meaning for the family.
One of my favorite projects where we achieved both goals was a legacy film we created for the Mittler family foundation. Corey Lake had been their family’s cherished summer retreat for generations. This setting became the heart of their story.
We filmed the grandchildren playing in the water, talking about their favorite things to do, and—most movingly—talking about their late grandfather. Hearing their off-the-cuff memories added depth and emotion that a sit-down interview never could.
If you’re helping your client share their family’s legacy story, brainstorm meaningful places and traditions they might want to capture and ways that the next generation could be included. Maybe it’s a family reunion, a day of service, or cooking a favorite meal together. If your client has a foundation, perhaps it’s a visit to a grantee site.
Remember that while sit-down interviews are critical to the story, it’s those lived moments that can make a film unforgettable.
Need help coming up with unique ways to capture your client’s legacy stories? Let’s chat – I love generating ideas. (And even better if it’s while eating ice cream!)
