Frequently asked questions.
What is Amber Archives?
Amber Archives specializes in creating documentary-style portraits and narratives for aging and end-of-life individuals. Our services capture and preserve the rich history and wisdom of our elders through professional audio and visual storytelling.
Why was Amber Archives founded?
Amber Archives was established in Austin, Texas, by a group of filmmakers and friends united by their profound appreciation for storytelling, particularly the narratives of elderly individuals. Recognizing that the wisdom of our elders is a priceless treasure often overlooked, we were inspired to use our filmmaking expertise to create a specialized brand dedicated to crafting artful video portraits. Our mission is to honor and preserve the rich histories of the elderly, ensuring their legacies are captured and cherished for generations.
What products does Amber Archives offer?
Amber Archives offers three main products:
An Oral History: An audio-only narrative based on interviews, accompanied by digitized photos and other assets.
A Day in the Life: A video journal based on one day’s worth of collected stories and digitized photos.
The Time Capsule: A comprehensive package including multiple days of family filming, genealogical research, and photo scanning.
Why should I preserve a video of myself, my parents or my grandparents?
Preserving videos of your loved ones ensures that their stories and legacy are captured and able to be cherished by future generations, providing a timeless connection to your family’s past.
Why choose Amber Archives over DIY recording?
Amber Archives offers a combination of professional filmmaking expertise, high-quality equipment, and a seasoned crew that elevates the final product far beyond what can typically be achieved with personal recording devices.
What about the costs?
Our pricing is quote-based and can vary by project, but our general pricing guidelines are outlined here:
TEXAS PRICING
Audio Memorial - 1 day - $1,000
Video Portrait - 1 day - $4,000
Time Capsule - 2 or more days
1st day - $4,000
2nd day - $3,500
3rd day and every day after - $3,000
OUTSIDE OF TEXAS PRICING
Audio Memorial - 1 day - $2,000
Video Portrait - 1 day - $6,000
Time Capsule - 2 or more days
1st day - $6,000
2nd day - $4,000
3rd day and every day after - $3,000
Do you offer crowdfunding or installment plans?
Yes, we do!
Understanding the significance of our services but also their cost, we offer crowdfunding management through Kickstarter for a $100 retainer fee. This allows your entire family and community to contribute, making it more affordable and inclusive. If the campaign is successful, the retainer will be deducted from the final invoice. If the campaign is unsuccessful, no contributors will be charged.
We also offer installment plans.
Please reach out for more information and a specialized quote!
Do you only operate in Austin, Texas?
While based in Austin, we love to travel and offer our services both within and outside of Texas. Contact us for a consultation to discuss specific pricing for your location.
How do you handle filming for elderly or ailing individuals?
Our team is experienced and trained to work sensitively and adaptively in various environments to ensure the comfort and safety of our subjects. Please let us know if you or your family require special accommodations.
Do you only film elderly people?
No, we are happy to work with clients of any age. While our services are particularly well-suited for documenting the lives of the elderly, they are equally effective for capturing family reunions and other significant gatherings.
Can you digitize my old tapes?
At Amber Archives, we are equipped to handle high-resolution scanning of your physical media, including old photos and journals, ensuring they are preserved with the utmost care and quality. For digitization of audio and video media, such as audiocassettes and VHS, we collaborate with professional digitization services to guarantee the highest standard of quality. This process is managed seamlessly through us, with the service provided at cost plus a 10% coordination fee to ensure everything is handled efficiently and to your satisfaction.
How involved can I be in the documentary process?
Family involvement is crucial to our process. We encourage family members to participate in interviews, provide input, and be present during filming to ensure the narrative truly reflects the essence of the individual.
What should I expect in the days leading up to the interview?
After you hire us, our producer will get in touch in the weeks leading up to the interview to gather preliminary information about our subject. This preparation phase is crucial to ensure we capture the essence of the narrative you wish to preserve and cultivate a sense of openness and trust. Our team will work with you to collect necessary materials such as photos, journals, old films, recordings, and more. This process helps us tailor the interview and filming to reflect the true spirit and history of the individual being honored.
What should I expect on the day of filming?
On the day of filming, our team will arrive at a predetermined time and begin by having a brief meeting with the family. This includes a tour of the location to ensure we understand the setting and any special considerations. After the tour, we will begin setting up for the interview. Our producer will be available throughout the day to answer any questions and facilitate the process, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Typically, our filming days last around 10 hours, though this can vary depending on the client’s needs. The day may include extensive interviews or traveling to different locations to record additional b-roll footage as needed.
What if I misspeak in my interview?
Being on camera can be stressful, and we understand that it's easy to misspeak or say something unintended. To ensure your satisfaction, all of our products include one free edit. You will have the opportunity to review and provide input on the content before we finalize and deliver the product to you.
What should I expect after the interview?
Following the interview, we will provide you with a form containing all the scanned information, such as photographs and documents, where you can annotate details about who or what is depicted. This step is essential for ensuring accuracy in our final edit.
Typically, our turnaround time varies but is generally within 2-3 weeks. We aim to deliver the final product to you within one month from the completion of the interview. This timeframe also includes any edits you might request to ensure that the final output perfectly aligns with your expectations.
Will you post my video online?
By default, we post all of our videos online for marketing purposes. However, we understand and respect that some clients may prefer to keep their online presence to a minimum. If this is your preference, please let us know, and we will accommodate your privacy concerns.
Can I have a physical copy of my materials?
Yes! Upon completion of the project, we send a link to you with all your downloadable materials. However, if you prefer a physical copy, we are happy to provide that for a small additional charge. We keep a copy of the raw footage for marketing purposes and potential re-edits in the future and are happy to provide all uncut media as well.