FAQ

DIGITIZING & GETTING STARTED

  • Digitizing means converting analog media — like VHS tapes, Super 8 film, or other older formats — into digital video files. Once digitized, footage can be watched on a computer or TV, backed up, shared with family, and used in projects like slideshows or custom films.

  • Most people use a local shop or a trusted mail-in service to handle the conversion. These services typically return digital files via download, USB, or hard drive.

    Check out this guide to learn about digitizing VHS tapes.

  • Super 8 film must be scanned using specialized equipment. Most people use a reputable mail-in film scanning service. Costs and quality vary depending on resolution and condition of the film.

    If you’re unsure how much to digitize or which format to request, I can help you think through that before you send anything out. Or, check out this guide on how to digitize Super 8 film.

  • Before sending anything out, it helps to:

    • identify what formats you have (VHS, Super 8, etc.)

    • note any labels, dates, or handwritten notes

    • think about whether you want full transfers or selective digitizing

    You don’t need to organize or review everything first, but having a general sense of what you’re sending makes the digitizing process smoother and helps avoid surprises later.

  • Turnaround time depends on the service and the amount of material, but most digitizing services take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks. Larger orders or older film formats can take longer.

    If you’re working toward a specific date — like a wedding, birthday, or memorial — it’s a good idea to plan digitizing early. I’m always happy to help you think through timing so everything is ready when you need it.

FOOTAGE & MATERIALS

  • Often, yes. Glare and reflections are common when photos are photographed in frames. In many cases, these can be reduced or removed during the editing and restoration process. Each image is different, but I’m always happy to take a look and let you know what’s possible.

  • There are a few good options, depending on what you’re comfortable with:

    • Scan them yourself using a flatbed scanner if you have one

    • Use a local photo lab or mail-in service to scan prints or albums

    • Photograph them with your phone using a scanning app

    I’m happy to suggest settings or look at a test image before you scan everything.

  • Most projects include a mix of phone videos, scanned photos, digitized VHS footage, and files from different family members.

    You don’t need to consolidate or perfectly organize everything before sending it. Part of my job is helping you make sense of what you have and shaping it into something cohesive.

  • I work with all kinds of material — digitized VHS tapes, smartphone videos, digital and scanned photos, family albums, and audio recordings. Whether your memories live in old shoeboxes or across multiple devices, I’ll help you gather what you need.

    If some materials haven’t been digitized yet, I can guide you through that process or recommend trusted services.

  • Totally doable! Some of my favorite films have been made entirely from photos. Whether you’re working with old family albums, scanned prints, or thousands of digital images, I can help shape them into a meaningful short film.

  • I use a Dropbox folder to collect files. You don’t need a Dropbox account.

    I’ll send you a private link. You simply:

    • click the link

    • drag and drop your videos and photos into the folder

    That’s it. You can upload files over time, and nothing is shared publicly. If your footage is coming from multiple people or sources, this makes it easy to gather everything in one place.

THE FILMS THEMSELVES

  • I create custom short films — little love stories — that celebrate you and your loved ones using home videos, digitized footage, and family photos. These films are often made for wedding rehearsal dinners, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations of life, and legacy gifts.

  • Most custom films are between 4 and 10 minutes long, though the final length depends on the story, the occasion, and how much footage you provide. I’ll work with you to find a length that feels intentional and right.

  • Of course. Every film includes one round of revisions. Once you’ve seen the first cut, you can tell me what you love and what you’d like adjusted. I want the final version to feel like you — personal, meaningful, and worth watching for years to come.

  • Most films are completed within 4 to 6 weeks after I receive all materials. Turnaround depends on the length of the film, the amount of footage, and my current schedule. If you’re working toward a specific date, let me know and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

  • Pricing depends on the length of the film, the type of footage, and the complexity of the edit. Every project is different, so I’ll work with you to provide a quote that fits your vision, timeline, and budget. More information is available on my pricing page.

  • Most people play these films during special events — wedding rehearsal dinners, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or memorials. Others give them as surprise gifts to parents, spouses, or close friends.

    You’ll receive a high-quality digital file that can be shared easily, played on a screen at an event, or saved as a keepsake.