Honor Your Family By Making Your Own Family Legacy Videos from Udemy

Some people are fortunate enough be able to commission beautiful video biographies of family members, to be handed down and cherished for generations. But, the process is long and expensive. Not everyone can afford a video biography done by a professional.

The typical Family Legacy Video is a very expensive investment, running into the thousands of dollars.

The good news is that, even Hopelessly Busy People Can Make a Family Legacy Video in a Few Weekends and For Very Little Cost.

It always breaks my heart when I see families with elders who have wonderful, important stories to tell, but they never get recorded or preserved because the family either can't afford to have it done, or they just don't know what to do.

That's why I decided to develop this course: to show you how to do it yourself, and to do it quickly at very little cost.

I lead you through the process step-by-step. I'll take you from the initial idea, to getting your family member to sit in front of your camera, setting up your video shoot, getting good quality video, sound, and lighting, editing, and finally, turning the project into a polished DVD as a gift for the entire family, both now and for generations to come.

There are many reasons to create a Family Legacy Video:

Celebrate someone's life
Preserve important family stories and memories
Gain insight into the struggles, choices, and forces that shaped the person's life, which in turn shaped the life of the family
Share your wisdom and the lessons the person has experienced
Put names and stories with those old family photos
Bring life to the family tree
Connect the generations
Bear witness to events that affected many
Give back to the family
As a gift from one generation to the next

In this course, you will learn how to make one relatively quickly, and at a small fraction of the cost of hiring a professional.

Contents and Overview In over 2 hours of content, including 22 lectures, this course covers why Family Legacies are important, how to choose a subject, convincing your subject to tell their story, collecting the photos and memorabilia and organizing it.

This course also covers what equipment you'll need, how to set it up for the video shoot, sound and lighting, and what kind of questions to ask your subject on camera.

You will also learn about editing your video with photos, archival footage, and music, among other important lessons.

Upon completion students will have the knowledge and skills to conceive of a biographical video documentary, featuring an important loved one in the family, set up an effective video recording session, in which the subject tells the stories from their past, including memories, experiences, wisdom and advice for future generations. They will be able to take the raw video, import it into a video editing software program, and turn it into a compelling video biography on DVD for showing the family, and for preserving for 100 years and beyond.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Impart to family memebers how important it is to preserve their life stories, especially in a video program that allows them to tell their story in their own voice, and with their own expressions.
Set up a video shoot to capture their loved one’s memories

Edit the video into a beautiful program that will be treasured for generations
Prepare and create beautiful video documentary programs to give to family and friends as gifts that will live for generations.

Impart to family memebers how important it is to preserve their life stories, especially in a video program that allows them to tell their story in their own voice, and with their own expressions.
Set up a video shoot to capture their loved one’s memories
Edit the video into a beautiful program that will be treasured for generations
Prepare and create beautiful video documentary programs to give to family and friends as gifts that will live for generations.

Syllabus

Students will learn the importance of preserving the memories and experiences of family members.

In this lecture we explore the reasons that it is so important that we capture and preserve the stories and experiences of our family members, or even our own stories in order to hand them down and make them accessible to future generations.

In this lecture we look at what makes a Family History Video; what i is, and what is its purpose.

Even though we are well-intentioned, most of us put off recording our stories and experiences. This lecture looks at the reasons, and how to overcome our blocks and objections.

We take a look at deciding who will be the subject of our first Family History Video.

This lecture examines the ways in which we can accomplish the sometimes difficult task of getting our potential video subjects to agree to participate in our Family History Video project.

A discussion of the various elements that can be included in your Family History Video, including topics of discussion.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Guides learners through the entire video production process, from initial concept to final DVD creation, which is ideal for beginners

Teaches learners how to conduct effective video shoots, including video, audio, and lighting setups, which are essential for capturing high-quality footage

Explores the importance of preserving family stories and memories, which can help connect generations and provide insight into the past

Covers basic video editing techniques, including adding music and creating a compelling story, which are useful for producing an engaging final product

Requires learners to have access to video editing software, which may require a separate purchase or subscription

Focuses on creating DVDs as the final product, which may be less relevant for audiences who prefer digital formats or online sharing

Reviews summary

Create your family legacy video

According to learners, this course provides a clear and achievable step-by-step guide for creating family legacy videos. Many found the sections on interviewing subjects especially helpful, and appreciated how the course highlights the emotional importance of preserving family stories. While it offers a comprehensive overview from concept to completion, some students felt that the technical details, particularly regarding video editing software and final delivery formats like DVDs, were too basic or outdated for those seeking more in-depth technical skills. The course successfully outlines the process for a low-cost, DIY approach, but note that you will need to provide your own equipment and editing tools.

Requires external software/equipment investment.

"Be aware that you need to get your own camera, microphone, and find video editing software separately."

"The course doesn't teach specific editing software, so there's another learning curve you'll face."

"You'll need to acquire your own equipment and choose your own editing program."

Emphasizes the 'why' and emotional value.

"It really motivated me to start this project by highlighting why these legacy videos are so important to family."

"Beyond the technical, it connects you deeply to the emotional core and significance of the project."

"This course truly helped me see and feel the value of preserving these precious family stories for future generations."

Provides practical tips for interviewing subjects.

"The questions provided and advice on how to get people talking openly were invaluable when I did my interview."

"I felt much more prepared and less nervous about conducting the interview after going through this section."

"I learned great techniques for encouraging stories and getting natural, meaningful responses from my family member."

Offers clear, easy-to-follow instructions.

"The course breaks down the process into manageable steps, making it feel achievable for a beginner like me."

"It walks you through everything needed, even if you've never done video projects before, step-by-step."

"Following the clear, step-by-step format, I felt confident tackling this potentially daunting project."

Technical sections are too brief or outdated.

"While the overview is good for concept, the technical parts like specific editing software usage felt superficial."

"The information on camera, audio, and lighting setup was very basic; I needed to look elsewhere for more detail."

"Some of the software recommendations and the strong focus on creating DVDs seem a bit old-fashioned now in a streaming world."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Honor Your Family By Making Your Own Family Legacy Videos with these activities:

Review 'StoryCorps: Unscripted: Life Stories in Our Own Voices'

Show steps

Provide inspiration and guidance on effective storytelling and interview techniques.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the introduction and first chapter.
Skim through the rest of the book.
Note down interview questions.

Practice basic video editing techniques

Show steps

Reinforce essential video editing skills to ensure a smoother post-production process.

Browse courses on Video Editing

Show steps

Download a free video editor.
Import sample video clips.
Practice trimming and splicing clips.
Add transitions and basic effects.

Compile a list of interview questions

Show steps

Prepare a comprehensive list of questions to guide the interview process and ensure you capture all the important stories.

Show steps

Brainstorm potential questions.
Categorize questions by topic.
Refine questions for clarity.
Organize questions in a logical order.

Four other activities

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Practice setting up video and audio equipment

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Improve your proficiency in setting up video and audio equipment to ensure high-quality recordings.

Show steps

Set up camera and tripod.
Position lighting for optimal effect.
Connect and test audio equipment.
Record a short test video.

Create a storyboard for your family legacy video

Show steps

Plan the visual narrative of your video to ensure a cohesive and engaging final product.

Show steps

Outline the key scenes.
Sketch out each scene.
Add notes about camera angles.
Include dialogue and narration cues.

Review 'The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy'

Show steps

Provide context for understanding family history and lineage.

View The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the introduction and first chapter.
Skim through the rest of the book.
Note down interesting facts.

Archive and digitize old family photos

Show steps

Preserve and organize family photos to enhance the visual storytelling in your video.

Show steps

Gather all old family photos.
Scan or photograph each photo.
Organize digital photos by date.
Add captions and descriptions.

Career center

Learners who complete Honor Your Family By Making Your Own Family Legacy Videos will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Multimedia Producer

Multimedia producers create content for various platforms, including text, audio, and video. They are responsible for the entire process of production, from initial idea to final delivery. This course may be incredibly useful for producers as it teaches the skills to create engaging video content. This course's lessons in video production, video setup, and video editing, should provide practical skills for multimedia producers, allowing them to manage video projects effectively from start to finish. The course offers a strong foundation in video production and may help aspiring producers build a strong skillset.

See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Producer

Video Editor

A video editor is responsible for assembling raw footage into a polished final product, a key skill that this course helps to build. This role demands both creativity and technical ability. Video editors work with various types of media, such as dialogue, sound effects, and music and this course teaches many of these techniques. The course also provides training in how to interview a subject, set up equipment, and organize media, which are crucial for creating a compelling video. This course is ideal for anyone wanting to learn the fundamental skills necessary to develop a deep understanding of video editing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Personal Historian

Personal historians help individuals and families preserve their stories and memories, often creating books and videos based on their lives. This course helps build the foundation for a personal historian's skill set. This course provides practical training in collecting personal stories, setting up interviews, video and audio recording and editing, equipping personal historians for video production. The course's emphasis on turning family histories into lasting video programs makes it ideal for anyone seeking a career in preserving memories and stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Personal Historian

Family Historian

Family historians research and document their family's genealogy, stories, and heritage. This course can be a tremendous help to family historians. The course teaches the techniques and skills to document family histories in video, which helps to bring to life the stories and experiences of family members. The course not only introduces best practices in capturing information, but also explores how to organize and present it in a way that is both engaging and meaningful. This course is uniquely suited for those passionate about family heritage and who wish to go beyond the written page and incorporate video into their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Family Historian

Videographer

A videographer creates video content, whether for stories, marketing, or events and this course helps build the foundation for this career. They operate cameras, set up lighting, and ensure high quality audio capture. This course teaches the technical aspects of videography including how to set up a video shoot, configure audio and lighting, and capture interviews effectively. This course is a practical learning experience for aspiring videographers since it covers many aspects of video creation, helping them to develop expertise in video production. The course’s focus on capturing and preserving stories is perfect for those interested in narrative-driven video work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Videographer

Oral Historian

Oral historians collect personal accounts and stories from individuals through interviews. This course teaches the skills necessary to not only capture oral histories, but also how to organize and present them in video format. This course is helpful for oral historians because it provides a practical approach to conducting interviews, recording memories, and editing video. The course's focus on preserving history and stories makes it particularly useful for those interested in the spoken word, but who want to present it in video.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oral Historian

Documentary Filmmaker

Documentary filmmakers create non-fiction films that explore real events, issues, and people, and this course introduces the core skills for this kind of project. They develop storylines and capture the stories of their subjects through interviews, archival footage, and other real-world sources. This course helps one develop the ability to structure narratives, conduct interviews, and manage the technical parts of video creation and production which are necessary for documentary work. The course's emphasis on preserving personal histories and turning them into compelling stories makes it very useful for aspiring documentary filmmakers and would make for an ideal learning experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Documentary Filmmaker

Content Creator

A content creator develops engaging text, audio, or video material for various online platforms, such as social media or websites. This course can be quite helpful in developing the skills needed to create engaging video content. This course teaches how to conduct interviews, organize media, and use editing software to craft a final video product that will capture an audience. The course's lessons can help one expand their skill set by providing a way to organize ideas and structure a narrative for video content, making it valuable for content creators wanting to add video to their repertoire.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

Archivist

Archivists manage and preserve important records and materials like documents, photos, and videos. This course may be useful for archivists, as preservation is a key part of their work. The course provides training on how to capture audio and video, which can be used to create and maintain a growing collection of media. The principles of the course regarding the organization of material as well as how to assemble them into a presentation may be helpful in an archivist's work. This course could be a great way to learn more about how to record and manage information for posterity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Digital Storyteller

A digital storyteller crafts narratives using multimedia elements for digital platforms. Video is a key tool for digital storytellers, and this course helps to teach key skills. This course teaches the technical aspects of video creation, such as setting up equipment, configuring audio and lighting, and editing raw footage. The course's emphasis on preserving stories make it a good fit for people who work in narrative-driven digital media. The course provides fundamental skills in video creation and storytelling and may appeal to those interested in becoming digital storytellers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Storyteller

Social Media Manager

A social media manager develops and implements social media strategies for organizations. They are responsible for creating content and engaging with an audience. This course may help provide training in creating video content for use on social media. By teaching video setup, interview skills, and editing techniques, this course provides some of the fundamental skills needed to produce engaging video content for social media platforms. The course should prove to be a useful way to broaden the skills of a social media manager looking to add more video to their portfolio.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Instructional Designer

Instructional designers create engaging educational content, often for online courses and training programs. This course may be helpful for instructional designers who need to create video content for education. The course teaches many important skills in video production. These skills include how to set up a video shoot, configure the audio and lighting, and organize and present the material in a final video. The course’s focus on clear and engaging presentation of content aligns well with the work of an instructional designer, and would provide a way to learn useful video skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Marketing Specialist

Marketing specialists create and manage marketing campaigns to promote goods or services. This course may be useful in creating video content. The course teaches video production techniques that may be used to create marketing content. The course's step-by-step lessons on how to organize a video from start to finish, and present it in a polished manner would prove useful to marketing specialists wanting to add more video to their marketing campaigns. This course may provide a foundation in video production skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Specialist

Communications Specialist

Communications specialists manage the flow of information within an organization or between an organization and the public. This course may be helpful for communications specialists who need to create video content for communications purposes. The course provides instruction in video recording, setup, and production. This course may provide a way to build some basic skills in video. The course will help one develop a way to present information in a clear and compelling video format.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Specialist

Public Relations Specialist

A public relations specialist manages an organization's public image. They may be involved in creating video content for publicity purposes. This course may provide the training in video production that can help public relations specialists communicate their message more effectively. This course’s many lessons on presenting information in a polished video format, may help increase the capabilities of a public relations specialist. This course may be a good option for someone who wishes to learn the basics of video production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Honor Your Family By Making Your Own Family Legacy Videos

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Create your family legacy video

Activities

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