The footage to gather
- An old photograph
- A present-day recreation
- A short reflection together
Give each moment a little breathing room. Get close enough to show the detail, and keep the original clips handy.
Plan a chronological montage
Opening
Establish who, where and when with one clear opening.
Middle
Choose a small set of meaningful scenes and use plain transitions so time stays easy to follow.
Ending
Return to a moment that connects everyone in the story.
Review it for anniversaries
Check the dates and get permission before including private letters or recordings.
Ask yourself: Are the dates and relationships clear to a relative who was not there?
Watch it as if you were seeing it for the first time. If something is unclear, try a different cut or add the missing shot.