How Much Does A Video Biography Cost?

I am going to blow up video biography "omertà" and give you actual market prices, just hang in there). But I do have to say that the price or cost of a video biography will depend on the features you would hope to include. Makes sense, right? But even better than that, it needn't cost a penny.The Zero Dollar Video Biography Pricing Option The most important part of any family history project is to just get started. And you should never let funds stop you from starting - these are projects of passion, not cashion (if you get my drift). And you actually can do quite a good job on your own.

You will need a decent video camera (promise me you won't use your phone or your laptop - unless you really, really have no other options); also the owner's manual; a lavalier mic.; and a tripod. Oh, and a bright room with no direct sunlight on your subject. There is ample guidance on the web, just try Binging "DIY family history video" to see some of the tips I have given elsewhere and then try "video biography questions". Your are on your way!You may not have a family history documentary with this no-cost option, but you have saved a life through video.The Actual Dollar Video Biography Cost Options OK, I suspect if you are still reading then your have in mind to contact a professional video producer. How much will that set you back?First, let's distinguish between an amateur or friend; a wedding videographer and a family history professional.Family History Videos By Friends and Family An amateur or friend kind of fits into the "Zero Dollar Video Biography Pricing Option", but they might charge you three or four hundred dollars for their equipment and their time. Or if not, you should think about paying them anyway. This should be especially so if in addition to interviewing and filming, you are going to ask them to ingest the video, edit it just a bit, and output it somewhere.This stuff is fiddly and time consuming and it's really not fair to ask them to do all that for free. Also, if you decide to rely on their best intentions you may find that delivery of the finished product gets a little held up!Family History Videos By Wedding Videographers This can be a pretty good option, especially if you are prepared to work closely with the videographer in relation to setups, questions, images and the like. A number of wedding videographers are attracted to family history video work because it allows them to film during their relatively quiet weekdays (weddings are shot, almost always, on weekends).Most reputable wedding videographers who have been in business for - let's say 5 years - really know their stuff. They can shoot with multiple cameras, know all about lighting, often have dollies and cranes, a modern editing suite, and are almost always terrific still photographers, and usually do great audio.Now, you may not need all of their core talents (intimate knowledge of the tried and tested wedding and reception stages, wedding slow-pans, rack focusing from flowers to the bride's mother etc). Editing and creating Event Video Production non-interview content is time-consuming.