About the process
Is this just a video interview?
No — and that difference is everything. An interview is a transaction. What we do is different. We spend real time before the camera is ever turned on understanding your family, preparing your parent, and finding the questions that surface what sixty years of ordinary life have kept just below the surface. The result isn't "interview footage." It's a film your family will return to for generations.
What if my parent is nervous or resistant?
Most are, at first. Our whole process is designed for that. We move at their pace. There's no script, no performance required. Most people relax within the first ten minutes — and then they can't stop talking.
How long does the whole process take?
From your first call to final delivery: as little as 14 days. Day 1 is your free discovery call. Days 2–5 we prepare — building questions, scheduling, preparing your parent. Day 7 is the recorded session. By Day 14, your Legacy Film is delivered. We take care with every step, but we don't make you wait.
How long is the final Legacy Film?
Most Legacy Films run between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how much your family shares. You also receive shorter highlight clips — typically 3 to 5 minutes — that are easy to share with extended family, post online, or play at a gathering.
How is this different from hiring a videographer?
A videographer captures what's in front of the camera. We surface what isn't. The preparation, the guided conversation, the listening — that's what separates a film a family watches once from one they return to forever. We're not a production crew. We're trained story guides who happen to bring cameras.
Logistics & access
Can this be done virtually if my parent lives far away?
Yes. We work with families across the country. In-person sessions give you the richest result — the light, the room, the physical presence — but virtual sessions are available and still extraordinary. We've captured deeply moving stories over video call. Distance is not a reason to wait.
Where does EraLoom serve families?
EraLoom is based in Iowa and Hawaiʻi and serves families nationwide. In-person sessions are available throughout Iowa (Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Des Moines, and surrounding areas) and Hawaiʻi. Virtual sessions are available anywhere in the United States. If you're unsure whether we can get to you — just ask.
Can I be in the room during the recording?
Yes — though most families find that their parent tells stories differently (more openly, more completely) when the adult children aren't in the room. We'll discuss this during your free call and figure out what's right for your family. Some families prefer to be present. Others prefer to receive the film as a complete surprise.
Can EraLoom capture multiple family members?
Yes. Some sessions include both parents, or a parent and their sibling, or a grandparent with grandchildren present. The dynamics change when more people are involved, and we'll prepare accordingly. Reach out and we'll talk through what the right structure looks like for your family.
Special situations
My parent has early memory issues. Is it too late?
Please don't assume that. This is often when families feel the most urgency — and rightfully so. Reach out before you decide it's too late. Our approach adapts to each person. Long-term memory — stories, emotions, personality — often remains intact long after short-term memory has begun to fade. We've done this. Let's talk before you decide it's not possible.
What if my parent passes before we can schedule?
This is the fear that drives most families to reach out. We take scheduling seriously because we know what's at stake. When you contact us, we move quickly. If there is urgency — health, age, a recent diagnosis — tell us on the call and we will prioritize accordingly.
What if my parent doesn't speak English as their first language?
Stories told in the language someone thinks and dreams in are often the richest ones. We'll discuss this during your free call and figure out the right approach — whether that means bringing in a trusted family member, having a bilingual session, or another solution that works for your specific situation.
Cost & delivery
What does an EraLoom Legacy Session cost?
Legacy Sessions start at $1,997. We'll give you exact pricing on our free call — after we understand your situation, your family, and what you want to capture. You won't be surprised and you won't be pressured. That's a promise. See our full pricing page for details.
Who receives the final film, and is it private?
You do. Your Legacy Film is delivered privately — never shared, never published, never used in our marketing without your explicit written consent. The film is yours. How you share it with your family is entirely up to you.