Places and beginnings
A childhood home, the neighbourhood they knew, moving across the world or the people who raised them.
Christmas gifts · Sydney
Give their stories
Give their stories
a place to live.
For the person who has enough things, give the chance to tell their story. A warm, cinematic film made from their voice, photographs, everyday moments and the people they love.
Share the idea at Christmas. Arrange the filming together when it suits them.A different kind of Christmas gift
Something you can share. Something you can keep.
Christmas often brings several generations together. A Life Portrait Film gives one person, a couple or a wider family room to share the stories that do not always come out around the table.
We begin with an easy conversation and follow the details that make them themselves: the place they grew up, a chance meeting, a family ritual, an old photograph that starts a story.
You can give the idea of the film at Christmas, then make the actual experience theirs. Together, we agree on the people, the setting and a filming date that feels comfortable.
The gift is an invitation
No secret camera. No Christmas deadline.
Tell them you would love to make a film of their story. They can choose whether to take part, what they would like to share and when to film. A Christmas card with a personal note can introduce the idea; the filming itself happens later, at an agreed time.
If you need a finished film for a particular gathering, let us know early. We will confirm availability and a realistic delivery date before you book.
See a past film
A film that sounds and feels like them.
Conversations are woven with photographs, meaningful objects, familiar places and small everyday moments. The film is shaped around their natural voice, with a longer interview film to keep in The Life Portrait and A Family Film.
What makes the story theirs?
Follow the details you know by heart.
There is no script to learn. We prepare thoughtful prompts, then leave room for the stories that emerge naturally.
People and turning points
How they met, friendships that lasted, choices that changed a direction and the family they made along the way.
Family favourites
Recipes, rituals, holidays, funny mishaps and the small sayings everyone instantly recognises.
What matters now
The things they have learned, what brings them joy and anything they would like younger generations to hear.
Comfort comes first
They only have to be themselves.
Most people we film are not used to being interviewed. That is completely normal.
The conversation is unhurried and usually takes place at home or somewhere familiar. There is nothing to memorise, no need to look into the camera and plenty of time to pause, think, laugh or go off on a tangent.
We plan around their energy and preferences. The aim is to capture the person your family already knows.
How the gift becomes a film
Simple for the family. Thoughtful behind the scenes.
01
Start with an enquiry
Tell us who the gift is for and when you hope to share the idea. We can talk through the options without choosing a filming date yet.
02
Invite them into it
After Christmas, the person being filmed can help choose the setting, the dates and the memories they are happy to share.
03
Film naturally
We capture relaxed interviews and visual moments at an agreed location, with breaks and space for people to settle.
04
Keep the story close
We shape the film, invite the included feedback and deliver private digital files, portraits and a personalised USB.
Choose the depth
Three ways to tell their story.
There is room for a simple conversation, two lives woven together or a wider family film. You can ask us which feels right.
The Conversation
$1,790
One main storyteller, a 30–60-minute lightly tidied conversation film, three edited portraits and a personalised USB.
Explore The ConversationThe Life Portrait
$3,790
One full filming day for two main storytellers and up to two brief family voices. Keep a 5–7-minute crafted story film, a combined 60–90-minute lightly tidied interview film, six edited portraits and a USB.
Explore The Life PortraitA Family Film
$6,990
Two full filming days for two main storytellers and up to four brief family voices. Includes an 8–12-minute crafted film, a combined 60–90-minute lightly tidied interview film, ten edited portraits and a USB.
Explore A Family FilmA few practical questionsA film as a
A film as a
Christmas gift.
Can I make it a surprise?
Yes. You can give the idea of the film at Christmas, then involve the person being filmed in choosing the date and the stories they feel comfortable telling. Nobody needs to face a camera on Christmas Day.
Will the finished film be ready for Christmas?
It does not have to be. Many families share the idea at Christmas and make the film afterwards. If you need the finished film for a particular date, tell us when you enquire. We will check availability and confirm a realistic delivery date in your quote.
Do I need to choose a package or filming date now?
No. We can start with a conversation about the people involved and the kind of film you have in mind. Then agree on the package and a suitable date with the person being filmed before booking.
Can the rest of the family take part?
Yes. Family members can help plan the gift. The Conversation includes one main storyteller. The Life Portrait includes two main storytellers and up to two brief family interviews. A Family Film includes two main storytellers and up to four brief family interviews. Additional voices can be quoted separately.
Can we split a long day into shorter visits?
Yes. The Life Portrait includes one full filming day. If shorter sessions would be more comfortable, two half-day visits at the same home can be arranged for an extra fee agreed in your quote. A Family Film includes two full filming days, with breaks built into each day.
Will the film be shared publicly?
No. Finished films and digital files are delivered privately to your family. We ask separately before using any film or image in our portfolio or marketing.
How far ahead should we enquire?
As early as practical, particularly if you have a date in mind for filming or delivery. We confirm availability and timing individually; there is no assumed promise of a finished film before Christmas.