Governance

Seven perfect moments to embark on a legacy film project

Seven perfect moments to embark on a legacy film project
Family narrative consultant Jamie Yuenger delves into powerful and impactful reasons for committing a family narrative to celluloid…
By Jamie Yuenger

In the whirlwind of life’s many stages and changes, some moments stand out as particularly poignant, ripe for reflection, celebration, and preservation. Through the power of film, you can transform these moments into lasting documents, encapsulating the essence of your stories, values, and visions. Legacy film projects are a means to hold onto the intangible, to give form to memories, and to ensure that the voices of today echo into tomorrow. Here are seven perfect moments to initiate a legacy film project…

1. A family business succession     
Transitions in family businesses are more than mere corporate maneuvers; they are deeply personal and significant events that sometimes strike deeply into the values and future dreams of a family. A legacy film made before, during, or after a family business succession can serve as a powerful tool to acknowledge past contributions while providing a platform for emerging leaders to share their vision and continuity with the past.

2. The foundation of a legacy     
Family foundations often carry forward the charitable visions of their founders, but the essence of why they were established can become diluted over time. Creating a legacy film that tells the story or intention behind your family’s foundation ensures that the core values and purpose are clearly communicated and preserved for future generations.

Seven perfect moments to embark on a legacy film project

3. In the wake of a business liquidation     
The end of a business venture, especially through liquidation, is a profound moment filled with myriad emotions and lessons. It’s a time when the silence left by the ceased operations begs to be filled with the story of the journey. A legacy film can capture the essence of what was built, the challenges faced, the victories celebrated, and the wisdom garnered through the years.

4. Milestones and anniversaries     
Significant personal or business milestones and anniversaries are ideal moments to reflect on the journey, celebrate achievements, and set the tone for future endeavours. Whether it’s a landmark birthday, a wedding anniversary, or a business hitting a monumental mark, a legacy film can encapsulate the journey’s highs and lows, making the milestone even more memorable.

Seven perfect moments to embark on a legacy film project

5. Onboarding new family members or staff     
As families grow and businesses evolve, bringing new members into the fold becomes a recurring theme. Rather than retelling the foundational stories and values each time, a legacy film allows these crucial narratives to be shared directly from those who lived them, ensuring consistency, authenticity, and a deeper connection for newcomers.

6. Paying tribute     
The loss of a loved one or the end of an important leader’s tenure is an indelibly poignant time, filled with reflections on their life, contributions, and the void they leave behind. A legacy film serves as a beautiful tribute to their memory, celebrating their work and life, preserving their stories, and elevating their contributions.

Seven perfect moments to embark on a legacy film project

7. Preserving memories against time     
When someone in the family begins to struggle with memory loss, the urgency to capture their stories, in their own words, becomes paramount. A legacy film can be a beacon of light in such times, ensuring that their memories, wisdom, and essence are preserved, not just for the immediate family but for generations to come.

If you find yourself at one of these crossroads, consider the lasting value a legacy film could bring. It’s more than a film; it’s a treasure for the future, a piece of your history, lovingly and expertly preserved for generations to cherish.

Jamie Yuenger is the founder of StoryKeep, a premier life story and family history film company. Through cinematic storytelling, she and her team help people pass on values, connect, honor, celebrate and express gratitude to their loved ones.

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