|
|
 |
Inspired by the stories and actions of others
I'm asked so often why I got into making family history films and life story biography videos. It's in the quiet moments when my camera is rolling and my client is in the middle of an amazing story that I realize how blessed I am. When I hear of the challenges and triumphs of the people I am privileged to interview, I am inspired.
The Story of Dr. Hellmut May is one such film. Hellmut's story is about talent, discipline, athletic commitment, and a bit of luck. It's also about love, caring and living life to the fullest.
As an Olympic figure skater, master coach, businessman, father, grandfather, and husband, Dr Hellmut May has shared his life with many people around him. Spanning more than 8 decades, his life story starts out in Vienna, Austria, and follows his many adventures.
In 2010, Dr. Hellmut May was inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame because he was an Olympic athlete and because he coached some of Canada's best known Olympians.
But inspiration came from another source. It was Andrea May, Hellmut's wife and a former skating student, who commissioned this film. It's to honour and celebrate the man who dedicated his life to excellence in sports and who had a profound impact on many young athletes. Because of Andrea's tireless efforts in pulling together the mounds of details that make up this film, it truly is a bonifide heirloom.
Click here to to watch a short trailer several sections excerpted from the full production by video biographer Cory Bretz.
You'll see Dr. Hellmut coaching a skating student, talk about his days in the Vienna Ice Show, see his first role as an actor in a movie, and share with him a toast to life. |
Storybook Opening Specials End Soon!
Your photos and memories can easily become a beautifully bound printed story book. Using the latest in digital technology, your can do it yourself or our talented publishing consultants can scan your photos and put together a keepsake book that will be with your family for decades. Dozens of exact copies are printed and you can give your family's storybook to each of your loved ones as a very special gift.
Because Heirloom Films is new to Heritage Makers, we get to pass on some super specials to you but only till November 15. Custom storybooks make amazing gifts.
Click here to try our free online storybook Studio software and check out our Grand Opening Specials.
|
|
|
|
|
Do You Know?
 | Cory Bretz
|
How to choose a Personal Historian
Most people have never hired a Personal Historian before. The job of a Personal Historian is to gather your life stories, family history, photos, mementos and other irreplaceable treasures into some sort of package that can be easily passed on to future generations. Much of what we do you could learn to do yourself. I create storybooks and videos. To make these well, many skills including archiving, empathetic listening, researching, writing, photo-restoration, video editing, and storytelling are required.
I'm a member of The Association of Personal Historians. This is what they recommend you do when you decide to create an heirloom for your future family. . .To find the right personal historian for you, we suggest the following: 1. Review the Association of Personal Historians Membership Directory and develop a short list of candidates who do the type of work you need. 2. Call these individuals and talk with them about their work and about your project. 3. If you aren't sure what you want, call the people whose work interests you, and in the process, you will discover more about what you want and how personal historians can help you. 4. Once you have one or two personal historians in mind, ask for references and if there's a way you can see samples of their work. In this way, you'll make sure you've found a personal historian who can provide you with an exceptionally high quality experience and outcome fitting your unique needs.Click here to visit The Association of Personal Historians website.
******************************Cory Bretz is a personal historian who uses video and storybooks to pass on family stories. |
 |
|
