FAQ
“Until now, I haven’t really thought about my legacy, and I most certainly haven’t thought to do a film about my life. Is my story really worth telling and would anybody be interested? ”
The short answer: ABSOLUTELY.
The long answer: This is a question we get a lot. Whether due to overwhelming humility or a concern of not having much to say, many have avoided sharing their story entirely. With these concerns in mind we created ETHOS to draw out the inherent wisdom and to highlight the defining aspects that make you who you are. Not only is your story valuable beyond measure to your loved ones, there is no telling who it could impact and inspire in the future.
The fundamental evolutionary element that separates human beings from every other creature on this earth is our ability to transfer wisdom through the generations. This capacity to communicate sage advice in order to help the next generations emulate positive growth and avoid making similar mistakes is what defines our human existence. We provide you with the most advanced platform for promoting this remarkable human characteristic and we empower you to be at the vanguard of progress.You are directly contributing to the advancement and continuity of the human story through the sharing of your own.
We are all standing upon the shoulders of giants, even if those who have gone before us did not think themselves to be giant. Your story is valuable, your legacy does matter, and ETHOS provides you with the most effective and easiest method to share who you are and to communicate your wisdom.
“I have always wanted to write an autobiography, what are the advantages and disadvantages compared to doing a film?”
We love books! We grew up on books. But we are also likely one of the last generations to do so.
In reality, writing a book is a prohibitively expensive, time consuming, and arduous exercise that yields generally unsatisfactory results. We would never discourage anyone from laboring on a book, but a book is quite simply not as engaging, relevant, or evergreen as a film.
Moreover, our world is a dynamic and changing place. Children today are most informed through film content and this will only become more and more true. Film is for the foreseeable future the most in demand and vibrant medium through which to tell your story. If your goal is to effectively ensure your legacy and inspire future generations, shouldn’t you pursue the most current, advanced, and immersive means available?
We sure think so, and we are here to help!
"So, what is the difference between film and video?"
A "video" is something that is posted on YouTube or viewed as a quick snippet on your Facebook news feed. Of course, two minute fast-paced videos are entertaining to watch, but what substance do they really have? Will you remember them in five years, ten years, or decades from now? There is a glut of video content that is easily dismissed on a daily basis. The equipment used to create film and video is the same, but the results are not.
The word "film" often evokes the obsolete filmstrip of yesteryear, however, nothing could be less accurate. Today, the most accomplished filmmakers utilize this word to describe a polished piece of art, created by using the most advanced techniques, that yields a truly impactful result. A film will have as much significance in the future as it does today.
Your story can't be captured in a two minute video, or through any number of Instagram posts.
Your story deserves an ETHOS film.
”I like the idea, but I have a very busy schedule and many time commitments. How much of my time does an ETHOS film take to complete?”
Time is the most valuable resource and no one is more cognizant of that than our team!
Our clients all have many commitments and demands on their time. Accordingly, we have purpose built the ETHOS process to be streamlined, enjoyable, and unobtrusive.
From Introduction to Delivery an ETHOS film takes generally two months to complete. However, during those two months, we only require a total of up to four days of your time for interviews and filming.
“I really want to tell my story but I am camera shy. Is there a way around filming?”
Let’s face it, most of us really don’t feel comfortable in front of a camera.
We do provide alternatives to filmed interviews, however, we strongly encourage our clients to set aside any prior negative experience and give our friendly and comfortable method a try.
In fact, every single one of our clients who has expressed apprehension about being filmed has provided us glowing feedback about how natural and easy it felt right from the start.
Anything worthwhile can be a little intimidating at first, but we are confident that you will quickly forget about the camera!
"I would really love to make a film about our family rather than just myself. Is this possible?"
We celebrate family. We are happy to tailor your film around family and embrace that focus. Generally, we encourage that you choose one or two individuals to "take the lead" in the process while others support the primary storyline. We have found this approach to be the most efficient and effective when sharing family stories.
We look forward to discussing the particulars with you regarding how best to accomplish this approach.
"We have boxes of family photos and piles of videotapes that need to be digitized. Can you help us with that?"
Certainly!
We always utilize the most important and illustrative moments from your physical family media in your film. However, the ETHOS film process does not actually require the digitization of all of your media.
Many of our clients, however, do request the additional service of digitizing, organizing, and archiving all of their family media. This is an approach that we encourage and a service that we are pleased to provide.
"I have a large family and I want everyone to take part in the film, how will that work?"
Family is everything, and your family will play a key part in your film. We encourage all immediate family members to participate in the project on the scheduled days of your choosing. If your family members are unable to join us on those days, we are happy to work with you on customizing your film package to ensure the inclusion of whomever you wish.
“My father is turning 80 this year and I want to get him something that is priceless. Is it possible to give an ETHOS film as a gift?”
Of course!
We always say that an ETHOS film is both the gift that keeps on giving as well as the gift that gives equally to everyone involved. Your loved ones might not yet realize how important their own story is to their loved ones as well as to themselves. Together, let's surprise them.
We would love to work with you on how best to go about the gifting process and design a film that will be treasured forever.
"Why do this now?"
There is never a better time than now to share your story.
You will never regret the things that you accomplished, only the things that you did not.
Every day we only get older, memories a bit more distant, and energy more depleted. Thomas Jefferson said, "never put off until tomorrow, what you can do today" and we like to reinforce these words of wisdom. Nobody knows what the future holds, but what is certain is that every moment is a gift and why wait to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future?
"Our filming day is coming up and I am trying to figure out what to wear and what we need in order to be prepared for the interviews?"
On the filming day we want you to look and feel your best!
We always send out a quick checklist with detailed suggestions a week before that will have you feeling more than prepared and excited for your interviews. We also have a team member available on the day of who can assist with everything from locations to wardrobe, makeup to hair, and anything that could possibly arise.
"What happens with my film when it's complete?"
Our Mission Statement says it all. Honor the past, celebrate the present, inspire the future. Perhaps the most important word is celebrate!
Your film is hand-delivered to you on a custom gold thumb drive along with a secure password protected webpage for streaming and sharing. We have found that all of our clients rejoice in sharing their film with family, friends, and loved ones whether in their living room or through social media.
An ETHOS film creates a wonderful opportunity for celebration in the present, along with a guarantee of inspiration to the future.
"How long will the finished film be?"
We choose not to set a ceiling because we like to allow a story to breathe and be as long as necessary.
However, We do set a minimum of 40 minutes. Whether you choose to have your film like a standard feature film you would see in the theater or if you prefer to have it broken up into episodes -- this seems to be quite en vogue at the moment -- we believe that everyone deserves a feature length for their ETHOS film. This is why we set a minimum length without capping the maximum.
“Will I like how it looks when it’s finished?”
Borrowing a line from our friends over at the Men’s Wearhouse, “You’re going to like the way you look, I guarantee it!”
In our own words, we guarantee that the finished film will surpass even the most lofty of expectations. The word, “satisfaction” is simply not enough. We guarantee 100% breathtaking joy.
“Where can I watch examples of other ETHOS films? ”
While we would love nothing more than to share these powerful films with the world we have a very strong dedication to the privacy of our clients and their stories.
Our clients are empowered to share their films with whomever they choose and we take great pride in protecting their right to privacy. If you are lucky enough to have a friend share their film with you I am sure you will never forget it!
In the meantime, we encourage you to view the powerful testimonial of one of our clients reflecting on their ETHOS experience, we think it speaks volumes.