A personal documentary — made just for you

As experienced television filmmakers, we have the skill and expertise to create beautiful, bespoke documentaries.

We come to you or your loved one and film an extended interview which is always respectful, unhurried and enjoyable. We use a professional camera and sound operator so we can guarantee high production values, while giving the “star” our full attention.

We also film activities, such as spending time with family members, showing treasured possessions or engaging in hobbies. If the film has been commissioned for a special occasion, we bring a celebration cake or gift as a surprise for your loved one, and are happy to work with you to make the day special.

The footage is then carefully edited into a unique 15–45 minute personal documentary, using the interview, photographs, music and beautifully shot sequences from the day. We shape each film with care — finding the moments, stories and details that hold the most meaning, and weaving them together into something warm, engaging and full of life. The result is a film that feels rich, intimate and enjoyable to watch, and one that family and friends will want to return to again and again.

Some people and their families choose to commission a Legacy Film to celebrate a milestone such as retirement, a significant birthday or an anniversary. Others choose it for a relative living in a care setting, including residential care, nursing care, hospice or palliative care. ‍ ‍We tailor each film sensitively around the person, their circumstances and what feels right for them.

While each film is bespoke, we offer three package options, listed below, as a starting guide.

Jean, age 95, shares what she’s learnt over her lifetime

filming if fun and we put people at their ease when they commission a Legacy Film. Care Homes really value the work of Two Friends Films and their films increase empathy and have great marketing potential

A unique experience

Time and again, we hear filming with us is very special and a once in a lifetime event.

We give everyone we interview the space to talk about what’s important to them, from childhood memories to life lessons they want to share.

As experienced documentary filmmakers, we have the expertise to put people at ease and to listen attentively without directing or interrupting.

It’s always an enjoyable, positive and enriching experience for everyone involved - even the camera shy!

An elderly man with white hair and a beard has loved making his Legacy Film

Who’s it for?

Legacy Films are often commissioned by families — usually adult children or grandchildren who want to capture a parent or grandparent’s story.

Some people commission a film about themselves — to pass on family knowledge, to tell their story in their own words, or to leave something meaningful behind.

Legacy Films are also a beautiful way to mark an important milestone — a significant birthday, anniversary or retirement — whether shown at a celebration or given as a deeply personal gift.

We have filmed people with remarkable stories to tell — of migration, war, childhood experiences, finding love, resilience in hard times; of dance halls, rock and roll, first televisions, mini-skirts, new freedoms and changing times.

Some of the people we film are living with dementia or nearing the end of life. We have the skill, sensitivity and experience to support everyone we work with, whatever their circumstances.

Everyone’s story matters - we make sure it’s seen, heard and shared.

“It was so interesting looking over everything. It’s quite amazing when someone says, ‘Talk about your life!’ Wow. That’s quite something. So thank you.”

Edward

Legacy Film options

We offer three options, depending on the length and complexity of the film you would like us to create.

The three options are designed as helpful starting points: because every person and every story is different, we are always happy to tailor the film to include the elements that matter most to you.

Prices typically start from £3,500

Portrait

A simple, beautifully made film focused on one person in one setting.

  • half-day filming in one location

  • extended filmed conversation

  • additional activity filming

  • up to 40 photographs incorporated into the final film

Signature

A fuller film, with more space for detail, atmosphere and family contribution.

  • full-day filming in one location

  • extended filmed conversation

  • a wider range of simple actuality filming

  • up to 50 photographs incorporated into the film

  • contributions from up to two additional family members

Feature

A more expansive film, with room for multiple voices, places and layers of story.

  • two-day filming

  • everything included in Signature

  • filming at a second location

  • unlimited photographs incorporated into the film

  • contributions from up to five family members

Each Legacy Film commission includes:

  • a meeting before we film to discuss your filming needs and what you’d like us to include

  • all interviews conducted by a professional television producer/director (BBC, ITV, Sky, CNN)

  • filming by a BAFTA winning cameraman

  • a professionally edited, beautifully shaped finished film

  • the option to use subtitles for clarity and accessibility

  • secure digital delivery in a format that suits you

Now is the right time

Whether it’s to celebrate a milestone, to give a loved one a unique experience or to preserve family stories while you still can, a Legacy Film is a special way to cherish those we love.

Get in touch to arrange a conversation about how a Legacy Film would work for you and your family.

Arrange a call back

Q and A

A process tailored to your needs

  • Arrange a call back, and Esther or Suzannah will contact you to discuss your requirements and explain options.

    If you decide to go ahead, a booking deposit secures an agreed filming date.

    We then have a conversation to discuss the filming schedule. We will ask some background questions in advance to ensure the filmed conversation is natural and relaxed.

    You are welcome to gather photographs or meaningful items you would like included.

  • Filming takes place at a date, time and location agreed by you.

    Whether it takes place at home, in a care setting or somewhere else chosen by you, we make sure it’s a brilliant day tailored to your requirements.

    Filming takes place over the course of a day or half a day, at a pace to suit you.

    We are discreet, self sufficient and very used to being flexible.

  • We aim to deliver the finished film 3-4 weeks after filming.

    We share a preview with you within this period and welcome one round of feedback so that we can make appropriate changes before final delivery.

  • The finished film is delivered in a format that suits you, such as a secure downloadable digital file, a USB drive or a DVD. Certain formats carry an additional charge.

  • We care deeply about how people feel during the process of making the film. Our priority is that each person feels heard, respected and comfortable throughout and that it is an enjoyable and positive experience for them.

    Where someone has capacity, they choose to take part in their own way, at their own pace. Where a family member or representative is involved in decision-making, we ask for assurance that this reflects the individual’s wishes and best interests.

    We approach every conversation with patience and sensitivity. We are alert to signs of tiredness or ill-health for example, and are always prepared to pause, or gently close a session if needed.

    Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.

  • Legacy Films are created for private viewing by the individual and their family. They are never shared publicly without explicit written consent.

    All filmed material is stored securely and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK data protection legislation.

If you’d like to find out more about Legacy Films, get in touch to arrange an informal, no obligations phone chat.

Arrange a call