Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What makes you different?

We are the only video scrapbook company on the internet that specializes in using your home videos and films along with your photographs to create a carefully edited movie of your memories.

Unlike other companies that may incorporate video, we do not ask you to cue up and mark each piece of video you want incorporated. We watch every moment of your films and purposely select clips to tell the story you want told.

Each scrapbook is custom created. We do not use pre-designed templates and fit your project into that package. Pacing and transitions are carefully matched to your clips, photos and song choices to create an elegant story of your memories.

We communicate with you through the process to perfect the vision of your video scrapbook.

 

2. My photographer or videographer can provide a photo montage DVD so how is your video scrapbook different?

Most photo montages are closer to DVD slide shows. Simple pans and zooms, plane transitions, simple titling and royalty free music. They are typically produced after the event, not for use at the time. Take a look at there product, you will see the difference.

Look at the movement on still images. This is known as pan and zoom or the “ Ken Burns “ effect. Every video scrapbook designer uses this, but some more effectively that others. The movement should seem smooth and appropriate to the subject matter and corresponding soundtrack.

Look at the transitions from image to image. Are these fluid and elegant? How transitions are utilized can set videos apart.

Look for a consistent style and theme. We provide custom designed themes for each video. Consistent background imagery and color coordination will provide a polished professional feel to your scrapbook.

Look at the titling. This is a very time consuming and complex aspect of every scrapbook. It is also one element that can really lift the quality to another level.

 

In the end your video should feel like a well choreographed dance of your family memories.

 

3. Where do I begin, how does the process work?

Fill out our contact/order form and look over the “how does it work” and “project planner” pages. We will contact you shortly after receipt of your contact information and discuss he process with you.

 

4. Where can I see samples?

You can see samples on our website here.

 

5. How long will it take?

The typical turnaround time from receipt of materials to shipment is about two weeks. This can get longer during peak periods, wedding season, holiday season, mothers day, etc. If you need it sooner, we can provide rush services.

 

6. My occasion is less than two weeks away, what can you do?

We can provide a rush service for an additional charge. I really depends on your project, our workload, and how soon you need the product. Lets talk and I am sure we can get your needs met.

 

7. How do I get my stuff to you?

Look over the “how does it work” and “project planner” pages. We accept digital files or can scan your pictures and digitally capture your video and film for additional cost.

 

8. How do you accept payment?

We accept personal check, money order and credit card through PayPal.

 

9. How can I use music of my choice, isn’t it copyright protected.

Yes, it is copyright protected. These copyrights allow for “fair use” of the material. This requires that the user has legally acquired the music, that few copies are made for personal use, this use does not effect the market for the music, and no similar products or uses are being marketed by the copyright holder. We attempt to honor the intent of the law with the use of all music. Part of the contract you sign will state that you legally own the music and the use of the video is for personal, non-commercial purposes. To use the music of your choice, you must supply the original CD or we will purchase the individual songs on your behalf from legal authorized sellers. We provide the the service of locating and purchasing for $4.00 per song. Your songs will be provided to you on a CD for your future use.

 

10. Will you incorporate my ideas and suggestions into the video?

Your video scrapbook could not be created without you. During our initial contact we will discuss the purpose and vision for the video. The personality of the star and the intended emotional response expected will be discussed. We want to hear any ideas you may have. Once we have developed a concept for the video we will discuss and refine this with you prior to completion of the project.

 

11. I have old family movies on film that I want to use, how do you work with that?

This is one of our specialties. We will take your old film and clean and lubricate it. Then we capture each and every frame to create a digital version of the film. This product is then color corrected. Finally the film will be archived to miniDV and DVD for your use. We will then use clips from this digital film in your scrapbook.

 

12. I have old family video on video tape, how do you work with that?

Using your collection of family video tapes is what we are all about. We will digitally capture your old tapes into our computers. This process includes a number of digital correction and enhancement process to get the best quality possible. This product is then color corrected. Finally the video will be archived to miniDV and DVD for your use. We will then use clips from this digitized video in your scrapbook.

 

 

13. Some of my old pictures, film, and videos are old and faded, can you help the look?

While we do not specialize in restoration, we can do a lot to help the look of your materials. We can do wonders with old pictures. The can also make dramatic improvements to old film and video tape including audio enhancement. Depending on the degree of work required, there may be an additional fee.

 

14. I read about titles and captions, what is the difference and what are my choices?

To provide a more entertaining and cohesive video we include a variety of titling and captions.

A title is used to mark major sections in the video, the beginning, end, and changes along the way. This will be a more artistic and complex sequence that will help to set the tone for your video.

A caption is more specific to an image. They are use to better clarify an image for the audience. Typically you will be the one selecting the words and locations for any captions.

 

15. Iam a little concerned about ordering something like this through the internet.

In this day and age, this is a very legitimate concern, especially when you are trusting a company with your valuable family memories and are planning an important event. We want you to feel comfortable with the process and thrilled with the final outcome. We offer a satisfaction guarantee, and will work to provide you with the best product possible.

 

Look at our samples and get a feel for the product we produce. If you are having trouble viewing them, let us know and we will send you a DVD copy of our samples.

All your originals are carefully stored and protected when in our care. They are returned insured through private carriers.

Your order will be sent out as soon as possible to allow for any corrections or changes that might be needed. We offer you the chance to view the final project before it is shipped to help insure against any last minute problems

You have the option to pay through PayPal. PayPal provides a safe and secure internet payment system that includes a payment record with transaction details and the ability to seek third party resolution if problems arose.

 

16. Will my original be returned intact?

Our process is none destructive. All originals will be returned as they arrived. In the case of film and video, the returned products will include achieved versions that are often superior to the original provided.

 

17. Do I get to see a sample or rough cut before you finish and send the final video scrapbook to me?

Upon request, we will send you via email a watermarked version of your video scrapbook for you to review and approve prior to final printing and shipment. Many people actually prefer to wait and enjoy the surprise of the final product.

 

18. Can I add more stuff to my video scrapbook later?

Yes, this is possible for an additional fee. We keep an archived copy of the final product, but all original content is sent back to you. This allows for reasonable easy additions, but not replacement of items. It is often desirable to add to a wedding reception or rehearsal diner video after the wedding to complete the story with pictures from the wedding. If this is your intent, please lets us know and we will same the project in a way that allows for more complete reediting

 

19. Can I get additional copies of my DVD scrapbook later?

Yes, we archive the DVD image so copies can be ordered at a later date. Copies ordered and printed with the original order cost less that those ordered later.

 

20. What if I am not satisfied, can I get a refund?

While we do have a satisfaction guarantee, we do not provide refunds for your video scrapbook. If you elect to view an email sample prior to completion, you have the opportunity to make small changes or corrections as necessary. At any point, all errors on our part will be corrected free of any charge. If you want to make changes to your selected music or pictures, that will be an additional charge.