This is a new way to think about movies. A way that invites us all to be the directors of the films of our lives.
Some of the most moving footage is on your phone right now. A child’s first steps, the last Thanksgiving with a grandparent, a road trip, a sunset, a performance, a party. Or, maybe it’s something only you understand – a train rolling by, a bee on a flower, the churn of a river’s water. The question is: now what? Like the hours of dance recitals that languished on our parents’ VHS tapes, our footage remains in purgatory – invaluable, but unwatchable.
I want to unlock the magic of your home footage and make it into something watchable, rewatchable, shareable, giftable – A Memree Film.
“Well. I just bawled my eyes out. This is the ultimate treasure. You are an amazing editor and storyteller. Thank you for this GIFT!!!!!!!!!! ”
What is a Memree Film?
An artful compilation of your personal video footage or photographs.
What should Memree Films be about?
Anything! And everything. A person. A place. A pet. A time. A thing…the only thing your footage needs to have in common is you.
How do I make a Memree Film?
You send me the footage (or photos), we discuss what you want, I put it together and send it back to you. Think of it like making a quilt — you send me the scraps of fabric, I sew them together.
Here’s a little video to illustrate:
Doesn’t my phone already make those?
Oh, you mean those soulless assemblies of random photos and videos put to stock music? Sure. But maybe we should pump the breaks on the whole computers-making-creative-things-that-humans-can-make-better thing.
‘But my footage isn’t pretty.’
Pssh. Ordinary footage can be totally transformed with the right edit. But if you’re really uncomfortable with your directing skills, ask me about shooting something for you.
How much does a Memree Film cost?
Memree Films start at $500. This includes walk-throughs of process, upfront discussions on style and tone, managing all media (sometimes around 1,000 clips!), music search, 2 rounds of revisions and delivery of shareable video formats. For longer or more involved projects, price can be discussed.
“Lisa was incredibly moved by the trailer. Tears immediately. She’s watched it at least 20 times now and said it’s the best present she’s ever received. ”
Why Memree Films?
When our son turned one, we realized we had a lot of footage of that first year. A LOT.
It became clear that the footage of his first moments on earth — even when we were doing nothing but existing peacefully together — needed to be made into something. We put together a two-and-a-half minute video, and quickly realized we had to keep going. We have made one every year since then, for both of our children.
These films remind us of who we were, what we did and how we felt. And as we look to the future, we see them as time capsules for our children to revisit their extraordinary lives.
Now, our kids often ask: “Can I watch my birthday video?” They giggle, marvel, even cry to see their own lives as movies.
Due to personal privacy preferences, I have ensured that many Memree Films
are not made public. To see a reel of completed Memree Films, write me:
It me
Why me?
When I was a kid, I realized that if I connected one VCR to another, I could mix and re-order my favorite movies and TV shows. In that moment, I became a filmmaker—though I didn’t know it.
I have spent my life capturing and editing. Professionally, I have worked on feature films, documentaries, music videos, concert projections, theater pieces, commercials, art installations and personal videos for friends and myself.
With everything I make, I take pride in finding a unique and beautiful way to put the images together. To me, editing is the most powerful aspect of filmmaking. I honor that power and wish to share it with my clients.