The footage to gather
- The original photograph
- The person identifying it
- A present-day detail that connects to the story
Give each moment a little breathing room. Get close enough to show the detail, and keep the original clips handy.
Plan a chronological montage
Opening
Establish who, where and when with one clear opening.
Middle
Choose a small set of meaningful scenes and use plain transitions so time stays easy to follow.
Ending
Return to a moment that connects everyone in the story.
Review it for family history
Label uncertain dates as uncertain and keep archive originals untouched.
Ask yourself: Are the dates and relationships clear to a relative who was not there?
Watch it as if you were seeing it for the first time. If something is unclear, try a different cut or add the missing shot.