1. What makes "Momentos" different from other video transfer companies?

EVERYTHING! Most importantly we don't simply transfer your videos from one format to another, we transform them. When was the last time you viewed any of your home videos in their entirety? That's what we thought. It doesn't matter how much you love the people in the video or how many funny or special moments might be found in them. They are tedious to watch at best. We change that. We take all the raw footage you provide our "Momentos" staff and transform them into a short film. All the elements of a feature film in your very own home video. Imagine being able to share the highlights of your family's history with everyone and they don't have to lie about enjoying it! We include things like opening and closing credits, a soundtrack, subtitles and more. Just as you would find on a DVD rented from your local video store. We can also include bonus features, deleted scenes, a director's cut and the full unedited version. We change the way you share your memories.

2. What should I expect when I come in for my first appointment?

Prepare to be pleasantly surprised. We at "Momentos" genuinely care about the relationships between you and your loved ones. You will NOT walk into a stale environment where you walkup to a counter, fill out paper work and call it a day. At no cost you will have a 1-on-1 session and go over everything. We want to know who's who and what the relationships mean to you. This helps us get a feel of how to create the best short film your loved ones deserve.

3. Will I be part of the creation process?

YES! Through emails and/or phone calls, we will stay in close contact. You will be updated on where we're at every step of the way. If a cool idea comes up that we might want to add to the project, we will contact you and share it. If you find yourself suddenly woken up in the middle of the night by a brilliant idea, feel free to get in touch with us. We firmly believe that working together is the best way to get the most out of your "Momentos" Project.

4. What happens to my original footage and photographs?

Don't worry. We only use your raw footage to make a digital copy. All of the editing is then done using the digital copy. You will receive the original footage in the format you provided as well as the final product you purchase.

5. Is it a good idea to have extra photos?

Absolutely. Sometimes you might realize that a photo you originally picked doesn't work. We recommend that with whichever package you choose, always have an extra 10 photos on the side in case we may want to replace one of the existing photos. This process should be fun and exciting so make sure you limit yourself to only 10. Once you go beyond that, you start to find yourself right where you started. The last thing we would want is for this process to take longer than necessary.

6. How expensive is it?

We have many service options for all budgets. What we do at Momentos Recaptured> is unique and timeless. Every penny spent on this service will bring you years of immeasurable enjoyment.

7. How long does the process take?

It all depends on the service you choose. The average turnaround time is approximately 2 weeks. We first set up a consultation meeting to see what your needs are. Then there will be a follow-up to review work and see what changes may need to be made. Shortly thereafter your project should be complete.

8. What formats do you accept the original footage in?

We can work with most formats. However some are easier and less time consuming than others. VHS is the most common format we find clients want to transfer. Contact one of our creative staff members and they will advise you on your options considering any specific format issues you may have.

9. What is a deleted scene?

Don't let the term delete scare you. What a deleted scene is in reality is an extra edited version. Often times we find our creative staff can't help themselves. They almost always created fun and interesting edits that run over the requested final run time. We decided to make those extras available as an additional option. You can now choose to include these bonus scenes that would have otherwise been deleted from the final edit.

10. What's the best way to organize photographs for a photo montage?

Digital: This would be if you already have your photos on disc, online or on your computer (eg, iphoto, picasa, etc).
1. Organize the photos close to the order you want them to appear in a separate folder. *
2. Name the files according to that order in jpeg. (eg. babypic1.jpeg, babypic2.jpeg, etc).
3. Then burn them on to a CD writable disc.


Unscanned:
If you have a scanner at home you may want to scan in the photos yourself. Once they are scanned in, follow steps 1-3 on how to organize digital photographs. If you would like us to scan them for you follow these steps:
1. Organize the photos close to the order you want them to appear in the slideshow. *
2. Take a # 2 pencil & number them on the back lower right corner in the order you choose.
3. Then seal them tightly in a zip-lock bag so they stay neatly organized.


* NOTE: This is also the time to start thinking about music and titles. You'll at least want a greeting at the beginning and some closing statement at the end of your video. For example, if you are making an anniversary video, you could simply put "Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad" at the beginning and "With Love, From All Of Us" at the end. Or, if you wish, you can be more personal and creative in your titles. Why not use some poetry or a favorite quotation?

11. What's the best way to organize video footage for a short-film?

The best way to approach this is to organize in short periods.

For example: Between the ages of newborn and 2 years-old where they are curious, observant and learning their first words, you might want this as 1 short-film. You then may want to pick the ages of 4-6 where they're more cheerful, energetic and enthusiastic as another short-film and etc.**

If you already have footage that is labeled with an event you want transferred, then you're already off to a great start! Simply scan through and check to see what parts are the most important to you. If there are "scenes" you are unsure about then we will be more than happy to help you pick out the best parts. We're pretty good at determining the non-important parts, but if there is something that is important that we should NOT include in the short film, let us know. Unfortunately, some relationships don't always last a lifetime. You'll be surprised how many of our clients have asked us to take out "Uncle Bob" or "Cousin Franny".

**"Momentos" likes to take one project at a time with care. Because of high demand, the maximum of raw footage per project is 5 hours.
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