Capture the story.
Remember the voice.
Treasure the life.
Create a that beautifully blends video, photos, artifacts, and music into a sweet video experience.
Why a ?
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Tell your story.
Whether a full life documentary or a reflection
on a meaningful event or season, a Legacy
Story chronicles your unique history, interests,
and insights with those who matter most.
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Honor a loved one.
For many, a Legacy Story is the ultimate tribute
of a milestone, achievement, or an entire
journey well-lived. For others, it will be a sweet
collection of memories to help celebrate a life.
For all, a Legacy Story will be a special gift to
communicate value, respect, and love.
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Enrich a family legacy.
Memories fade with time, even as family
gatherings grow and new faces join the circle.
A Legacy Story offers a beautiful way to
introduce future generations to a beloved
member of the family tree, sharing their voice,
stories, and spirit for years to come.
The Team
Matt Abeler
Producer / Editor
Bill Abeler
Host / Interviewer
With warm visuals and rich sound, Matt brings legacy stories to life. His cameras have taken him to 20 countries, where he has captured everything from remote villages to concert halls. A 2016 graduate of University of Northwestern - St. Paul in Communications & Film, Matt is a trusted interview editor for organizations such as Volunteers of America, the Disney Conservation Fund, and the U.N. Foundation.
Retired after 38 years as the
Executive Director at Camp
Lebanon, Bill is a veteran
leader, program host, and
friend to all age groups. He is
also a husband, father,
grandpa, speaker, and an
“End of Life” Coach.
“As a young film student, I recorded the oral history of my 90-year-old grandfather’s World War II career as a Navy pilot. Adding videos of his fighter planes and carrier ship, we preserved his story to be re-lived by family and friends for years to come. We almost missed the moment!
Just two years after filming, Grandpa’s memory began to fade. Eight years later I captured my Grandma Vivi’s story at age 95. What a sweet time capsule, especially for a great-granddaughter who will get to know the amazing woman after whom she was named. I wish I could have recorded the stories of my other grandparents.”
– Matt
Testimonials
"We contracted Matt Abeler for multiple video projects for the alumni department at the University of Northwestern. Matt has a keen interest in capturing the stories we wanted to tell and often uncovered parts of the stories we didn't see. He engaged extremely well with every honoree and made them feel comfortable during the interviews. We are especially pleased as some of these video stories were of elderly alumni who have passed now and we have their stories secured for future generations."
Scott Anderson - Former Director of Alumni Relations
(University of Northwestern - St. Paul)
"If you're looking to tell your story by video, you want to use a person with experience and integrity. I recommend Matt Abeler. The work he does is impeccable."
Mike Schachterle - Client
"Seeing my life story on screen was an experience of a lifetime. To watch it all come together—with the beautiful photos, music, and memories that mean so much to me—was overwhelming in the best way. It was a special night. All of my children were there, even my younger brother. We sat together, laughing and crying, remembering. Many people I love are gone, and sometimes they’re forgotten. This video is something I’ll cherish forever. It’s something my family will have for generations. A way to remember me as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and as someone who lived a full life."
Vivian "Sandy" Abeler - Client & Family Member
The Process
STEP 1: Connect. Give STORYGIVING a call.
STEP 2: Package Selection (includes a deposit). Choose an option that fits your budget and taste.
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STEP 3: Pre-Interview Session A SG Team member will meet with you to get acquainted, establish a detailed plan, and determine location (your choice!).
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STEP 4: Video Script. Whether choosing your own interviewer or opting for an Interview Host, SG will help you prepare a general outline to guide you through your session.
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STEP 5: Sweet Stuff! Gather photos, artifacts, and clips to supplement the video production (instructions provided).
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STEP 6: Interview Day! The SG Team will arrive one hour early to set up the site and coach you through a successful recording session.
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STEP 7: Edit & Production (allow 3-4 weeks).
STEP 8: Client Review & Payment
STEP 9: Legacy Story Delivery (via multiple formats plus online access).
STEP 10: Red Carpet Rollout! Host your own family movie night and then enjoy the video for years to come!
PACKAGES
STANDARD FOR ALL OPTIONS
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AVAILABLE FOR ALL OPTIONS
Professional Interview Host (Extra fee)
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• Up to a 2-hour interview.
• High quality sound recording & lighting.
• Online storage for easy viewing and sharing.
• Access to full and uncut interview.
• Script coaching.
• Delivery in multiple formats.
• Friendly STORYGIVING Team service.
• Discounts for couples filmed the same day.
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SILVER - FULL INTERVIEW
• One camera angle.
• Complete interview uncut and unedited.
• Available for future package upgrades.
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SILVER +
Two camera angles.
(best to capture facial expressions & for cinematic editing).
Fee: $1,500
GOLD - LEGACY VIDEO
• 25-to-30-minute polished production.
• Two camera angles.
• Edited story flow.
• Enriched with photos, videos & artifacts.
• Enhanced with era appropriate music.
• Complete interview uncut and un-edited.
Fee: $9,000
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PLATINUM - PREMIUM VIDEO
In addition to Gold features:
• Internet searches for photos and/or videos
to supplement the story.
• Extra off site video shoots to capture a
favorite place or hobby.
• Custom coffee table book with transcript & photos
(e.g. fishing, playing music, beekeeping, sewing obsession).
Fee: $11,000
