In short
- A reunion film should show relationships, not only a crowd.
- A short list of key people and a simple family map helps the crew a great deal.
- Elders can be recorded in short, comfortable conversations, never under pressure.
- Versions can be private to the family or shared with relatives abroad.
A reunion is a rare day when the whole family stands in one place. We film the people, the relationships and the voices, so those who were there can relive it and those who were not can still see it.
What we film, and for whom
We film reunions organised by a family committee, an elder or a cousin, for example:
- Annual gatherings during festive seasons, when relatives return to the family home or hometown.
- Clan or extended-family reunions with a hall, a long lunch or dinner and speeches.
- Special-year reunions, such as a family tree being unveiled or an elder’s milestone.
- Weekend or multi-day gatherings with activities, meals and outings.
The film is for the whole family: elders, parents, young cousins and relatives who live far away.
How can a reunion film include the people that matter?
A crowd shot is easy. A film that shows relationships takes a little planning.
- List the key people. Elders, branch heads, the youngest member and anyone travelling far, described by role and relation. A simple family map on a sheet of paper is enough.
- Choose the story moments. The first greetings, the meal, the games, the group photo and a few words from an elder.
- Make space for voices. Short messages from each branch of the family, or a toast, are more meaningful than a long montage.
- Include the in-between. Children running around, cousins catching up, grandmothers cooking. These often become the favourite scenes.
For long conversations with elders, our guide on recording an older relative’s stories shows how to do it without tiring them. When children and older relatives are both present, see planning filming around children and older relatives.
When should the group photo and speeches happen?
Do the group photo early, when everyone has arrived and is still fresh. Leave the speeches until after people have eaten, and keep quiet conversations for the slower part of the afternoon. A rough order like this lets the crew be in the right place.
The films you can choose
| Film | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Highlight film | A short, edited story of the reunion | Sharing with the whole family |
| Full speeches and toasts | Spoken moments kept complete | Hearing elders’ voices again |
| Messages from each branch | Short greetings edited together | A keepsake for the family |
| Short clips | Vertical or square cuts | Family chat groups |
A highlight film cannot hold every speech. Ask for a full recording of the speeches if they matter.
How do you handle a large, loud gathering?
Reunions are noisy, with many conversations at once. We agree where speeches will happen and whether a microphone is available, because clear voices are what a family replays. If the reunion lasts several days, our multi-day coverage page explains how we plan it. The quote depends on the hours, the number of operators, travel and the films you choose; see how pricing works.
Who should receive the film?
Some relatives prefer not to appear online. Decide before the day who receives each version. The private and public video version planner helps with that. If you want a long-term family archive, see the video archive and handover planner.
What we confirm for your event
We introduce ourselves to the elders first and keep the crew small and friendly. Tell us the venue and date, and we confirm the crew and travel.
Before the day we agree three things with you:
- How we find the key people in a large crowd, using your short list or family map.
- How speeches are recorded in a loud hall and how elders are invited to talk.
- Which version goes privately to relatives abroad.
This is where we help. Send us the date, the place and roughly how many relatives are coming, and we will suggest coverage and a written quote.
Send us the date, the place and roughly how many relatives will attend. We will suggest how to cover the day and check whether we can film on your date.
Get a quote