I’ve been editing video my whole life. At LADbible I went from video researcher to junior editor to lead editor in six years, then spent a year as their celebrity interviewer on the red carpets at the BAFTAs and the Brits, including asking Tom Cruise whether he’s afraid of spiders. On Wednesday 11 November, Matt Treviss turned the tables and put me in the guest chair on The Business, his show on Voice FM 103.9.
Where Everseed began
We started where Everseed started. I knew a woman called Tipp, who was in her late 80s. She told me all about her life: her childhood, her family, love, the things that made her who she was. When I went to her funeral, up on the screen were eight black and white photos from the last three years of her life. A sad song played, a few words were said, and that was it. Her whole life.
I remember thinking, if that happened to me next week, would that really be my story? The idea stayed with me for a few years, and on 1 January this year I finally started Everseed. Why should we wait until someone has gone to capture who they were?
How it works
Everseed makes life story films. We start with a call so I can get to know you. Then I come to you, scan your old photos, put the kettle on, and we just talk, chapter by chapter: childhood, family, love, the things that make you you. Your family keeps the whole conversation, and I craft it into a short cinematic film. Your own little Netflix documentary.
As I said to Matt, we take thousands of photos and videos, but there is no real story behind them. Who better to tell that story than you? Who knows Matt better than Matt?
And it isn't only for later life. Some people do it in their 40s, just in case. Others do it for an anniversary, or simply because they want to tell their story.
If you'd rather do it yourself
Not everyone needs me and the big lights. Here's what I told Matt's listeners:
Just start. Sit down with your mum, dad or grandparent, put your phone on, and ask them about their life. It doesn't need to be perfect.
Get the language right. Don't make it about the end. Say "I want to know who you are" or "I want my kids to have this", not "in case something happens".
Film yourself saying I love you. It might feel cringe. You never know when someone will need to hear it.
Thank you, Voice FM
A huge thank you to Matt for being such a brilliant host, and to Xan Phillips and the Voice FM team for having me. Matt has already booked me in to come back in 12 months for an update, so watch this space.
You can listen back to the show here: The Business with Matt Treviss
If you'd like to talk about a film for someone you love, I'd love to hear from you.