Updated 2026-10-13
Begin with what they want to tell, organise a timeline and respect what they prefer to keep private.

Ask what they want to share
Let the storyteller choose topics and boundaries. A memoir need not cover an entire life. Agree who reviews and watches it and whether the interview may be recorded.
Organise a timeline without invention
List major phases, people and events. Keep uncertain dates uncertain and have the person or family verify them. Photos, documents and recollections assist the account without automatically proving one another.
Start the interview with one story
Prepare open questions about daily life, choices and words for the family. Before production, agree sessions, duration, the main storyteller and private delivery.
Use this guide to prepare a conversation. It does not replace a project quote, rights review or agreement. Bring your purpose, approximate material quantity and timing to discuss a suitable plan.



