What if my kids are wild and crazy and they definitely won’t sit still for that long?

That’s totally fine! Kids with lots of energy are usually a bit more fidgety in their videos and might not last for a full 45+ minutes, but imagine how good it’ll be showing them the video of what a cute, energetic kid they were 20 years from now?!

What if one of my kids or all of them are super shy?

This video is all about capturing your kids personalities, mannerisms and their view of the world. If one of your kids is shy, but they’re with their siblings, it usually only takes a minute before they’re comfortable and being themselves. Plus, one of the best parts is seeing the sibling dynamic! If all your kids are shy, don’t fret. I’ve been working with kids for 11 years and have a great track record of connecting quickly with them and make them comfortable. If all else fails, you can hang around or sit next to me so they know you’re there for them.

What if I only have one kid?

Awesome! The videos work great with one kid. It’s really a spotlight on what goes on in their creative little brains, and all their mannerisms that you know and love.

What if I only have one kid and they’re super shy?

I’ve created videos with kids that love to be in the spotlight, and they’re hysterical from the first question. I’ve also created videos with very shy kids on their own, and they do open up (it just takes a few questions to get comfortable).

What should my kids wear?

Since this is a mark in time and will become a precious family artifact, I suggest letting them wear what they really love right now. It’s another way they can express who they are. A few things to avoid if possible are loose neck t-shirts, busy patterns, and necklaces.

What if my kids are older?

The best part about these videos is they are a mark of a moment in time. Don’t you wish you ask your 15 or 18 year old self big, important questions about life? With older kids, the questions are different, and the randomness of answers isn’t as much, but their mannerisms, intelligence, and view about life is all there for you to enjoy forever.

What if my kid(s) are too young?

Booking in advance is totally ok. If I’ve got a special on, I’m happy for you to book up to a year in advance to take advantage.

What if one of my kids are too young?

We can still include them! They can sit in for a few minutes in the beginning to be on camera with the older siblings, and then head out when we start asking questions.

When is the best age to do this?

Ideally as soon as they can comprehend questions and speak in full(ish) sentences. Around 3 to 3 1/2 is a great start. The upper range for these just depends on how willing they are to sit down and have a chat! Even if they’re not into it, bribes work wonders. Getting this video for them is so worth it and they’ll thank you later in life.

How long will we be in the studio?

It depends on attention spans and how many questions I can get through while you’re kids are still engaged, but generally 40-60 minutes for the video, and another 10 minutes after for the photos.

Where is the studio we go for the filming?

My studio is in Brookvale, NSW. Directions are here : stephengovel.com/directions

What time of day is best to do this?

Time your session around meals and when you know they’ll be most alert and the happiest. Weekends are great because my studio is quiet and it’s generally best for parents busy schedules. If you think your kids have enough energy after a day of school to sit down for an hour (it is a lot of brain power in a dark room), then we can definitely do after school instead.

What should parents do while the kids are being interviewed?

I recommend leaving your kids with me at the studio and head to the mall for 45 minutes to have a quick shop or coffee. If you’re not comfortable with that, you can hang in the waiting area. If you don’t listen to their answers, the first time you see the video will be so much more enjoyable! You’ll be surprised by their answers and it adds an extra level of enjoyment to your premiere.

We want to make the video personal and include family and personal questions, can we do that?

I’d 100% recommend that you do. While booking you’ll fill in a form that has a space for you to add your personal touches. As an important note, I ask a lot of general questions about life to ask, and am on a race with attention spans. I suggest including only immediate family (grandparents or someone else they’re really close to), and if they have something they love talking about or that lights them up, definitely let me know.

What kinds of questions do you ask?

It depends on their age, but there is a good mix of general life questions and family questions. Things like... what do you want to be when you grow up, what superpower would you choose, what does your Mum do all day, and what does your Dad look like? I choose from about 150 and prepare them with your personal requests ahead of our time together.

What do we actually get?

Photos : You’ll get 5 digital photos in an online gallery to download. They’re high resolution and you can share, print, or do whatever you’d like. We’ll take them in studio right after the interview is finished. I’ll photograph your kids individually, together, and the whole fam can jump in for one too. Like everything I do, they’ll be fun, beautiful, and full of personality. Videos : You’ll get 2 versions of your video in a .mp4 format with 1080P HD resolution. A feature film (about 15-20 minutes) includes the majority of your kids answers, and a highlight film (usually 2-5 minutes) with their cutest and funniest answers. Families love sharing the feature film with their family, and the highlight video is great for posting on social media or for a quick share and laugh.

How long do I have to wait for the photos + videos?

Photos are delivered within a week. Videos are ready within 3 weeks.

How do we share the video?

I’ll host them on YouTube for you so you can share that link. You can also upload the videos to any platform after you download them.

How do we download the video?

You’ll receive an email with all the links to share and download. Simply follow the instructions to download your videos. Please make backup copies on your computers and the cloud. I do not keep them on file after a year and can’t guarantee I’ll have them forever. I know you’ll want to look at these later in life so treat them with great importance!

What if we want to make changes to the edit of the video?

The feature film includes all of the usable answers your kids gave, so unless there’s something misspelled, there are no changes to the feature film. For the highlight film, if you’d like to sub out a question + answer, I’m happy to make a simple change for you.

Can we choose the music?

Commercial music licensing is complicated and expensive, so I’ve purchased a selection of quirky tracks that go really well with your video. While it might sound like a great idea to use a mainstream song, it’s not something I can legally do and would probably take away from your kids answers anyway!

I don’t want you to share my video, is that possible?

As a Dad I understand different views about having your kids online. However, sharing these videos is vital to my business (it’s probably how you found out about them!) So, if you’d like to keep them all to yourself, there is an exclusivity fee of $295.

Is the cinematic premiere worth it?

YES!! It’s so awesome for you guys to enjoy a theatre experience of your video the first time. Your kids will be larger than life on my HD projector, and you can all laugh your hearts out together. Make an experience out of it, popcorn and drinks in hand!

Should we do this every year? Do you have a special rate for that?

You should DEFINITELY do this annually, or at least every 2 years. If you’re interested, let me know and I’ll look after you if you book in advance.

Do you offer payment plans?

If this is something you’d love to do but don’t have the funds right now, please get in touch. I’m happy to split it over 2 or 3 months before your booking.

Do you have a working with children check?

Yes I do.

How would you make my child feel comfortable?

Everyone is made to feel very welcome in my studio and all kids are special. My studio is wheelchair accessible and we can chat about any additional requirements you might need.