Biographical films · Melbourne & all of Victoria

Your story in your words
on film for all time

Paul Daffey filming a life-story interview, two cameras rolling

Watch the promoA short film about the work

Made by Paul Daffey — journalist for thirty years, man of words at all times.

A professional film of one person’s life, rolled out for the generations to come. Final cut: 45–60 minutes.

Why a film

Most of us carry a whole life of stories we’ve never properly told. Not even to our own family.

Many of us would love to pass on our stories.

  • a childhood by the river
  • the love of a lifetime
  • how a business was built from nothing
  • the glorious heights of a footy career
  • the quiet rewards of a life spent serving others.

But we have no idea where to start.

This is the part I take care of. I spent thirty years as a journalist, and I have always loved asking people about their lives.

Let me sit with you and draw the stories out. I might ask if you have a shoebox full of treasured items —

  • photos, ticket stubs, birthday cards
  • rings, ribbons, rosary beads
  • sporting pennants, school reports.

I love to find the storytelling power behind these simple items. Let me turn your memories into a film of real craft — so your memories carry on long after the telling.

Paul Daffey, photographed in a garden
My only rule is to ask the obvious question.
Paul Daffey · Journalist & author

How it works

It’s more a conversation than an interview. The focus is on the words, and on doing justice to the story.

  1. One

    Background

    I call friends and family members to gain a sense of you and your life. I seek out photographs and any old home footage.

  2. Two

    On the set

    We do a relaxed, unhurried interview, using two cameras, at a place of your choosing. Usually the family home.

  3. Three

    Final cut

    A film of your life that goes for 45–60 minutes, delivered by digital transfer as well as on a storage device.

Paul Daffey filming a life-story interview, two cameras rolling
On the set — a relaxed, unhurried conversation, filmed on two cameras.
Paul Daffey interviewing Kathleen for her life-story film
A life-story interview, filmed in the family home.

One complete film based on your stories

Everything, for one fixed price.

Interviews, filming, editing, the finished film via digital transfer and on a storage device. No hourly rates, no surprises.

$3500

Including GST

50% to begin · 50% on delivery

Begin a film Read common questions

Anniversary special

Two lives, told together.

A full life-story film for each of you, and a shared chapter on the life you have built together — a keepsake for an anniversary, or simply for the years to come.

A film each

$3500 per person

A complete life-story film for each partner, filmed and edited individually. Including GST.

Your life together

By arrangement

A shared chapter on the life you have made together, woven into both films. We settle the details when you get in touch.