For your parents or grandparents
A portrait film, given as a gift
A director-led portrait film of your parent or grandparent — their voice, their stories, the way they tell them. From £2,250.
The film is made after the day, not before it. So on the day itself, you give a card. Filming follows, when it suits them.
Mention that it's a gift
In four steps
How the gift works
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Register interest
Mention that it's a gift. We talk it through with you, confidentially — who they are, what you hope to keep, and when.
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On the day, a card
A printed gift card, posted to you. Or, if time is short, a card to print at home. Both carry a personal note from Pri to the person being filmed.
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Filming, when it suits them
Often in the new year, somewhere that feels like theirs. The first hour is simply a conversation.
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The finished film
Most films take 8 to 16 weeks from first conversation to delivery.
The finished commission
What they receive
Made to be watched by the people who haven't even been born yet.
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The full archive
Everything that was recorded, complete and unedited.
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A 60-minute film
Shaped around the strongest story.
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Two to four short films
Thematic clips drawn from the longer piece.
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A private page
Where the whole family can watch, from anywhere.
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A hard drive in a presentation case
Something to hold. Not a link in an email.
Quoted individually
Prices
Every commission is quoted after a first conversation. These are starting points.
Core Portrait
From £2,250
One filming day. One subject. The essential portrait.
Extended Chronicle
From £3,500
Two filming days, more than one location, and archive material. Also suits a couple.
Signature Opus
From £5,000
Full family coverage. More than one person on film, and a bespoke presentation.
Payment can be spread over 3 or 6 monthly instalments.
Brothers and sisters can share one commission. How a shared gift works.
Timing
For Christmas
If you start late, the film can't be finished for 25 December. It doesn't need to be.
Give the card on the day. Film in the new year, when the house is quieter and there is time to sit down.
For a printed card, posted to you, get in touch as early as you can. If time is short, we'll send a card to print at home instead. Either way, it carries Pri's note.
Questions
On giving a portrait film
Can it be a surprise?
Partly. The arrangements, the cost, and who is behind it can stay between you and us until you give the card. But the person being filmed will know when filming begins — they will be sitting with Pri, talking about their life. We think that's as it should be. The card on the day can be the surprise. The filming is something to look forward to.
What if they're camera shy?
Most people are. The first hour is simply a conversation, with tea, before the cameras roll. Pri studied psychology before he became a filmmaker, and he works with a small crew and as little equipment as possible. There is more in our piece on what to do if your parent is camera shy.
Can brothers and sisters share the cost?
Yes. One commission, shared between you, handled as a single project. Payment can also be spread over 3 or 6 monthly instalments.
What if they're unwell?
Tell us when you get in touch. We'll move quickly, work around treatment, and shape the day around what they have the energy for. There's no need to wait for the new year, and there's no minimum length. Even an hour of someone's voice, recorded properly, is enough.
Where do you film?
Across the UK. We're based in North London, and travel is discussed when you first get in touch. Usually we film at home — the kitchen, the garden, the chair they always sit in — or somewhere that shaped them.
What does the card say?
It carries a personal note from Pri, written to the person being filmed, inviting them to tell their story. It comes as a printed card, posted to you, or — if time is short — as a card to print at home.
Register your interest
Start with a conversation. The rest can follow.
We take a small number of commissions each year. Leave your details, mention that it's a gift, and Pri will be in touch personally.