Family Stories. Filmed at Home.
You've heard the stories a hundred times, passed around the dinner table and retold at every holiday. But how much do you really know about the people who lived them?
I make documentary films about your parents, grandparents, and the people who made your family what it is. I come to your home, guide a relaxed conversation, and professionally film the stories, memories, and personalities that might otherwise never be recorded.
No script. No performance. No special preparation. Family members are welcome to join in and ask their own questions, or I can lead the conversation. Whatever feels most natural.
For them, it's just an afternoon of conversation. For your family, it's a film you'll keep forever.
Serving Portland, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
RECENT STORIES
PRICING
The Conversation
$595
1–2 hour filmed interview at home, professionally lit and recorded
The full conversation, lightly cleaned up (start and end trimmed, audio balanced)
A 60–90 second highlight clip to share with family
Private online gallery, USB drive, archival copies
The Family Film
$1,495
Everything in The Conversation
The full conversation edited into a polished long-form film
A 3–5 minute highlight film
A short tour of the home, or of a meaningful place
The Legacy Film
$2,995
Everything in The Family Film
A crafted 10–15 minute documentary woven with archival photos, home movies, and music
A second session for more relatives or more stories
Digitizing of up to five tapes or 25 photos
Why I Do This
There are few things more fascinating than hearing someone tell a story about a life you thought you knew.
I grew up the son of a U.S. diplomat, moving to a new country every couple of years. You learn quickly, how to sit down with someone new, listen closely, and find out what makes them who they are. For the past seventeen years I've put that to work as a filmmaker in Portland, doing work for PBS, Intel, Discovery, REI, and many others.
A few years ago, my only uncle was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer. He'd led the most interesting life of anyone I knew. He always had the best stories, and he baked a mean pie. I packed up my camera gear and got on a plane. In that moment, the assignment was clear.
We spent four days recording conversations about his life and memories. I flew home on the fifth day, as he started chemo. He never quite sounded like his old self after that.
Now, whenever I miss him, I can watch him show me how to bake that pie, just like he always used to. I follow along, and it feels like we're just hanging out.
The most rewarding films I've made haven't been the ones seen by thousands of people. They've been the ones made for a handful of people who really cared about them.
That's what My Family Documentary is about.
- Nick Brown
Documentary Filmmaker
“Nick somehow manages to be intensely focused on a project, and at the same time, remains his easy-going, affable self. He is very aware of when he needs to get a shot quickly, and when it's important to pause and consider.”
- Rich Herstek
“The quality of work really is impressive.”
- Nik Warren
“[Nick] ensured that everything went smoothly from the beginning and produced a video we are very proud of. We recommend him in the strongest terms.
- Kyna Rubin
“Nick is thoughtful and inventive when presented with unusual circumstances. He always finds a creative solution.”
- Ryan Coleman
