Your stories,

preserved for generations

We live in an age that leaves little time for reflection. There is so much to do, and so many distractions that take us away from presence and contemplation. We go through different stages of life, shifting identities, and changing responsibilities, until one day we blink and wonder: Who am I? Where did I come from? What do I want to leave behind?

Sun Hop Legacy Films offers the opportunity to make sense of–and share with our loved ones–the stories, ways, and philosophies that make us who we are. By recording our life’s histories, we gain a more meaningful appreciation of our contribution to this world, and we gift our friends and families with a fuller understanding of where they came from, too.

INQUIRE NOW

The heart of a Sun Hop Legacy Film is a filmed oral history. The focus can be broad (like your life from childhood until present) or focused (like one significant chapter or event). The mechanics are straightforward: it is simply a filmed conversation. There is no need for preparation and no pressure to perform. 

The finished product will be a long-form video for you to keep and share with your loved ones. This can take many shapes–from the raw, unedited interview to a polished documentary film. In either case, the result will be an invaluable treasure full of your most insightful wisdom and meaningful stories.

What is a Sun Hop Legacy Film?

How does it work?

Prior to filming, we will have a preliminary meeting or phone call to get to know each other, determine personal goals and intentions for the project, answer questions, and address any other relevant or important matters for the video. We can discuss wardrobe, schedule, location, and the like.

With a professional setup (a high-definition camera and audio equipment), the filming will take between 3 and 5 hours, and will allow you to recount your personal histories through an in-depth interview. We will revisit memories of celebration and challenge, the mundane and the exceptional, the personal and the universal.

We will then prepare the final film and send it to you for your review.

Full, unedited interview

Transcript of full interview

Interview organized by theme/event

Archival photos/videos included

Additional interviews and B-Roll

Edited 60-90 film of your story

Price

OFFERINGS

THE LONG VIEW

$1,250 +

THE CHAPTER BOOK

$3,500 +

THE RED CARPET TREATMENT

$15,000 +

Me and my great-grandmother, Sun Hop, 1995

Who’s Behind Sun Hop Legacy Films?

My name is Emma Baiada and I am a documentary filmmaker who uses the power of film to preserve both essence and complexity, universality and precision. With my sensitive approach, I have been making short, episodic, and feature length films for over a decade (for clients such as Focus Features and Showtime), and am now offering my skills to make “legacy videos” for families and individuals.

As my last living grandparent increases in age, her stories become more and more precious, not just for the wisdom, insight, and culture they contain, but also for the distinctive and ineffable qualities that my Gram embodies when she tells them–her voice, her laughter, her mannerisms, her way. I see filmmaking as the perfect tool to help sustain these irreplaceable stories and ways of being, and I am passionate about helping others preserve and pass on their own oral histories to their loved ones.

FAQs

  • Anyone who wants to preserve their stories! I believe that we all have wisdom to share and deserve a chance to be heard. While many clients are in the later phases of life, I’m excited to work with folks of any age.

    An artist myself, I love working with people who are reflective, open, and creative. I see value in exploring both the most mundane and the most extraordinary experiences, and love to learn more about the world through each person’s particular lens.

  • I’ve found that folks often find it easier to be vulnerable with a stranger than with even their closest loved ones, as a fresh relationship carries no prior dynamics that may affect the way a story is told. It also helps people to recount stories that family members may already know but are important to record. The relaxed but professional environment creates a ceremonial quality, helping folks to access depth, reflection, and openness. 

    I create a warm, curious, and empathetic setting, offering generous space and understanding to those I am working with. Your comfort is of utmost importance and I value respect, consent, and compassion, as I know some topics may be sensitive.

  • The Long View is a good fit for those who want their stories recorded for their personal and family archives. This format preserves your stories in their purest form, allowing you to remain the author of your own history as much as possible.

    The Chapter Book is for those who want a little more organization and visual illustration to aid in the telling of their stories. By arranging the interview by theme/chapter and including archival photos and videos, this format plays slightly more like a slideshow or presentation.

    The Red Carpet Treatment is for those who want a cinematic portrayal of their life! This package turns you into a star. It uses music, interviews with additional loved ones, B-Roll, and archival material to create an emotional and engaging film centered on your story.

  • Only you and those you choose to share it with! The film will be shared with you via a private platform and will not be posted publicly online. I will not share the video–or anything we discuss–with third parties.

  • I’m based in New York’s Capital Region, and am an easy drive the Hudson Valley, Central New York, the Berkshires, Western Massachussets, Southern Vermont, and Connecticut’s Northwest Hills. I’m happy to travel further at additional cost.