Why has the Alzheimer's Association created this video opportunity?

Alzheimer's disease robs our families of history and precious memories. With a Saving Stories video, we can capture and share those meaningful memories for families to enjoy now and forever. The Alzheimer's Association enlisted SAGAS, a national network of professional video interviewers led by filmmaker David Hoffman, to help you save your cherished stories through the powerful medium available - video.

back to the top

Who are David Hoffman and his SAGAS Videographers?

David Hoffman is an 8 time Emmy award winning documentary filmmaker. In his 40 years of filmmaking Hoffman has interviewed hundreds of famous people from presidents like Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan to artists like Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and BB King, as well as thousands of what he calls "ordinary extraordinary" citizens. Hoffman was inspired to gather together thousands of video professionals by a video interview that he conducted with his mother 30 years ago shortly before she passed away with cancer. That video is still his family's most priceless heirloom.

SAGAS videographers are enthusiastic and curious video professionals locally based in big cities and small towns across the United States. They make their living producing and directing videos for professional organizations, corporations, and individuals as wedding videographers, etc.

back to the top 

Why use a pro? Why not do it ourselves?

Successful video interviewing requires that the interview be conducted by a neutral 3rd party, an “innocent,” someone naïve about the person and curious to learn more. Someone who understands that the nature of an interview is that the person in front of the camera needs to tell stories and makes no assumptions about what people will know or understand or remember. No one has the time and few have the skills to video record the people they love – family, friends, meaningful moments. To express their stories and be themselves, most people need the motivation, prompting, and encouragement that an experienced SAGAS videographer will give them.

back to the top

What will a SAGAS interview experience be like?

A SAGAS video interviewer contacts the person being interviewed to set up a convenient time and discuss the process. A half an hour before the scheduled interview time, the video interviewer arrives to set up. He/she works with the person being interviewed to select a comfortable location free from distractions and interruptions. The interview itself feels like an informal conversation between two people sitting on rocking chairs passing the time of day.

back to the top

How are SAGAS video interviewers trained to interview people with Alzheimer's Disease?

In his 40 years of interviewing people, SAGAS founder David Hoffman has interviewed numerous people with Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory and cognitive disorders. Hoffman and the Alzheimer’s Association co-created training materials to prepare our already very skilled interviewers for the unique challenges involved in speaking with people with Alzheimer's and/or their caregivers or loved ones. They will also offer on-going training communications for the videographer network to address any questions or feedback from the interview experience

In addition, Hoffman personally speaks to each and every videographer before they conduct their Saving Memories Video Interview to assure their complete comfort and understanding with interviewing someone with Alzheimer’s and/or their caregiver and loved ones.

back to the top

What is the difference between a Saving Memories video and a Tribute video?

A Saving Memories video is an interview with one person; a loved one whose memories and stories are priceless and important for you and your family to preserve. A tribute video is made with up to 3 people, who are sharing memories and stories about their loved one. The tribute video allows a family to memorialize and honor that special person and celebrate their individual spirit and life legacy.

back to the top

When will I get the finished DVD? How do I order more DVD's?

You should receive your SAGAS Signature Interview DVD no more than a week from the time that the Interview occurred. You will receive two DVD's as part of your purchase package. You can buy as many as you like. You can also approve any other person by their e-mail address or name to purchase their own SAGAS DVD. Each DVD is a gold archival disc rated to last one hundred years stored in a metal archival case and is recorded on a gold DVD said to last more than a hundred years.

An additional SAGAS DVD on an archival gold DVD is $29.95. Discounts are given for multiple purchase.

back to the top

Where and how will a Saving Memories interview be recorded?

SAGAS interviews are conducted at an indoor location where the subject feels most comfortable, likely a home or an office.

back to the top

Why are the videos 1 hour long?

The basic SAGAS video is one hour.

back to the top

How long will you store my SAGAS interview? Can I get my videos in other formats?

SAGAS will store your video in a master digital copy forever. We can also give you MPEG 4 versions of your full length video for viewing on ipod's and other mobile devices.

back to the top