Every family has a storyteller.
Your grandfather's stories. Your mother's laugh. The way your dad tells that one story about the summer he turned sixteen.
Most family stories are never recorded. They live in memory, and memories fade. Planted Stories exists so they don't have to.
A relaxed conversation, made into a film.
No studios, no scripts, no interrogation. Just your loved one, telling their story in their own words, in a place where they're comfortable.
Reach out
Tell us about your parent or grandparent. We'll talk through what to expect, answer every question, and share simple preparation guidance so everyone feels ready.
The conversation
We come to them. A relaxed, unhurried conversation, usually an hour or two, covering childhood through life wisdom. They just talk. We take care of everything else.
The film
We shape the conversation into a professionally edited film, a keepsake your family will watch for generations.
One film. Kept forever.
A professionally edited filmTheir story, thoughtfully shaped from the full conversation. Every cut, color, and sound handled with care.
Filmed where they're comfortableTheir home, their chair, their porch. We come to them, so all they have to do is talk.
Preparation guidanceSample topics from childhood memories through life wisdom, so the conversation feels natural and nothing is a surprise.
Easy to share and keepDelivered digitally, ready to share with the whole family and simple to back up for the long term.
Stories taking root.
Our first films are in production now. This is where they'll live.
Coming soon
Follow along, or be among the first families we film.
Where family stories take root.
Planted Stories is a documentary interview project from Bear Forged Media, LLC, devoted to one idea: the stories of the people who raised us deserve to outlive memory.
Most often, it's an adult child who reaches out, wanting to give their parent or grandparent something no store sells: the chance to tell their story, properly, on film.
We keep it simple and human. A relaxed conversation. An honest edit. A film your family will still be watching decades from now.
What families ask us.
What if my parent is shy on camera?
Almost everyone is at first. That's why this is a conversation, not an interview. No bright lights in their face, no pressure to perform. Most people forget the camera is there within minutes.
How long does filming take?
The conversation usually runs one to two hours, with breaks whenever needed. We handle setup, filming, and everything after. Your family member just talks.
Where do you film?
Wherever they're most comfortable. Usually home: their chair, the kitchen table, the porch. Familiar places make for better stories.
What will you ask about?
Childhood, family, work, love, hard times, wisdom. We share topic ideas ahead of time so the conversation feels natural and nothing arrives as a surprise.
What do we receive, exactly?
A professionally edited film of your loved one's story, delivered digitally and easy to share with the whole family.
Start the conversation.
Tell us about the storyteller in your family. We'll take it from there.
Whether you're ready to book or just wondering if this is right for your family, we'd love to hear from you.
Email us directly at chris@plantedstories.com
We reply personally, usually within a day or two.