Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is The Living Years?

Put simply, a professional, hour or so-long interview with a guest of your choice, recorded, edited and given freely to you to do with what you wish. It is the chance to celebrate a loved one, a great friend, a moment in your life, the sounds, memories, wisdom and personality of people around us.

How does it work?

Once you place your order, you will be contacted by a member of the Living Years team, who will ask you for as much information as possible about the special guest. The more we know about them – their likes and dislikes, their passions and families, their work and play – the better the final interview will be. We want this to be an accurate and celebratory snapshot of each person.

We will agree a time and date to conduct the interview. This will be by an online audio meeting with Nick, who will personally conduct the interview. He feels an audio conversation is sometimes easier for reticent guests, as they don’t feel quite as much ‘on show’ as they might in front of a camera; and they are also likely to be used to talking at length on the telephone.

How long will the interview be?

The final recorded interview will be in the region of one hour. Some, inevitably, may be a bit longer, some may be shorter.

What if they/I say something that I’d rather was not included?

All interviews are recorded and subsequently edited. If you are aware of something that, in hindsight, you would rather was not included in the final edit, The Living Years Production Team will be happy to edit it out for you.

I could do this at home on my iPhone, couldn’t I?

Why haven’t you then? So many of us don’t get around to writing down or recording in some way those people that mean something to us. Then we realise we’ve missed a huge opportunity when it’s too late. And getting the best out of someone is a real skill. Nick Hammond has interviewed thousands of people across a myriad of times and places, from every conceivable social position, career, nationality, outlook and viewpoint. He is uniquely placed to ask questions and more importantly, elicit answers, that a mere friendly chat with a pal or relative could ever hope to receive.

How will I receive my interview?

Once edited, you will receive an access code to The Living Years website, which will allow you to electronically download the interview for listening and safe-keeping. Additional Living Years USB sticks containing the interview are also available at extra cost.

What can I do with the recording?

Whatever you choose. You are free to distribute the recording to friends and family and use it in podcasts, family meetings, personal albums or whatever else you wish. We only ask that your recording is used purely for personal, and not commercial, purposes.

If you have any other questions, please get in touch.

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