Frequently asked questions of our tribute video service
Q: What is a tribute film?
A: A tribute film is a short, cinematic video that tells the story of a person or occasion using personal belongings, photographs, music and messages — carefully filmed and edited to create a lasting keepsake.
Q: Who is the film for?
A: Everybody! The film could celebrate a milestone birthday, honour Mum and Dad's special wedding anniversary, create a lasting memory for friends as they embark on a new journey, recognise a colleague’s distinguished career as they retire or to remember a loved one who is no longer with us. These films are truly unique as they showcase personal belongings and photographs that are especially meaningful to those featured and their loved ones.
Q: What can be included in a video tribute film?
A: We include filmed objects like medals, souvenirs, letters, books, and photographs — as well as messages, titles, and music that hold personal meaning.
Q: How many photographs and possessions do you need?
A: If you watch our previous work on the Collections page you will get a sense of how many items can be displayed. If you have more items than we can accommodate, we can talk through with you about what you wish to prioritise if we’re struggling for space. We always try to include as many items as we can in the set and on the piece of furniture we’re using but we may not be able to include every item you give us due to the size or space available and we don’t tend to use duplicates for obvious reasons.
Q: How are personal belongings handled?
A: We handle all items with great care. They can be collected in person within our service area or securely delivered to us by arrangement. All items are returned in their original condition.
Q: Should I leave my photographs in their frames or albums or remove them?
A: It is best to leave them in the frames and albums and if we need to, we’ll remove them and refit them afterwards. In some cases this may not be possible but we’ll let you know what the options are.
Q: How is the film delivered?
A: The film will be provided on our branded USB drive presented in a personalised keepsake box, a thoughtful and elegant finishing detail making it a truly unique film. We will also provide the final video in a digital format for download from the web via a link for sharing with family and friends.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Most tribute films are completed within 2 weeks of receiving the items, though we may be able to expedite this for urgent occasions.
Q: Are my possessions insured?
A: We are insured up to £10,000 should anything untoward happen whilst your belongings are in our care. If we collect and re-deliver your items ourselves your items will be insured when we take them until the time we hand them back to you.
Q: Are my possessions insured if I use my own courier?
A: You will need to arrange your own insurance to cover your belongings whilst in the care of a courier. When we receive your items at our studio they will be covered by our insurance up to £10,000 until we hand them back to your courier.
Q: Do I need to pack up my possessions?
A: Yes, whether we handle transport or your own courier handles the transport you should pack your items carefully and appropriately. If you are to deliver and collect from the studio you should also consider how your items are packed so they can be stored safely before and after the shoot.
Q: Why Can’t I Choose My Own ‘Popular’ Music for the Tribute Film?
A: At Curated Tributes, we take great care to ensure that everything in your film is not only beautifully produced but also fully licensed and legal to use.
We understand that some clients may wish to include a favourite chart or commercial song. However, most popular music is protected by strict copyright laws, and using it in a film—even a personal one—requires special licensing known as a synchronisation licence. These licences are typically very expensive and are rarely granted for private or one-off use, such as tribute films.
For this reason, we work with carefully selected licensed music libraries that offer a wide range of cinematic, emotive tracks—fully cleared for use in tribute films and personal sharing. This ensures your film can be enjoyed safely and legally at home, at a service, or shared privately with family and friends.
Using properly licensed music also protects you (and us) from the risk of takedowns or copyright issues if the video is ever shared online.
If you have a particular mood, instrument, or type of music in mind, we're always happy to help select a licensed track that fits the tone you're looking for.
Q: How is a tribute video different from a photo slideshow?
A: Unlike a photo slideshow, our tribute films are produced cinematically, using filmed footage of meaningful items (not just static images), set to music and carefully edited with storytelling in mind.
Q: How are your slideshows different?
A: Our slideshows are different because we produce prints of your files and photograph them in a set we create for the purpose. With our Slideshow Treasures we include a few possessions in each set to make it deeply personal.
Q: How long will you keep my possessions for after the shoot?
A: If we have collected your items we will look to re-deliver them within 20 working days after the shoot, usually much earlier. If you are arranging your own courier you must not do this until obtaining consent from us that we have finished with the items and we ask that you consult with us when you expect the courier collection to be made and their details for security purposes.
Q: What music do you use?
A: We choose appropriate licensed library music to accompany your film. You can choose from our selection if you wish, however, we may need to re-arrange the music in some instances in order to fit with the vision.
Q: Can I have popular music by artists and bands?
A: Generally no. We have to obtain a licence from the copyright holder in order to use music on the films we produce. We use music from a premium library source which comes with its own licensing agreement. Full details on how we licence our work including music is in our terms and conditions.
Q: Who owns the copyright?
A: Jason Butcher always retains the copyright in any work supplied and gives you a licence for personal use only. This means you can pass on the digital file to your family and friends for free but you must not allow it to be used or displayed by any other third party without obtaining a licence to use from Jason Butcher. In some instances granting a licence to a third party will attract an additional fee, plus we have to consider the licence we purchase from the company supplying the music. Full details about this are in our terms and conditions.
Q: Can I order additional USB drives?
A: Yes, these can be ordered for supply with the initial drive or afterwards.
Q: Can you supply a DVD?
A: Yes, though remember DVD’s are standard definition only (720x576 max) so will be much lower quality than our usual supply. Images and text won’t appear as clear as a higher resolution file.
Q: Can you collect items from our home?
A: Yes, we offer in-house transport of items (for Signature & Select Collections only) within our service area. For locations further afield, we can arrange secure postal delivery options.
Q: What areas do you cover?
A: We can work for anybody in the world, however, you’d need to accept responsibility for delivering and collecting your belongings yourself if you are not within the areas we cover for collection ourselves as shown in the map below.
Q: Is your service available across the UK?
A: Yes. Whilst we offer in-house transport in the South East, we work with clients across the UK by accepting items by post or courier.
Q: How do we pay?
A: We require payment in full for all packages prior to the start of the project. You can pay via bank transfer or credit/debit card.
Q: What maximum size is the finished video?
A: We can supply up to Ultra HD (3840x2160).
Part of our tribute video service includes free collection of your belongings (for Signature & Select Collections only) within the postcode areas marked in green on the map.
Alternatively, you can drop off your items to our studio, where they will be securely stored until the day of the shoot and then collect afterwards.
You can of course arrange for your own courier to deliver and collect your items on your behalf.
