Reel4LifeHow to make a surprise group birthday video
Updated
In short: start two to three weeks out, invite people from every part of their life, give each person a different question so it's more than a string of "happy birthday"s, ask for a photo from each decade, remind people before the deadline, and keep it off any chat the birthday person can see.
1. Make the guest list broader than the party list
The best birthday videos include people who can't be at the party: the school friend overseas, the first boss, the neighbour from the old street. Make a list across every part of their life.
2. Ask each person a different question
If everyone gets the same "say a few words" request, you get the same few words. Give people a question to answer instead:
- How did you two meet?
- Tell us about an adventure you had together.
- What's the story everyone still tells about them?
- What do you admire most about them?
- What's your wish for their next ten years?
3. Photos from every decade
For a 40th, 50th, 60th or 80th, ask family for one photo from each decade, and friends for photos of the two of them together. Ask for original files so they're sharp in a printed book.
4. Keep it a surprise
Invite people individually, ask them to keep it quiet, and never use a group chat the birthday person is in.
5. Remind, then close
Most contributions arrive in the last two days. A friendly reminder two days before the deadline doubles them.
6. Play it at the party
Play it on a TV with AirPlay, Chromecast or a cable, and test it first. Afterwards, give them the file and a printed book of the photos and messages.
Doing it with Reel4Life
Reel4Life sends the invites (by email or one link), offers each person three questions chosen for how they know the birthday person, collects videos, voice notes, photos and stories from the app or any browser, sends the reminders, and makes the film and a photo book. It's free to make and preview; the full HD film and book are A$14.99 (about US$10) for the event. Group birthday videos.
Questions
How far in advance should I start a group birthday video?
Two to three weeks is ideal. It gives people a weekend to find photos and record something. One week works if you send a reminder a couple of days before the deadline.
How do I keep it a surprise?
Send invites only to contributors, ask them not to mention it, and avoid group chats the birthday person is in. With Reel4Life, the person the event is for is never contacted.
What should people say in a birthday video message?
A specific memory beats a general wish. Ask each person a different question: how you met, the adventure you had together, the story that always gets retold, what you admire about them, and one wish for the next decade.
How long should the video be?
Five to eight minutes plays well at a party. For a big milestone with many contributors, make a longer version to give them afterwards.
Let everyone help
Reel4Life gathers the videos, voice notes, photos and stories for you, then makes the film and a photo book. Free to make and preview.