Reel4LifeHow to make a retirement video from colleagues
Updated
In short: start two weeks out, share one link where the whole team will see it, reach former colleagues as well as current ones, give each person a different question, and keep the film to five to eight minutes for the farewell.
A retirement video works when it sounds like a whole career: the people from the first job as well as the last one, and the stories that never made it into a speech. Here's how to gather it without chasing people for weeks.
1. Pick one organiser and a deadline
One person keeps the list of who has been asked. Set the deadline two or three days before the farewell so there's time to put the film together and test it on the screen you'll use.
2. Reach past colleagues, not just the current team
Ask the people who have moved on, the first boss, the long-standing client and the person they trained twenty years ago. A personal message with a link gets more replies than an all-staff email. For the current team, one link in the team chat is the quickest way.
3. Give each person a different question
"Record a message for Sam" gets thirty versions of "enjoy your retirement". A question gets a story:
- What was Sam like when you first started working together?
- What's Sam like to work alongside on an ordinary day?
- Tell us about a moment that sums up Sam's career.
- What's a piece of Sam's work that everyone should know about?
- What will you miss most about having Sam around?
- What should Sam do first with all that free time?
There are more in questions to ask for a tribute.
4. Ask for photos from every era
Old team photos, conference lanyards, the office before the renovation. Ask people to add the year. Ask for the original file rather than a screenshot so it prints sharply in a book.
5. Include family
A partner or child can say what the work meant at home, and what comes next. It changes the tone from a work send-off to a tribute to a person.
6. Keep it to five to eight minutes
That is long enough for a story from each stage of a career and short enough to play before the speeches. Keep the rest for a book or a longer version they can watch at home.
7. Play it, then give it to them
Play it on the meeting-room screen or 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 shared link), offers each person three questions chosen for how they know the person retiring, collects videos, voice notes, photos and stories from the app or any web browser with no account, 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. Contributors never pay. Retirement videos.
Questions
How far ahead should I start a retirement video?
Two weeks before the farewell is comfortable. One week works if you share one link in the team chat and remind people two days before the deadline.
Who should be in it?
Current colleagues, people who have moved on or retired, clients or suppliers they were close to, and family. Former colleagues often have the best stories from the early days.
What should colleagues say in a retirement video?
One specific story beats a general thank-you. Ask each person a different question: what they were like when you first worked together, a moment that sums up their career, what you'll miss, and what they should do first with the free time.
How long should a retirement video be?
Five to eight minutes plays well at a farewell lunch or drinks. For a long career with many contributors, make a longer version for them to keep.
Can people record from a work laptop?
Yes, if the browser is allowed to use the camera. Voice notes, photos and written stories work for anyone who would rather not be on camera.
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.