The video is often one of the most emotional moments of the event. The whole family looks at a child they have known since day one, and watches them on the way to growing up. To make that work, the film needs a clear structure.
Which structure can I choose?
| Idea | What the film looks like | Best when... |
|---|---|---|
| Growing up by year | One to three photos for each year, from birth to today | You want a full, moving story |
| Chapters | Baby years, preschool, school, friends, family | You have many different kinds of photos |
| Two parts | Part one is childhood, part two is the past year | Your child wants to see themselves as they are now |
| A greeting from the family | Photos with grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles | You want the film to be a gift from everyone |
You can mix them. For example, chapters by age, and a big family photo at the end. If you are torn between a growing-up film and another type, read the difference between the two types and the comparison slideshow or growing-up film.
Which photos should I pick?
- 3 or 4 photos for each year. Over 13 years, that is 39 to 52 photos.
- Photos with clear faces. The larger and sharper the faces, the better the result.
- Photos with the family. Parents, siblings, grandparents, friends.
- Photos of interests. Sports, music, classes, and everyday days in your child's life.
- A recent last photo. Your child today, smiling.
You can also ask your child to choose a few photos. Sometimes they prefer photos you would not have picked.
How many photos do I need, and how long should the film be?
| Length | Photos | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3 minutes | 36 | ₪219.90 |
| 4 minutes | 48 | ₪259.90 |
| 5 minutes | 60 | ₪299.90 |
You can use anywhere from 2 to 100 photos, and there is an exact package for every number in between. 3 to 5 minutes is a rule of thumb for a bar or bat mitzvah, not a rule. We wrote about cost in detail in the bar mitzvah video price guide.
What opens the film, and what closes it?
The first photo is usually a baby, and the last is your child today. The story stretches between the two. The opening card can include a name and a date, such as "Daniel, 13 years". On the ending card you can write a short blessing from the parents. For wording ideas, see the article on dedication texts.
Which music should I choose?
For a bar or bat mitzvah, music that starts softly and builds works well, so the feeling grows along with the photos. You can choose from the library, or use a song your child loves, or one the parents picked. If you choose your own song and plan to post the film publicly, check whether you are allowed to use it. More on choosing music.
How do I play it at the event?
Download the file ahead of time and test it on the screen or projector at the venue. Pick a moment when everyone is watching, not when food is being served. There are details in the guide to playing a video at an event. Leave some time. The film is usually ready 10 to 20 minutes after payment, but you want to watch it before the event, not on the day itself.
How do I get the family to help collect photos?
A bar or bat mitzvah film is a great chance to gather photos from every branch of the family. Ask grandparents for photos from the early days, aunts and uncles for photos from family get-togethers, and friends for photos from recent years. Ask for everything early, and ask people to note who is in each photo and roughly when it was taken. The earlier you collect, the more time you have to choose and arrange. You can read more about organizing family photos.
Do not forget to ask your child, too. Sometimes there is a photo they want in the film because of a special memory, and it gives the film a meaning you would not have found alone. For the order of the photos, we have a separate article.
What should I know before I start?
- Your photos are used as they are. We do not restore photos or fix scratches.
- The film aims to keep everyone looking like themselves. If something looks a little off, you can try another version or swap a photo. Extra tries and photo swaps are included in every package.
- There is no narration and there are no subtitles. There is music, an opening card, and an ending card.
The full film is HD in 16:9, with no watermark. On the bar mitzvah video page you can see examples.
Frequently asked questions
How many photos work for a bar mitzvah video?
Usually between 36 and 60, which is 3 to 5 minutes. You can use up to 100 photos.
Does this work for a bat mitzvah too?
Yes, in exactly the same way.
Can I surprise my child?
Yes. The whole process is done on the site. Just keep the chosen photos a secret.
When should I start?
If the photos are on your phone, a few days before the event. If you need to photograph printed photos, allow more. Details are in the article on how long it takes.
Can I try before I pay?
Yes. The first 2 animations are free, no credit card, once per person.
Can I get a refund?
You can request a refund within 30 days of purchase, under the refund policy on the site.
