If you are planning a film for an event, you probably want to know when to start. The answer is simpler than it seems, because the technical part is very short. Everything else depends on you and your photos.
What are the steps, and how long does each take?
| Step | What you do | Rough time |
|---|---|---|
| Gathering | Look for photos on your phone, computer and in albums | A few minutes to a few days |
| Choosing | Remove duplicates and pick the strongest | Half an hour to two hours |
| Photographing | Photograph printed photos with your phone | About a minute per photo |
| Upload and order | Upload and arrange | About 10 to 20 minutes |
| Free preview | See the first 2 animations | A few minutes |
| Putting it together | Music and cards | About 10 minutes |
| Making the film | After payment | Usually 10 to 20 minutes |
The times in the first steps are rough estimates only. Yours will vary with your pace and the number of photos. Only the last row is the usual time for making the film after payment.
What makes it take longer?
- Printed photos. Each one has to be photographed. Spread it over a few evenings. See our guide to photographing an old album.
- A lot of photos with no order. Sorting ahead of time saves a lot of time. More in our guide to organizing family photos.
- Many people deciding. When several family members choose together, decisions take time.
- Going back and forth on music or order. You can decide fast if you pick music from the library.
When should you start before an event?
A simple rule: leave a cushion before any important event.
- Photos already on your phone: one or two days before is enough. Three is better, so you have time to check.
- Printed photos: a week before. Photographing and choosing take time.
- Photos with several relatives: two weeks before. Otherwise you will be waiting on whoever has not answered.
- A big event like a wedding or bar/bat mitzvah: about a month before, so there is time to fix things.
This is a rule of thumb, not a promise. The film itself is ready quickly, but what matters is that you have time to watch it before the event and make sure everything looks good.
How can you save time at each step?
You do not need to work faster, just smarter. A few small habits save a lot of time:
- Gather everything in one folder. When all the photos are in one place, you do not search again and again.
- Decide on a length before you choose. If you know you want 24 photos, you know when to stop looking.
- Pick music from the library. Your own song adds meaning, but it also needs a decision. If time is short, the library settles it right away.
- Ask for a second pair of eyes. One family member watching the free preview will quickly spot what to change.
- Do not wait for the perfect photo. A sharp photo that tells a moment beats a perfect one you never get to.
What if you are running out of time?
If the event is tomorrow:
Choose 12 photos. That is one minute, enough for a short story.
Try it free. The first 2 animations are free, with no credit card.
Pay, and wait. Usually 10 to 20 minutes.
Check the film. If a photo did not turn out well, you can try another version or swap the photo. Extra tries and photo swaps are included in every package.
Download and save. Download the file ahead of time, so you do not depend on the internet at the event. Tips in our guide to showing a video at an event.
How many photos fit the time you have?
When time is short, fewer photos is better. 12 photos make one minute and the package costs ₪79.90. 24 photos make 2 minutes and cost ₪159.90. If you have more time, 36 photos make 3 minutes and cost ₪219.90. There is an exact package for every number in between, from 2 photos up to 100. More in our table of how many photos you need.
The full film is HD in 16:9, with no watermark, and you can download it and get a share link. On the birthday video page you can see an example film.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get the film after payment?
Usually 10 to 20 minutes.
Can I make a film on the day of the event?
In theory, yes, if your photos are ready. It is better to leave at least a day, so you can check the film calmly.
How long does the free preview take?
A few minutes. The first 2 animations are free, with no credit card, once per person.
What if I want to change something after the film is ready?
Extra tries and photo swaps are included in every package.
Does the time depend on the number of photos?
Your preparation time depends on the number of photos. We estimate the time to make the film at usually 10 to 20 minutes.
Can I get a refund?
You can ask for a refund within 30 days of purchase, under the refund policy on the site.
