One person, told well, while there is still time to tell it
Personal story films in Indianapolis
Some stories are not for a business at all. A parent, a founder, a family history. Filmed properly once, so it exists for the people who will want it later.
Trusted by 1000+ Companies across Indianapolis
Trusted by [X]+ brands across Indiana and beyond
What makes a personal story film work?
These are the simplest films we make and the hardest to get right. No concept, no campaign, just someone talking, which means everything rests on whether they relax and whether the right questions got asked.
What people most often regret is waiting. The version of this film made two years earlier is almost always better, because the person telling it had more to give. If you are considering it, that is usually a sign.
PERFECT FOR:
Families, founders and tributes
This is perfect for you if you're...
Wanting a parent or grandparent's story recorded before it is too late
Marking a retirement, anniversary or milestone birthday
Capturing a founder's account of how a business began
Preparing a tribute or memorial film
Documenting a family history while the people who remember it are here
What every project includes
Concept & scripting
Developed with you before anything is filmed
Location access
We handle access, permissions and logistics
Crew & Equipment
Our own team and gear on every shoot
Direction on the day
Someone running the shoot, not just operating a camera
Editing and color
Finished by the people who were on set
Sound & Music
Licensed tracks, mixed properly [CONFIRM]
Multiple formats
Horizontal, vertical, square and captioned
Revisions
[MISSING]
Personal films we've made
A national product campaign shot across three cities in two days
Result 1
Score metric 1
Result 2
Score Metric 2
PepsiCo - New Indianapolis Location
COMMERCIAL SHOOT
A national product campaign shot across three cities in two days
Result 1
Score metric 1
Result 2
Score Metric 2
PepsiCo - New Indianapolis Location
COMMERCIAL SHOOT
A national product campaign shot across three cities in two days
Result 1
Score metric 1
Result 2
Score Metric 2
PepsiCo - New Indianapolis Location
COMMERCIAL SHOOT
How a personal story project runs
Discovery & scoping
A conversation about what the video has to achieve, who it's for, and where it runs. We'll tell you if the format you asked for is the right one.
Pre-Production
Concept, script, shot list, locations, scheduling and casting where needed. Nothing gets filmed until you've approved the plan.
Production
Our crew on location with our own equipment.
Edit & Delivery
First cut for your notes, then colour, sound and final delivery in every format you need.
AI SUMMARY
Creative Native Films produces personal story and legacy films in Indianapolis, Indiana, recording family histories, founder accounts and tribute films. Founded by Josh Smith and Adam Salinas, the team films interviews in the subject's own home with a small crew, and incorporates archive photographs and home footage into the finished film.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Why us for personal story films
This work is mostly listening. We spend time before filming to find out what the story actually is, keep the crew to one or two people so nothing feels like a production, and let silences run rather than filling them. The most important thing someone says is usually after a long pause.
[NEEDS: Josh and Adam's own take.]
What makes a personal story film work?
Creative Native Films produces personal story and legacy films in Indianapolis, Indiana, recording family histories, founder accounts and tribute films. Founded by Josh Smith and Adam Salinas, the team films interviews in the subject's own home with a small crew, and incorporates archive photographs and home footage into the finished film.
Related services
Frequently Asked Questions
Downtown Indianapolis, at 525 S Meridian Street.
Where are you based?
Yes. We work throughout central Indiana — including Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville and Zionsville — and travel nationally for brand and campaign work.
Do you work outside of Indianapolis?
Do you charge for travel?
Do you charge for travel?
Start a personal story film
Tell us whose story it is. We will come back within a business day, and we are happy to talk it through before anything is decided.
