The Family Legacy Video™ Theatre is the online theatre where you can view all the video clips streaming from the Family Legacy Video Web site. The clips you see there will surely inspire you with ideas for your family video, plus you'll get to see Steve Pender talk about his passion for family history video in two television appearances.

Here's how you reach the theatre:

• First, click here.

• This opens the FLV Theatre welcome screen.

• Click on the "Click Here to Enter" link.

• You'll see a window containing a video screen with controls and a list of clips.

• Decide which clip you'd like to view and click on the correct speed (High, Low) to match your Internet connection. In the bottom right of the theatre window is a list showing the appropriate speed for your kind of connection. NOTE: Please be patient - you may need to wait a few seconds before a clip plays.

• Enjoy the clip!

• Select another clip or close the theatre window.

The Family Legacy Video™ Theatre is always open, and YOU decide when the show begins.

PS - If you have any difficulties playing the clips, please let us know.

Q: Dear Steve,
I am still trying to get my head around how to set myself up creating ancestral videos. I know I am going to have to spend some money to start it up but unsure which is the best way to go. I have a computer, but it crashes from time to time and even though I have reinstalled Windows it still crashers. So I feel I will need to get another up-to-date one - but which one?

I have Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0. Would this do or should I go for a more up-to-date version or even the expense of Adobe Premiere?

I do have a video camera. I bought it about four years ago. Apart from a Sennheiser microphone that goes on the camera I do not have any more sound equipment and no lighting equipment.

What do you suggest I invest in to get this started? How do I make something to use for advertising purposes? What is the best way in your experience to advertise the service?

- - Glenys Cooke., United Kingdom

A: Hi, Glenys.
Major questions all. If you truly plan on launching a business –

Software: You can do a lot with Premiere Elements. But I suggest thinking about upgrading to the professional version of Premiere. It’s got features (like batch capture) that are quite handy. You also might want to go with Adobe Photoshop. It’s great for touching up photos and creating graphics and it interfaces well with Premiere. If you just can’t scrape up the cash for the professional stuff, get the package containing the latest versions of both Premiere Elements and Photoshop Elements.

Computer: Sounds like you need a new computer. Make sure the capabilities of the computer meet and preferably exceed what your software requires. Get lots of storage and dedicate at least one or two hard drives to video only.

Microphone: You’ll want to get a one or two lapel microphones. They’ll give you much better audio than a camera-mounted microphone. And you should invest in a basic lighting kit or at the very least, a softlight.

What to invest: Hard to say. If you’re planning on doing this professionally you can easily start by spending thousands. Ways to save money are by putting off big money purchases (like a new camera) and using what you have – or hiring local videographers who have the latest cameras as well as lighting gear.

Promotion: Find a good graphic designer to create a business card for you and perhaps a brochure. A Web site is also important for any business these days. I’ve had good results promoting my business through speaking engagements before local groups and associations and have managed to generate newspaper articles by sending out news releases and contacting local reporters to tell them what I do and to let them know they can use me as a resource when they want to write an article about video biographies or video legacies. You should also think about what business networking groups or other groups it might make sense for you to join in order to promote your business. I’d also suggest you look for some business advice. Do you have any colleges or associations of retired business people that counsel prospective business owners? They can be invaluable resources.

Good luck to you.