What area do you serve?
Heirloom Kitchen Films is based in and serves the greater Des Moines area, and is available for productions nationwide. Share your location during the free planning call and we'll confirm scheduling and any travel considerations.
Why does a production cost what it does?
Each film is a full production, not a recording of a recipe. Your price covers pre-production and scripting, cinema-grade cameras, lighting and audio, a day of filming in your kitchen, editing, color grading and sound mixing, a private preview link for your feedback, revisions, and delivery of the finished 4K files you keep. Packages start at $1,850 for one recipe, $2,500 for two, and $3,000 for three.
What is the Founding Families offer?
Our first five productions receive 20% off any package (Single Recipe $1,480, Two Recipes $2,000, Three Recipes $2,400). In return, we ask permission to share your finished film or short clips, and for an honest written review. You approve anything public in writing first, and you may decline either request. Ask about remaining availability on your planning call.
How does payment work?
A 50% deposit is due at booking to secure your date. The remaining balance is due at delivery and approval of the final edit. Payments are billed through Square or Venmo.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
Your deposit holds your date, so it is non-refundable. You can reschedule once at no charge with at least 7 days' notice, and your deposit carries over to the new date, subject to availability. Cancellations, or date changes with less than 7 days' notice, forfeit the deposit. If illness, an emergency, or unsafe travel conditions affect either side, we will reschedule without penalty. If we ever need to cancel, you can choose a new date or a full refund of your deposit within 30 days. Please send any change by email so it is in writing.
Can I book this as a surprise gift?
Yes. You can handle the planning call yourself and decide together how much your loved one knows ahead of the day. We'll suggest how to tell them so they feel comfortable and prepared.
How far in advance should we book?
As soon as you know the date you're aiming for, such as a birthday, a holiday, or a weekend that works. Production days are limited so each shoot stays unhurried, and popular dates fill up first.
Does my loved one need to be a professional cook, or on camera before?
Not at all. This isn't a performance. The whole point is capturing them the way they actually cook. Most of the direction happens before filming, during the planning call, so the day feels natural rather than scripted.
What if they get nervous in front of the camera?
It's common, and it's part of why we keep the team small and mighty rather than bringing in a full production crew. Most people relax within the first few minutes once they're doing something familiar, which is cooking.
How long is each film?
About 4 to 5 minutes per recipe at most, depending on how complex the recipe is. Long enough to feel like a real film, short enough that the whole family watches to the end.
What is in each film besides the recipe?
Each film is about more than the steps. It covers where the recipe came from, why it matters to your family, what has changed over the years and what hasn't, and what the cook hopes the family will remember or think about whenever they make it. We explore these during the planning call so the stories are ready when the camera rolls.
What do we receive?
A finished, professionally edited 4K film for each recipe in your package, delivered privately for your family. If you'd like the raw footage as well, ask during your planning call and it can be arranged.
How long does delivery take?
Seven days for a single recipe, ten days for two recipes, and fourteen days for three recipes.
Can other family members be involved?
Yes. Some of the most meaningful moments happen when a daughter, grandchild, or spouse is in the kitchen too. Tell us who you'd like involved so the day can be planned around it.
What does my loved one need to prepare?
Just the ingredients and their usual kitchen setup. The free planning call covers everything else: what to have on hand, simple styling touches, and any story details worth mentioning on camera.
Do you provide styling or props?
Light styling guidance is included in every package, with small adjustments to make the kitchen read well on camera. We work with what's already there rather than bringing a separate prop kit.
Can the film be shared with family?
Yes. Your film is delivered privately for your family to keep and share however you'd like.
What if we want more than three recipes?
Reach out and we'll put together a custom multi-day plan. The three-recipe package is the largest single-day option, but larger family collections can be scheduled across more than one visit.
Does the film have to go on YouTube?
No. YouTube channel hosting is optional and only happens if you want it.
Still have a question?
The free planning call is the easiest way to get a straight answer before you commit to anything.
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