"My hope is for these recordings to become
a cherished possession for grandchildren and
great-grandchildren, so they can hear the
laughter and joy of relatives they have never
known," says Jim Berk.
When Art Buchwald passed away in January 2007, a light went on in Jim Berk's
head. Reading that the syndicated newspaper columnist had created a video obitu-
ary, Berk, of West Bloomfield, was struck by the idea of "preserving today's genera-
tion for tomorrow"
"The way Buchwald portrayed his message struck me in such a resonating
tone," Berk says. "A flashbulb lit up in my head. I realized how important it would
be for people to be recorded talking about what's important in their lives, the les-
sons they've learned, what to pass on to their kids and grandkids and how they
want to be remembered."
And so he set out to create "My Life, My Story" — personalized interviews
that Berk records. A certified personal trainer who runs Body Work By Berk in
West Bloomfield, Berk also is an award-winning broadcast journalist who spent
27 years in the television- and radio-broadcast industry, mainly as a sportscaster.
Creating a presentation disk with a member of one of his exercise classes, "I asked
for volunteers, and Dr. Sidney Bolkosky volunteered to be interviewed." Bolkosky,
a University of Michigan-Dearborn professor and honors program director, is also
director of the Voice-Vision Holocaust Survivor Oral History Archive.
In Bolkosky's case, Berk brought his interviewing skills to the subject's home.
But, he adds, "discussions take place wherever the person is the most relaxed and
comfortable. Interviews can typically be done in one sitting, but if someone wants
to meet in more than one place — like a beach house or outside somewhere — we
can do it in multiple meetings." And Berk will provide questions in advance, so
individuals being interviewed have a chance to think about their responses.
Bolkosky's interview was specific to his life and family. Simple but well-
thought-out advice from his own experiences included, "Take it easy. There's too
much stress in everybody's lives."
Interspersed between Bolkosky's memories and insights were still photos of his
family, shown to a track of background music, also provided by Bolkosky. 'And for
those who are interested, we can include video clips that mean something to the
person," adds Berk. "And other family members can be present, too."
Berk expects some clients to create personalized videos as family heirlooms to
share with future generations but also sees the recordings as a tool to document a
life thus far, to share and discuss with loved ones.
"We can also delve as deeply into someone's history as they want, asking about
what their parents or grandparents were like," Berk says. "I see this as something
wonderful for both the viewer and the person who makes the video. The persons
being interviewed will be able to speak about their life, offer advice, share lessons
learned and what they hope will be their legacy."
For Bolkosky, the interview included a chance to speak about pride in his fam-
ily, including a description of how he feels when referred to as the father of violin-
ist Gabe Bolkosky and cellist Miriam Bolkosky.
The editing process for "My Life, My Story," performed locally by a videogra-
pher-editor, takes only a week or two, and multiple copies of the DVD can be cre-
ated. "My hope is for these recordings to become a cherished possession for grand-
children and great-grandchildren, so they can hear the laughter and joy of relatives
they have never known," Berk says. "For generations down the road to see them as
close to life as possible."
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November 13, 14, 15
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For information on "My Life, My Story" personalized videos,
contact Jim Berk at (248) 444-9480 or by e-mail at
jimberk@comcast.net . Prices begin at $500. During the
month of October, a $100 discount will apply to all orders.
))700 Woodward Ave. • between 1.9- Mile 8, Lincoln • Birmin
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141 1.1 ,,0
IN platimun •
OCTOBER 2008 •
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