Leave memories. Not condolences.

A New Way

Kinwood is the Celebration of Life Company. We believe that people can do more to honour a life than buying flowers or saying ‘sorry for your loss’.

Kinwood offers clients an opportunity to recount the love, memories, and stories of a meaningful life. Kinwood combines filmed interviews with family photography, home movies, cell phone video, to produce beautiful commemorative films.

HOW IT WORKS

Special offer to Ward families

For many families, the pandemic prevented them from planning a proper commemoration for loved ones who were lost during that terrible time. Ward Funeral Homes have partnered with Kinwood for a special offer for past client families.

Part commemoration, part family history, a Kinwood film is an heirloom. If you still feel the need to preserve memories and family stories, Kinwood makes 15-30 min commemorative films that include quirks, humour, values, and accomplishments. These films are ultimately a gift for grandchildren and their families so they have this important family history forever.

Our Reviews

★★★★★

“There truly is no better option for this type of service. Jeff and his team are top notch, in every possible capacity. Talented, conscientious, careful, committed to every detail, and execution of the highest possible caliber. We are so happy that we picked these professionals. Their services have produced a lasting impact on our family and my father’s legacy.
Thank you a thousand times.”

JULIE BOND, GOOGLE REVIEW

★★★★★

This was a fantastic experience! I am not generally comfortable in front of a camera, but the folks at Kinwood made the process fun and not intimidating! The interviewer did an amazing job, and the camerawork, editing and production of the final product was simply awesome. I was very pleased with everything from start to finish and would definitely recommend Kinwood

VICKI TROTTIER, GOOGLE REVIEW

Our Commemorative Film Programs

When speaking to someone in grief, say something specific about the person and the importance of their life. Leave memories – not condolences.

Kinwood Custom Film

Stories of a meaningful life. Memories of love, perseverance, family, and accomplishments.

Kinwood Custom Film incorporate the following:

4-10 speakers: 30-45 min interview
Up to 300 photographs (to digitize and touch up)
Cell phone / home videos to incorporate
Biographical study
Pre-production plan document
Speaker scheduling
Post: Music / titles / slates / credits
Client editing: 2-3 rounds
Final film – approx. 15-30 mins in length
Film completion 3-6 days after interviews completed

Guest Memories

During a reception or visitation guests can leave memories and reflections in the Kinwood Studio. These memories are edited into a beautiful short film.

Many guests will embrace the chance to leave memories
Kinwood team leads a short interview
Guests can speak alone or with a small group, no prep needed
Cell phone / home videos to incorporate
Speaker scheduling is available
Client editing: 2 rounds
Final film – approx. 15-20 mins in length
Film completion 3-6 days after interviews completed

Service & Film

An interactive package for guests: Film clips combined with an open camera. Your guests will watch pre-filmed clips and short stories at your service. Guests can then add their own memories during your on-site reception.

Perfect for someone who does not enjoy public speaking
Many guests will embrace the chance to leave memories
Kinwood team leads a short interview
Guests can speak alone or with a small group, no prep needed
Cell phone / home videos to incorporate
Kinwood delivers a remarkable family heirloom a few days later
Film can be shared with friends and family not able to attend
Film completion 3-6 days after interviews completed

Common Questions

So how does this work?

Kinwood film editors take interview footage, photos, home movies, cell phone video and produce a beautiful commemorative film that will remain in the family forever. Please see our HOW IT WORKS video at the top of this page

What else do I need to know?

Kinwood clients have cherished the opportunity to leave the memories and stories of a loved one. Kinwood enables clients to do something meaningful to honour an important life.

Most importantly, clients LOVE the final product.

But I don’t want to talk on camera.

We hear that a lot. Kinwood creates a warm and safe space to share personal feelings and stories. Kinwood will ask you thoughtful questions so you can share your reflections without preparing or pressure.

Our editors only use selected interview clips making sure everyone looks and sounds their best.

But I REALLY don’t want to talk on camera.

You don’t have to. If you are hosting a visitation or service, Kinwood can interview guests on location. Kinwood creates a warm and welcoming space for friends and family to share memories and stories. Kinwood takes those interviews and produces a commemoration film that will remain in the family forever.

Will my guests want to talk on camera?

Many will embrace the chance to leave memories and stories for your family. After a death, people want to do-something, and leaving memories and stories is a way for your guests to honour the life. Kinwood’s questions make it easy to talk and focus on what’s important.

What else needs to be done?

We need photos of your loved one – the more the better. If you have cell phone video, or other home videos we can use that too. Pick 4-10 speakers, and Kinwood will reach out and take care of everything. We will also digitize paper photos for the project.

Can I play the film at a Service or Celebration of Life?

Yes! Kinwood films and film clips have been the foundation for numerous Celebration of Life events.

A Kinwood film can be a great way to unite guests and recognize the details of the life being celebrated. You can also shoot a film at a Celebration of Life.

Just ask – we have options that will work for your situation.

We can always do it in the future, so maybe we will think about it for now?

Yes, there is no time limit. But know the best Kinwood films are made in the days and weeks after a loss. Feelings are strong, and memories are clear. We advise that if you are going to do it – do it soon.

It’s kind of expensive?

Families who want a minimalist approach might say its extravagant. No one can say it’s not without value. Clients understand that Kinwood films are forever.

What are your geographic boundaries?

Kinwood is based in the GTA. While we have partners in other Ontario locations, travel costs to exotic locations can be expensive. Regardless, please reach out and we can discuss what’s possible.

Ok I would like to learn more – how can I start a discussion?

You can fill out our question form below, or email us at: ask@kinwood.ca

We can also be reached at 416-639-8786.

Or meet us in person at the Kinwood Studio in North York.

Want to start with a question?

Fill out this form or or please email ask@kinwood.ca

We will never sell your information or use it for any purpose except official Kinwood correspondence.