We turn family trees into family documentary films
We’ll create a film following your ancestors’ footsteps – from paper to the screen.
About me
Hello, my name is Michal Škach. I've been devoted to genealogy since my youth, and after more than 25 years of research, I turned my passion into a profession. I offer a truly unique service that transforms your family history from names on paper into a vivid, cinematic experience.
I am a rare combination: a Czech genealogist, professional filmmaker, photographer, and licensed drone pilot. This unique blend of skills allows me to handle both the meticulous archival research and the high-quality audiovisual production. My work is my greatest passion, which ensures every documentary is researched and filmed with meticulous attention to detail.
My film production relies on professional gear, including three specialized drones for different conditions and cinematic styles. Beyond classic ground and aerial footage, I frequently incorporate timelapses, hyperlapses, and 360° video to capture the atmosphere of historical places. My 15 years of experience as a photographer — from studio work to weddings in historic castles and chateaux — gives me an eye for capturing the beauty of your ancestors' homes.
My dedication is proven by my personal research: I have successfully traced my own family tree back to 1580 and documented over 1,500 individuals in the direct lines. I regularly work in all Czech archives and thrive on challenging projects. I am ready to create an audiovisual work for you that will become a family treasure for generations – a definitive documentary about your Czech ancestry."
I’m ready to be commissioned to create an audiovisual work that will serve generations to come – a family documentary about your ancestry.
Do you want to read full story About Me?
How the film is made
A family history is far more than a list of names and dates. Every branch of your family tree harbors a story worth telling. I transform your genealogy into a living, authentic documentary—capturing your ancestors’ journey to America, the drama of their family life, and the true atmosphere of their era.
I meticulously combine expert archival research with high-definition filming at the exact locations where their lives unfolded, complemented by historical maps and period photographs. The result is a genuine portrait of your ancestors, featuring not only the facts, but also the landscapes and pivotal events that shaped their destiny.
1) Where the story begins First, we present your ancestor who emigrated to the USA – when, from where, with whom, and how long the voyage took, including the ship.
2) Where they came from We introduce the parents and siblings, their occupations, and the home village.
3) Family history We uncover earlier generations in the archives – origins, professions, key events, births and deaths, and the reasons behind them.
4) Choosing a lineage You can choose whether we follow the paternal or maternal line, or tell a broader, branching family story.
5) Factual records We find documents related to births, marriages, and deaths, movements, military records, etc. We read and translate these records in the film, utilizing cutting-edge AI tools for rapid and highly accurate transcription and translation of Kurrent and Latin.
6) Authentic atmosphere We visit the places your ancestors lived and look for traces of the past – houses, churches, chapels, cemeteries, schools, memorial trees, and more ecuring professional 4K ground footage and cinematic aerial views with our certified drone technology. We show you places they knew well and touched with their own hands.
7) Historical connections We find old maps and period photographs – where your ancestors’ homes stood, whether they still exist, and what the village or town looked like back then.
8) Era context We bring the era to life, explaining what life was like in that location at the time and what it meant for your ancestors.
What the final film looks like
The final product is not just a collection of footage; it is a meticulously crafted premium documentary film. We seamlessly connect genealogical facts, stunning visuals, and professional narration into one cohesive, moving narrative.
Films are generally 30 minutes or more in length, depending on the story's scope, and include archival records, maps, historical photographs, and professional, contemporary 4K footage of the actual locations, all presented with a polished voiceover.
Film Duration By agreement, typically 30–40 minutes or more per film or episode, tailored to the depth of your story.
Historical Content Integration of Original Parish/Civil Records, rare historical photographs, and detailed family tree graphics.
Cinematic Production 4K Ultra HD mastering, utilizing professional camera equipment and multiple drones.
Audio & Narration Exceptional, AI-Powered Professional Voiceover (ENG) for cinematic quality without studio costs. Subtle music is ethically sourced via AI composition to ensure full licensing and legal compliance.
Location Documentation Comprehensive filming of relevant villages, towns, churches, cemeteries, historic buildings, and surrounding landscape.
Visual Clarity Clear and cohesive graphics for names, dates, chapter titles, and family tree visuals.
But that’s not all – the film is just the centerpiece! You also receive a complete Digital Archival Package as a bonus. This includes high-resolution scans of all collected records, a beautifully designed family tree poster, discovered historical maps, high-quality location photos, and all the research data. The raw data, protected for the future.
For an in-depth review of every element we deliver, visit the What the film looks like... page.
Collaboration step by step
From the first contact to final delivery, I guide you through a structured, transparent process. At every stage, you will be informed, involved, and know exactly what to expect. Your satisfaction is built into every step.
1) Initial Consultation Send your request via email or the contact form, including basic information about your ancestor's origin.
2) Preliminary Research & Concept I conduct an initial review of your family tree to propose viable story options and key sources for the film's narrative.
3) Final Scope and Fixed Budget We finalize the scope of work, selected lineages, locations, and agree on a firm, all-inclusive budget set in advance.
4) Script Development & Approval I compile the professional narration script and detailed filming plan, which is then sent to you for final approval and feedback.
5) Production & Archival Acquisition I capture the high-quality ground and aerial (drone) footage and secure high-resolution copies of all official documents and parish records.
6) Post-Production & Narrative Weaving The approved script is recorded with an engaging voiceover, and the footage is professionally edited into a compelling, ready-to-watch story.
7) Final Delivery & Archival Package We deliver your completed family documentary along with the comprehensive Digital Archival Package of all discovered materials.
For a deeper understanding of how we tailor the project to your specific needs, visit the Collaboration page.
Pricing & timeline
A Fully Customized Investment in Your History. Every family story is unique. Therefore, the scope and final investment are always tailored to your specific priorities, expectations, and budget. We provide a structured process where the price is fixed and agreed upon in advance, ensuring no hidden fees or surprises.
Standard packages This is our most popular option, ideal for clients aiming to preserve a specific lineage. These films typically follow one family line, including the reading and translation of key records, focused location filming (home village, church, cemetery), and comprehensive historical context. This package offers exceptional quality at a clearly defined starting price point.
The Complete Legacy (Extensive Documentary Series)For those seeking the maximum depth and detail, we dedicate extensive research time to produce a sweeping audiovisual work. This covers all major family lines (such as tracing each of your grandparents) and can be structured as a documentary series or multiple long-form episodes. The price and timeline are fully customized with no upper limit on the scope or detail, providing an irreplaceable family archive for future generations.
Ready for an estimate? Visit our Pricing page to see the factors influencing the cost and to request a personalized quote.
Ready to Begin Your Family Documentary?
If the idea of turning your family tree into a cinematic legacy intrigues you, I'm ready to collaborate. To help you fully envision the quality and scope of your film, explore the unique options that define our professional service:
Archival Research & SourcesA detailed look into the vast local archives and specialized databases we use to conduct meticulous Czech genealogy.
Production Quality & Video Samples Explore various examples of our high-definition ground, aerial (drone), and stylized footage—the visuals that bring your story to life.
Professional Narration Your video will feature a polished, professional voiceover. Listen to samples and choose the perfect voice for your family's story.
Custom Film Parameters Define the film’s length, select the specific lineage to follow, choose the presentation style of historical data, and decide between a strictly factual or a narrative-driven approach.
Explore all the options we can use when making your film. More on What the Film Looks Like...
Give the film as a gift
A film about your family history is a gift that transcends the ordinary. If you are looking for a truly unique and deeply personal present, this audiovisual work will bring joy not only to the recipient but to the entire family. Watching the film together is a powerful, unifying experience, bringing everyone together to witness the fascinating revelations about your lineage.
For Parents & Grandparents Our documentary is the perfect gift for those who 'already have everything' and are hard to surprise. You will take their breath away with a lasting family treasure they can revisit anytime.
For Children & Grandchildren They might not be interested in charts and dusty records, but if they can watch their history unfold cinematically—like on Netflix—curiosity won't let them skip it. It's history they can truly connect with.
For Your Partner If you've run out of original gift ideas, a family history documentary is hard to beat. Whether for a birthday or wedding anniversary, it is a priceless, thoughtful testament to your life together.
The Unforgettable Wedding Gift There is no better opportunity than gifting a family film to newlyweds—ideally documenting both family lines. Playing the film during the celebration, showing the wider family where they came from, is a stunning and treasured surprise at the start of a new marriage.
Please keep in mind that creating a professional documentary takes significant time. If you require the film for a specific date (e.g., anniversary, Christmas), be sure to book your production slot and research time well in advance.